Centier Bank donates $5,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation

Centier Bank donates $5,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation

Centier Bank recently held a check presentation ceremony where members of the Schrage Family presented a $5,000 donation to Make-a-Wish America. The donation is being used to grant wishes for area children who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses. The organization has been granting wishes since 1980. In the United States a wish is granted every 34 minutes.

Chris and Laura Campbell (nee Schrage), along with Anthony and Melissa Contrucci (nee Schrage), presented the check to Lori Zimmer, Wish Granter for Make-a-Wish Foundation’s Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Chapter on Nov. 5. Zimmer said the donation could not have come at a better time.

“Typically in Northwest Indiana, we have around 50-60 kids on our Make-a-Wish list, and right now we have 105 kids—a record high number in this area,” Zimmer said. “I am truly speechless and overwhelmed by Centier Bank’s gracious gift, and I’m especially grateful to the Contruccis and the Campbells for their compassion and generosity.”

Melissa Contrucci said Make-a-Wish America is an organization that is important to her family, especially this year when so many wishes have had to be modified, put on hold, or changed altogether.

“Lori has told us that 70 percent of the children wish for a trip to Disneyworld, which is not possible in 2020 with travel restrictions and health risks,” Contrucci said. “We are excited to be able to bring some excitement to the children’s lives, whether it be a room makeover, a camper to take on a road trip, or to fund a shopping spree. They really deserve to have beautiful experiences with their families.”  

Laura Campbell said she, along with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law, wanted to make a donation to the organization on behalf of Centier Bank and the Fifth Generation of the Schrage Family, to also make up for deficits that would have been raised from the foundation’s annual gala. The gala was supposed to take place in-person last April, but was switched to a virtual event due to COVID-19.

“When we heard that so many children have been put on the Make-a-Wish list in our communities this year, we really wanted to make a positive impact and to bring joy to these children who are fighting through unimaginable illnesses,” Campbell explained. “Being involved with this organization is humbling, rewarding, and demonstrates the true importance of quality time and living for today. We are proud to be a part of it.”

Zimmer said that the donation will help grant at least two wishes for children on the list.

For more information about Make-a-Wish America’s Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana chapter, or to volunteer or make a donation, go to wish.org/oki. For more information about Make-a-Wish America, go to wish.org/. For more information about Centier Bank, go to centier.com.