A Creative Black-Tie Evening
Honoring Lowell Kane and Tenecia Waddell-Pyle
and Benefitting Pride Lafayette
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Purdue Memorial Union
Hosted by Indiana Drag Legend (and Miss Gay Indiana 1995) Vicki St. James, Pride Lafayette’s Second Annual Rainbow Gala, An Emerald Isle Evening, will be a night unlike any other. Join us as we travel to the Emerald Isle of Ireland right from the Purdue Memorial Union Grand Ballrooms to honor Lowell Kane and Tenecia Waddell-Pyle with the Spirit of Pride Award and support Pride Lafayette’s year-round programming serving Greater Lafayette’s LGBTQ+ community.
Proceeds from the evening will provide much needed resources to help us continue operating the oldest LGBTQ+ community center in the state, producing events like Second Chance Prom and our annual OUTFest pride festival, the LGBTQ+ Health Equity Project, and supporting outreach groups like TransLafayette, and the Pride Lafayette Youth Group.
Tickets and Table Information
Benefactor Ticket: $175
Benefactor Table: $1,750
Patron Ticket: $125
Patron Table: $1,250
Be a table host or a table captain.
Check out the Rainbow Gala Primer to learn more!
Hosted by Vicki St. James
We’re thrilled to welcome our friend and Indiana Drag Legend, Vicki St. James as our emcee for the evening. Crowned Miss Gay Indiana 1995 and the current reigning Indy Bag Lady Queen, Vicki has performed all over the state throughout a career that spans more than three decades.
Program of Events
5:00pm – Benefactor Reception & Silent/Online Auction (St. Stephen’s Green)
6:00pm – Cocktail Reception & Silent/Online Auction (St. Stephen’s Green)
7:00pm – Dinner & Paddle Raise (Dublin Castle)
Presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award
Presentation of the Spirit of Pride Award
9:30pm – After Party (Club Tipperary)
What do you mean by "creative black tie?"
Traditional galas are usually tuxedoes and cocktail gowns. Sure, you can wear those if you want. But this is a queer event…be creative! Be comfortable! Be YOU! Whether you’re in a tux and tails, a gown, or a bedazzled toga, you can be as flashy and/or creative as you want; the key is to be 100% yourself.
How can I donate to the silent auction?
You can donate to the Grand Silent Auction by completing this form or emailing Pride Lafayette Executive Director Derrick Jones at director@pridelafayette.org.
Do I have to attend to bid on the online/silent auction?
Nope. You visit the Rainbow Gala portal page and instead of buying tickets, you can register to bid on the silent/online auction, since the whole thing is on your phone. The only caveat: if you’re a winning bidder, you will have to arrange to pick up/receive your item after March 23.
I can't be there! Can I still support Rainbow Gala?
YES! You can make a donation toward the paddle raise by clicking here!
What's the difference between a table host and table captain?
A Table Host is someone who purchases a table and invite 9 of their closest friends to join you. If hosting a table seems like a heavy lift, you can be a Table Captain. By becoming a table captain, you agree to sell individual tickets to friends and fill a table of ten.
Whether you’re a table host or table captain, you can get in on the fun by decorating your own table for you and your guests. Pick a theme and provide guests with host gifts, costuming, props, or whatever! The only limit is your imagination. For Rainbow Gala 2025, the Planning Committee suggests that each Table Host/Captain select a Greek Isle or Greek God and decorate accordingly.