JWAS Foundation

The evening before our annual Wine Dinner, co-founders Larry & Sherry Swank host our sponsors for a Preview Party. This event is a unique opportunity to gather, connect, and enjoy a sneak peek of the winery featured at the big event! 🍷✨

This year, we were honored to welcome Heidi and Russell Bevan of Bevan Cellars, who shared their exceptional wines and their passion for winemaking with our guests. The evening was filled with great conversation, meaningful connections, and excitement for the JWAS mission. 🌟

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from Jaxson Scholar Rihanna, a recent high school graduate, who shared her love for JWAS and the impact the foundation has had on her life. Rihanna's family attended to support her that evening as she spoke. We are so proud of Rihanna and grateful for her willingness to share her JWAS story with our guests! 💗

Thank you to The Rolling Stonebaker for providing a delicious dinner year after year and for being such an important part of this special tradition. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together, celebrate the JWAS mission, and kick off Wine Dinner weekend in such a meaningful way! 🎉

📸 credit: Lilia Mirkhabutdinova

Thank you to our incredible community partners! 👏

AAYS Event Rentals
Country Florist and Gifts
Navarre Catering and Events

Behind every successful Wine Dinner is an incredible team of dedicated volunteers. 🌟

Before the event, our volunteers gathered to prepare for the evening and ensure every detail was ready for our guests. From welcoming attendees and capturing photos to managing countless details behind the scenes, they brought the event to life with enthusiasm and care. 🙌

More than anything, they helped create meaningful moments by connecting with guests and ensuring everyone felt welcomed and valued throughout the evening. 💕

We are so grateful for the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and talents to make the evening special. Thank you for the gift of your time to help us create a night filled with connection, generosity, and hope! 🎉🫶

Before we say goodbye to all of our spring celebrations, we're sharing two special moments from May! ✨

Mia became the resident red panda expert while presenting her Kindergarten Animal Research Project, and Aline celebrated her Quinceañera surrounded by family and loved ones. 🎉

From classroom achievements to important life milestones, we love celebrating the many ways our Jaxson Scholars shine! ❤️🌟

Happy Father’s Day to all of our amazing JWAS fathers and father figures! 💙

Thank you for the encouragement, guidance, and love you share each day. The care you show and the example you lead by leave a lasting impact on your children and our Jaxson Scholars. 🌟

We hope you enjoy a day celebrating all that you do! 🌻

High fives all around! 🙌📚

Congratulations to our Jaxson Scholars for finishing another school year strong. We're proud of each and every one of you! 🎉💛

Huge congratulations to JWAS mom, Kristin Givens, for being named one of Michiana’s Forty Under 40 by the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce! This prestigious honor celebrates young leaders who achieve professional success while making a meaningful impact through community and charitable involvement. 🎉👏

As Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives at South Bend Heritage Foundation, Kristin is helping strengthen our community through neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing initiatives, and volunteer-driven programs that make a lasting impact. She is one shining example of the incredible parents in our JWAS family who lead with purpose and make a difference every day. 🌟

We’re proud to celebrate her achievement and grateful for the positive impact she has on our community! ❤️

Cheers to our amazing sponsors! 🍷✨

Thank you to our sponsors who helped make our 12th Annual Wine Dinner a success. Your support empowers our 30 Jaxson Scholars and helps carry Jaxson's light and legacy forward each day.

We are honored to have you as part of the JWAS family. 💛

Happy birthday to Jaxson Scholar, Mia! 🎂

We are so proud of how much you grew and learned during kindergarten! From mastering new skills to showing kindness to others, you’ve truly blossomed. Your sweet nature and the love you show as a sister make you so special. 💕

Hope your birthday is sprinkled with laughter, hugs, and all your favorite treats! 🎉

It's Wine Dinner day! 🍷✨

Our amazing vendors just gathered to put the finishing touches on what promises to be a memorable evening. From behind-the-scenes planning to every detail guests will experience tonight, we are SO thankful for the team making it all happen! 🙏

We look forward to celebrating our mission and the community that makes it possible. Cheers to an unforgettable evening ahead! 🌟🥂

Bevan Cellars
The History Museum
Navarre Catering and Events
Neil Shaffer, Auctioneer
AAYS Event Rentals
Country Florist and Gifts
Eventsys
Harmony Marketing Group
Lilia Mirkhabutdinova, Photography/Videography

On the eve of the 12th Annual Wine Dinner, we are filled with gratitude for the love, purpose, and community that continue to make this mission so meaningful. ❤️

To our Co-Founders, Larry & Sherry Swank, thank you for transforming Jaxson’s legacy into a source of hope and opportunity for so many families. Your vision and dedication have shaped JWAS into the community it is today, and we are honored to carry this work forward each day in Jaxson’s memory. 🌟

With love,
The JWAS Team