Gourmet meal, charity auction draws crowd of local luminaries to ring in new year

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Kokomo rang in the new year in style, to be certain. Parties were held across the city in anticipation of the arrival of 2025. But The Hobson may have hosted the hottest ticket of the evening.

Located within eyesight of the commemorative ball drop on Sycamore Street, the New Year's Eve soiree at The Hobson attracted local luminaries such as Mayor Tyler Moore, Democratic Party Chairperson Lisa Washington, Prosecutor Mark McCann, and retired founder of Community First Bank Mike Stegall.

The event, underwritten by Fortune Companies and Sun King Kokomo, featured a four-course meal, dancing, and the traditional NYE trappings of festive beads and frills.

The meal included appetizers from Sute -- a new Korean restaurant in downtown Kokomo -- and entrees by The Overgrown Pasture. Good Time DJs provided the music for the evening.

Kokomo turned out in style for the evening. Roaming about the room were JC Barnett III and Pastor Jeff Isaacs, who represented the Carver Community Center, as well as Howard County Commissioner Jack Dodd and his lovely wife, Brenda. Ed and Essie Foster were joined by Ascension Hospitals’ Northern Region Board Chair Willie Stroman, Executive Director of Debutante Programs Cynthia Hendricks, Ted and Missy Sutton, and Dr. Lance Washington, representing the Nu Mu Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

The party wasn't just a celebration of the new year. It also served as a fundraiser for United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties. A live auction was held during the event, and Realtor Paul Wyman served as the auctioneer, prompting attendees to spend big on rare wines and bourbons, a tabletop Kamado grill, and a gift package from Menard's that prompted a laughter-filled bidding battle between friends.

In all, more than $6,000 was raised for the non-profit, and CEO Dana Neer was joined by several United Way board members to accept the generous donations.

After an evening of food, 360-degree TikTok filming, and fun, those in attendance made their way either to the ball drop at midnight, or home to their own private celebrations or much-needed sleep.

See additional photos from this event on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.