White text on black background that reads 'Sunflowers at Sunset'

Save the Date: August 7, 2026

Thank you for raising $106,000 with us in 2025!

Sunflowers at Sunset is a unique and elegant dinner in the field—a one-of-a-kind evening where nature, community, and purpose come together in a beautiful celebration of impact and connection.

Mark your calendar to join us for the next Sunflowers at Sunset experience: August 7, 2026.

  • Bright yellow sunflower surrounded by more yellow sunflowers.

  • Local Indianapolis glass artist talking to a Sunflowers at Sunset guest.

  • event sponsorships

  • Handmade stained-glass garden stakes in butterfly, moon, and honeycomb shapes

  • Guests enjoy supporting youth in STEM

  • Seated man playing an electric guitar

  • Young adult interns speaking into a microphone.

  • High School Intern speaking about her experiences.

  • The STEM Connection's 5 Young Adult Interns for the 2025 Summer Camp season..

  • Large photo arch with vining plants and sunflowers featuring Sunflowers at Sunset sign on an easel.

  • Sunflowers at Sunset attendees sitting at a table while listening to speeches.

  • Sunflowers at Sunset guests talking and laughing.

  • Sunflowers at Sunset guest and The STEM Connection board member smiling and holding a fan.

  • Magenta zinnia in a field of green grass.

  • The STEM Connection administrative staff

  • TV Station FOX 59 interviews Sunflowers at Sunset presenter

  • Gourmet dinner and STEM presentation

  • Hand-crafted cocktail The Golden Hour

  • Friends connect at Sunflowers at Sunset

  • Catered gourmet meal

  • Guests enjoying Sunflowers at Sunset

  • Dancing at Sunflowers at Sunset

  • Elegant table adorned with bright yellow sunflowers

  • Guests enjoy Sunflowers at Sunset

  • Sunflowers at Sunset welcome sign

  • Setting the table for Sunflowers at Sunset

Woman with wavy brown hair wearing a wide-brimmed gray hat, large hoop earrings, a teal patterned blouse, and jeans, standing at the entrance of a greenhouse or garden structure.

World-Class Performer and Songwriter:

Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin

Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin’s soulful, eclectic sound combines a rich tapestry of influences, including her classical and jazz training, and a broad spectrum of experiences in gospel, pop, and country. An Indiana native and Anderson University graduate, Sarah has released six original studio albums that have taken her around the globe. She lends her voice to local and national commercials for brands like New Balance and the Indianapolis Colts and has been featured on Emmy Award-winning TV shows "Artrageous with Nate" and "Cook and Belle’s Playhouse." Sarah has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning artists and regularly performs in Greater Indianapolis. A respected worship leader at Grace Church in Noblesville, she also co-hosts the Momnesia Podcast, sharing the multifaceted stories of motherhood. Sarah resides in Noblesville with her husband Jeff, a music educator and performer, and their five children.

Award-Winning Mixologist:

Bartender in a vest and bow tie serving a drink with ice at a bar

Matt Gillen

With nearly 20 years of service experience, including over 15 years at St. Elmo Steak House, Matt Gillen is a distinguished professional at Huse Culinary, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Restaurant Management & Business from Indiana State University and a Level One Distinction from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Matt created the "Bermuda Triangle" cocktail, now a staple on all Huse Culinary restaurant menus, and has won the Devour Downtown Indy Cocktail Contest and placed as runner-up in the Regional Cocktail Contest for After Hours Bourbon.