Jetting Back & Forth to Texas in One Day Was Fun!

For more than 20 years, we’ve believed that giving back to local charities is just as important as running a business. Thankfully, what we do at Bella Photography happens to be something nonprofits always need — photography and video that help them tell their story in a meaningful way.

For the past year, we’ve proudly selected Tradewinds Services as our corporate “Charity of Choice,” and working with their incredible staff and clients has been an absolute joy. From documenting programs and social events to capturing their annual Gala at Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino, there’s never a dull moment. This year’s Gala drew a record crowd of more than 500 supporters, proving once again just how much this organization means to Northwest Indiana

Their Director of Development and Marketing, Lisa Tatina, is someone I’ve known for over 30 years, which probably explains why she knows exactly how to rope me into interesting adventures. Whenever Tradewinds needs photos or video, Lisa calls, and I happily squeeze the project into my schedule at no charge. It’s my way of helping further their mission because the imagery isn’t about making money — it’s about helping the people they serve throughout Northwest Indiana.

So recently, Lisa called and casually asked if I could meet a small group at the Gary International Airport to snap a few photos before they boarded a private jet. Simple enough, right? The group was headed to Hye, Texas, to visit the famous Garrison Brothers Distillery and taste-test bourbon barrels that would later be bottled with a co-branded label for a Tradewinds fundraiser this fall.

Now let me pause right there… because when someone says, “private jet,” “Texas bourbon distillery,” and “taste-testing barrels,” my ears tend to perk up a little.
The trip itself was generously arranged by Nick Popovich, who provided the jet, crew, flight attendant, and food & snacks on the plane. I remember thinking, “WOW… this is definitely not your average Friday.”
As Lisa explained the plan, she said, “We just need some photos of everyone gathering at the airport and boarding the plane.”

I replied, “Wait a second… THAT’S the assignment?!”

Because obviously, the REAL story wasn’t people standing near a jet pretending not to squint into the sun at 6:30 in the morning. The real story was at the distillery — touring the facility, meeting with donors and board members, and taste-testing bourbon barrels like professional Kentucky judges in cowboy boots.

So, I asked the important question: “You mean you DON’T want me to come along and document the actual adventure?”

Lisa admitted she didn’t think I’d want to spend an entire day flying to Texas with a fun group of people to tour a bourbon distillery. Clearly, she underestimated me.

I immediately said, “Of course I want to go… if there’s room, count me in!”

And what a day it turned out to be.

The weather was perfect, the flights went smoothly, the hospitality was amazing, and everyone had an unforgettable experience. After sampling nine different barrels of bourbon, the team eventually selected five for the project. (Yes… there was actual professional tasting involved. This was serious business.)
I’ll share more details about the bourbon project soon, but for now, mark your calendars for September 3rd. Tradewinds will host a unique fundraiser inside the Sage-Popovich airplane hangar where guests can stroll among private jets while sipping smooth bourbon (or your beverage of choice) and enjoying heavy appetizers.
Honestly… bourbon, airplanes, and a great cause? That’s a pretty hard combination to beat.

Advance ticket information will be available soon through the Tradewinds Services website: www.tradewindsnwi.org