'The Bachelor' & His Fiancee Draws Large Crowd To BYC Fundraiser
Posted
Chris Tulley-
There was barely room to breathe in Baker Youth Club Friday night as Warsaw’s favorite royal couple, Ben Higgins and his fiancee Lauren Bushnell, were the keynote speakers at the organization’s annual fundraiser event. The 21-and-up social event featured a meet-and-greet cocktail hour, followed by a meal and social time. After this, BYC Director Tracy Furnivall took to the stage to thank all the contributors, sponsors, staff and volunteers. He then introduced Higgins and Bushnell. The couple shared stories from their time on ABC’s “The Bachelor,” where the two met. Higgins told the packed gymnasium that the show accurately portrayed what he and the 28 girls went through. In a moment of honesty, he shared that when he met Bushnell on the second episode of the show, he instantly felt a connection with her. As much as the evening revolved around Higgins and Bushnell, many others were recognized. Both sets of parents were presented by Furnivall plaques with a picture of Higgins and Bushnell. He then went on to explain the history of BYC and how it has entered its 90th year of operation under only four directors, himself included. Furnivall stated that on any given week night, over 200 children from all over Kosciusko County are present. An auction with proceeds going to BYC followed the speeches. Several items being auctioned off included a date with the engaged couple, vacation getaway trips, Lasik eye surgery and more. Contributions came from Grossnickle Eye Center, Wawasee and Warsaw Community high schools, Parkview YMCA and the Indiana Pacers, among others. After the event, Higgins told the Times-Union that he was blown away by the crowd that came. He stated that he felt that the community in Warsaw appreciates BYC and what it does, and that he loves contributing to that. Bushnell said she was very happy to see such a full house for such a positive institution. In the short time she’s been in Warsaw, she said she appreciates the community coming together to support them. Results from the fundraiser and auction will be published next week.
