Duneland Exchange Club’s Wine Tasting Fundraiser Benefits Body Safety Program, Education

The Duneland Exchange Club held its Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser on November 20, 2011 at the Duneland Falls Banquet Center. There were delicious wines, craftsman beer, and hors d’oeuvres for attendees. The laid back collection of cover music, featuring blues, country and rock, were performed by Ed Strudas (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Tony Campbell (electric guitar and vocals).

The primary objective of the fundraiser was to raise money for the Body Safety programs in the Duneland schools.

Jackie Ruge-Perkins, Prevention of Child Abuse Chair with the Duneland Exchange Club, said, “The money raised here tonight will help to fund the Body Safety programs in the Duneland schools. The programs teach children how to protect themselves, teaches them about inappropriate touching, and that it is ok to say ‘NO’.”

She continued, “It also teaches the children it is ok to tell someone if something like that is happening and who to tell. Tell someone you trust like a teacher, counselor, or maybe their best friend’s mom.”

The Body Safety program was first successful in communities like LaPorte and Michigan City. About three years ago Duneland Schools were introduced to it as well. Perkins explained, “Some cases have come out and children were able to be helped. This is a program that you keep telling because it will help to keep preventing abuse. We are sending a message and for some, they wait a long time before they tell.”

Dunebrook, the group that goes in to teach the programs at the schools has the vision, “Every child is safe, healthy and happy”. Dunebrook Board of Directors President and a member of the Michigan City Exchange Club, Bruce Manner said, “Thousands have been reached by this program. We teach good touch and bad touch and that children should know their bodies belong to them. This is a very beneficial program.” He added, “Education is the key. The more you educate families, the less likely there will be child abuse.”

Craft Beer Specialist David Gage, from North Coast Distributers talked about his company’s involvement by saying, “We’ve been involved with this fundraiser for the last few years and we feel wonderful about it. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be involved.”

The Body Safety program is not the only program that will benefit from the money raised, there are several others. “Youth of the Month” honors a senior in high school with an academic scholarship. “The Young Citizenship Award” honors an intermediate 5th-7th grade student with a certificate of recognition and a dictionary. For business, the “Proudly We Hail” certificate of recognition is given to those businesses that proudly and properly fly the American flag.

The Exchange Club would like to thank all involved in helping with the event with a special thank you to the sponsors: Danish Maid Butter/Wagner Family, First State Bank of Porter, LaPorte Savings Bank, Organizational Development Services, Songer Steel Service, Westchester Warehouse, Jeff & Susan Thode, Vickie Brock, Dan Keilman, Minuteman Press, Anton Insurance, Sand Creek Country Club, Gary Post Tribune, Porter Health System, eState, Ashley Jewelers, Lucrezia & Good To Go.