Some assignments stay with you long after the last photograph is taken.
Today, I had the privilege of photographing the annual awards luncheon for Tradewinds Services, a remarkable organization that has become our corporate ‘Charity of Choice’ at Bella Photography.
This was my second year covering the event, and as I have done throughout the past year, I was simply there to do what I love – capture images and tell stories. Over the past year, I’ve been honored to provide photography and video services to Tradewinds on a pro-bono basis. It has been our small way of giving back to an organization that changes lives every day.
One of the most rewarding parts of the relationship has been seeing the images actually being used. The photographs and videos are helping Tradewinds tell their story, engage supporters, and showcase the incredible work they do throughout Northwest Indiana. Knowing that my talents can help advance their mission has been reward enough.
As the luncheon progressed, award recipients were recognized for their contributions to the organization. Then something unexpected happened.
Lisa Tatina, the Director of Development & Marketing approached the podium to present the next award. As she began speaking, she mentioned that she had known the reciepient for the past 30 years, dating back to her service on the board of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
Sunddenly, I realized she was talking about me.
My first reaction was disbelief.
For three decades, our paths have crossed through community service efforts, charitable organizations, and countless projects focused on helping others. Never once did I imagine that I would be the person standing at the podium that afternoon.
To my surprise, Tradewinds presented me with their Power Partner of the Year Award.
As Lisa shared stories of our work together, she referenced a few moments that stood out – including a last-minute trip to Hye, Texas, to document a special Tradewinds event and a portrait experience we hosted for several Tradewinds clients at our Valparaiso studio. Hearing that those experiences are still remembered today was incredibly meaningful.
The truth is that I never volunteered my services with the expectation of recognition. The greatest reward has always been the relationships built along the way and the opportunity to use photography to help organizations make a difference.
Receiving this award was both humbling and unexpected.
I am grateful to Lisa Tatina, the Tradewinds leadership team, the marketing team, their board, staff, clients, and supporters for allowing me to be a small part of their journey. More importantly, I am thankful for the work they do every day to create opportunities, independence, and hope for so many individuals and families.
Sometimes you show up expecting to tell someone else’s story.
Today, I was honored to discover that I had become a small part of theirs.
Thank you, Tradewinds Services. The honor means more than you know.
Above – Lisa Tatina with Rick on the flight to Hye, Texas and the selection committee. Flight and services donated by Sage-Popovich who is hosting a special fund raising event for Tradewinds at the Sage-Popovich Flight Operations Hangar at the Gary-Chicago International Airport on September 3, 2026.
Above – The trip to Hye, TX was to allow a selection committee to taste test bourbons from Garrison Brothers Distillery. Five barrels were selected and will be bottled and co-branded with Tradewinds to sell at a Cigar & Bourbon event inside the Sage-Popovich Aircraft Hangar at the Gary-Chicago Airport on September 3rd. Advance ticket sales are required for this very creative event. And yes, I’ll be there to capture the unique fundraiser. Find out more about Tradewinds and this event at their website: https://www.tradewindsnwi.org
— Rick Bella, Bella Photography