HAMMOND | Nazareth Home, a licensed foster care home for medically compromised children in East Chicago, will hold its 2007 gala next month.
This year's event will feature hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by some of the finest area restaurants and caterers, including executive chef John Urb, Radisson Star Plaza Hotel; chef Nico Luna from Villa De Bruno; Jack Mix of Comfort Catering and chef Terry Zych, Hospitality Program chairman of Ivy Tech Michigan City; chef Glennard Brooks, executive chef, Genesis Convention Center; and Larry Pruitt, head chef of L&L Caterers and Keith Brooks, Special Occasion Catering.
The chef tasting and live and silent auction is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18 in the atrium of the Hammond Federal Courthouse, 5400 Federal Plaza. Tickets cost $60. For ticket or sponsorship information, call (219) 947-8522.
Celebrity auctioneer Tom O'Donnell will call the live auction, which features - among other items - a day at the racetrack. A Denny Davis painting will also be featured, as well as a selection of custom-designed jewelry from Aaland Jewelers, tickets to the Star Plaza, a birthday party package at Fair Oaks Farm and a Fit For a Queen package that includes spa services at House of Bianco, limousine service and a diamond ring.
Infants and children are placed at Nazareth Home through referrals from the Department of Child Services and receive individualized, 24-hour care, according to a news release. Sister Barbara Kuper is the director and foster mother at the home.
The children who come to Nazareth Home most often have unique medical challenges that require dedicated staff and volunteers. In 2006, 45 volunteers donated 4,365 hours of service at Nazareth Home.
"It's very easy for me to donate my time and money to the Nazareth Home because of the results I see in the babies," volunteer Karren Lee, of Lee Construction, said in the release. "Sister Barbara and the entire staff and volunteers work miracles with infants and children who are very often in the direst of circumstances."
Ed Williams, director of community and governmental affairs at Resorts Casino East Chicago, is the gala's honorary chairman, and Judy Schlosser and Peggy Guernsey are general co-chairmen. Proceeds from the event will be used for operational costs of the home.
Nazareth Home is a ministry of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and is administered by Ancilla Systems Inc.
- For The Times
