Soupley’s owner bestowed with honor at Bona Vista fundraiser

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Kyle Rayl thought he was just playing another round of golf. He was enjoying a late spring afternoon, teeing off with friends at the Birdies, Bourbon, and Beers fundraiser for Bona Vista Programs at Wildcat Creek Golf Course on June 14.

As owner of Soupley's Wine and Spirits, he has sponsored fundraisers for Bona Vista for years. But he had no idea that his years of generosity were about to be repaid in small part.

The dozens of participants in the annual outing gathered at the clubhouse as the golfing came to a close, and that's when Rayl spotted his daughter who lives in Colorado. She had come home a week early.

Then he saw several of his employees, and he wondered if something had gone wrong with the business.

Fortunately, Developmental Services Inc. president and Bona Vista Programs CEO Brianne Boles didn't let Rayl sit in suspense for long.

"We have something pretty cool to do today to a very deserving family and man," said Boles. "It's my pleasure to present a Sagamore of the Wabash to Mr. Kyle Rayl.

"I've had the pleasure of working alongside Kyle for at least 16 years, so I know (the Rayl family) has done numerous things over 30 years, resulting in over $1 million in donations to our agency.

"We are so very grateful, not only to you but to your family and your parents. We are honored that you take care of us every single year. I love you guys, and I'm just thankful for everything."

The Sagamore of the Wabash Award is the highest honor a governor of Indiana may bestow on an individual. Anyone may nominate a person for the Sagamore, but the governor awards them at his or her discretion.

Rayl was moved to tears by the honor and by the gathering of friends and family there in support of him.

"On behalf of my brother, myself, and all of our family we're just always so grateful," said Rayl, alluding to that fact that one of his own family members utilizes Bona Vista Services. "It's just so great that we're able to help out an organization like this. We've been blessed to have the opportunity.

"I'd like to thank everybody that was here and participated in the fundraiser. And this award is very special."

Bona Vista Programs began in 1958 and today serves and supports families in need of specialized care and treatment. More than 2,000 children and adults are attended to by Bona Vista across 14 programs each day.