“A Night in Blue” Returns: Honoring Mississippi’s Fallen First Responders
On October 18, 2025, the Gulf Coast will once again come together at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi for an unforgettable evening of honor, remembrance, and community. Hosted inside Studio B, the annual United in Blue: A Night in Blue Gala shines a spotlight on the sacrifice of our fallen first responders while raising funds to support their families when they need it most.
A Cause That Hits Home
The United in Blue nonprofit was founded to ensure that families of fallen first responders are not left to carry the burden alone. Whether it’s law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, or other frontline responders, the mission is simple yet powerful: provide immediate and ongoing support when tragedy strikes.
As co-chair Lynn Vance explained, “You can’t fill the hole left when a loved one is lost, but you can give a little help—and sometimes that little help makes all the difference”.
Dan Cuevas added that the reality of losing benefits and paychecks in the wake of a tragedy can devastate families. The gala is one way the community bridges that gap, ensuring no family faces hardship alone.
Event Details
🗓 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
📍 Location: Studio B, IP Casino Resort Spa, Biloxi, MS
⏰ Schedule:
5:30 PM – VIP early access
7:00 PM – General admission
8:00 PM – Awards & recognition ceremony
Guests can look forward to:
🎶 A live band
🍸 Hors d’oeuvres & cocktails
🖼 Silent and live auctions
🎤 Guest speakers sharing stories of courage and resilience
Hotel blocks are available at the IP for $160/night, though space is limited.
Honoring the Fallen
This year’s event will pay tribute to several brave men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty, including:
Lt. Rob Curry, Gulfport PD – killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty
Officer Troy Floyd, Summit PD – murdered during a traffic stop
Firefighter Terry Dykes, Pinedale FD – lost in a tragic accident while fighting a fire
MBN Agent Lee Tart, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics – killed in 2015
Deputy Martin Shields Jr., Hinds County – murdered earlier this year
Their families will be present, and the ceremony will include heartfelt tributes, often with loved ones holding portraits of the fallen.
Tickets & Sponsorships
🎟 Tickets are available now at unitedinblue.net.
General Admission: $55
First Responders: $25
VIP Access: Includes early entry and additional perks
For local businesses, sponsorships range from $500 “Supporter of the Shield” packages to $10,000 “End of Watch” sponsorships, each offering recognition, reserved tables, and opportunities to present tributes during the event. Silent auction donations are also welcomed.
Why It Matters
In the words of the organizers, no one wants to hold an event like this—because it means someone has lost their life. Yet the outpouring of support shows the Gulf Coast’s unwavering commitment to its heroes. Community members, elected officials, police officers, firefighters, and neighbors alike show up each year, not for recognition, but to stand shoulder to shoulder with grieving families.
How You Can Help
Attend the gala on October 18.
Become a sponsor or donate an auction item.
Spread the word by sharing the mission of United in Blue.
Together, we can ensure the families of fallen heroes never stand alone.
