The 4th Annual VARC New Year’s Eve Fundraising Gala: A Night of Glamour, Legacy, and Unparalleled Generosity

Photo Credits: Ryan Rogalsky

LA CROSSE, WI— As the final hours of 2025 slipped away, the city’s social luminaries converged for an unforgettable night at the 4th Annual VARC New Year’s Eve Fundraising Gala, a dazzling event that perfectly capped VARC’s 50th anniversary year. This celebration of inclusion and empowerment raised $55,185 for individuals of all abilities and proved once again that the spirit of giving and community is alive and flourishing in La Crosse. 

Guests—dressed to the nines—were welcomed into a transformed ballroom, shimmering with festive elegance. The evening’s program, masterfully hosted by the effervescent Yve Rojas, set the tone for a night filled with heartfelt speeches, lively entertainment, and philanthropic fervor. Rojas’s charisma shone as she energized the crowd during the evening’s triumphant live auction, while DJ Dougie kept the dance floor brimming with excitement, seamlessly blending contemporary hits with nostalgic classics. 

The gala was more than just a party—it was a pivotal moment of reflection and gratitude for five decades of impact. VARC President and CEO, Liz Filter, delivered stirring remarks, celebrating the organization’s legacy of service and the remarkable generosity that has propelled its mission. “Because of your support,” Filter noted, “we’ve raised over $183,000 in the past, funding inclusive playgrounds, new ADA-compliant buses, and expanding programs that enrich countless lives.” 

The highlight of the evening arrived with the presentation of the prestigious VARC Legacy Award to Tony Ugo, former Chief Executive Officer and architect of the organization’s operational blueprint. Ugo’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for VARC’s enduring success. As Filter presented the award, she paid tribute to the generations of families, staff, and supporters whose dedication has made VARC a beacon of hope and innovation. 

President & CEO Liz Filter presenting her predecessor, Tony Ugo, with a VARC Legacy Award at the 4th Annual VARC New Year's Eve Fundraising Gala.

This year’s gala achieved extraordinary results, raising an impressive $55,185 to benefit VARC clients and services. The event’s success was made possible by a constellation of generous sponsors, including Merchants Bank (Gold Sponsor), Alerus, Organic Valley, The Insurance Center, Ledegar Roofing, and The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern (Silver Sponsors), as well as community stalwarts like Kwik Trip, Van Tassel Realty, Marcus Corporation, and Humana/ICare/Inclusa (Bronze Sponsors). Special appreciation was also extended to event sponsors Dahl Ford, Trane Technologies, Hulse Dental, Z93’s Z-Care, and Husch Blackwell. 

As midnight approached, the dance floor sparkled with joy, laughter, and the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future. The 4th Annual VARC New Year’s Eve Fundraising Gala was not only a celebration of all that has been achieved but a testament to the power of community, vision, and enduring hope. 

Here’s to the next half-century of possibility—for VARC, and for all those whose lives it touches.