PENDLETON — The Giving Hope Foundation — a non-profit organization that helps people with mental and physical disabilities — is planning a gala at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, featuring Jeremy Camp, a contemporary Christian singer.
The event, designed to raise funds and awareness for the foundation, is set for the Silver Center, 10202 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, to accommodate what organizers hope will be a large turnout.
The Giving Hope Foundation, 9400 W. County Road 650S, and the Giving Family Hope Center, slated for construction off State Road 13 near Interstate 69’s Exit 214, are the vision of Joe Shetterley and his family.
With a special-needs daughter who is now in her 20s, he and his family realized years ago that a support system is needed for families who have children with disabilities.
The center is expected to be open in 2021. It will be designed as a place where diagnosed individuals and their families will receive the services, care and attention they need and deserve, foundation CEO Megan Gumbel said.
“This will actually be a place for more than just people with disabilities,” Gumbel said. “It’s a place for the family and community to be invited in.”
Foundation and center representatives said their services will provide families living with disabilities with care services throughout the day.
When the center’s recreational area opens, leaders said they hope everyone in the community will be able to access the gym, fitness, recreation, leisure and food services.
The center will not focus on just one disability, such as autism or Down Syndrome.
It will focus on helping all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as physical disabilities while bringing families together to alleviate stress.
Foundation leaders are assessing families in need to determine where there are gaps in care to help them build a better and brighter future.
“A lot of what we’re doing right now is connecting people with resources and assessing those needs,” Gumbel said.
Early discussions have helped the foundation make connections and share family needs as well as help them plan to better build what they hope will be proactive services in the future.
“In many ways, what we’re doing now is healing, helping families identify what their needs are,” Gumbel said.
Foundation leaders are in the process of raising awareness and support for the foundation and center through the gala and silent auction.
“We’re really excited just to share the mission and vision of what we are doing with people,” Gumbel said.
While they’re looking for local and state residents to attend, organizers are also looking for sponsorship for the event.
Individual tickets are $250, while two tickets are $450. Sponsorship range from $1,000 to $25,000. For more information and questions about the Foundation or Gala and to purchase tickets contact Megan Gumbel at 574-304-2754 or via email at [email protected].