Building Indiana’s inaugural “Big Schmooze” reception to benefit the United Ways of Lake and Porter counties will be held Thursday, September 16 at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

The Big Schmooze will recognize key business and economic development leaders from the area who were featured in Building Indiana’s July/August “Who’s Who” issue. Works of art created by those leaders will be auctioned off at the event, with all proceeds going to the United Ways.

The event will also serve as the kickoff to the United Ways’ annual corporate giving campaign.

Join us from 5:30 to 9 p.m., for upscale hors d’oeuvers and cocktails and the best networking in northern Indiana. Tickets are $95, and can be purchased by calling 219-226-0300 or visiting www.thebigschmooze.com.