A fundraising campaign spearheaded by the owners of a Crown Point craft bar and eatery provided $700 to the Franciscan Health Foundation to support survivors of violence, sexual abuse and trauma served by the Franciscan Health Crown Point Center of Hope program.
John and Miranda O’Block, the husband and wife owners of Tavern on Main at 136 S. Main St. in Crown Point, hosted Give Back Tuesday on July 26. During the event, 10% of all dine-in and carryout sale proceeds were collected for the Center of Hope.
The Center of Hope program provides a safe environment for survivors of violence, sexual abuse and trauma. The latest data indicates Indiana has the second highest child abuse rate in the nation, making the need for these services even more critical.
“The Franciscan Health Foundation is truly thankful for John and Miranda and their generous support of our Center of Hope,” said Rick Peltier, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation. “This program holds a special place in my heart, and we are grateful for community partners like the O’Blocks for their compassionate care and dedication to making a difference for those most in need.”
The fundraising campaign for the Center of Hope marks the largest to date since Tavern on Main began its Give Back Tuesday program. Financial support for the Franciscan Health Crown Point Center of Hope assists in the emotional, physical and spiritual healing of those impacted by sexual and physical assault and abuse.
“We’re very fortunate to be able to make this donation,” Miranda O’Block said. “Giving back to the community is what I like to do most and we wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s support.”
Center of Hope Coordinator Michelle Resendez said the donation will help send staff to pediatric abuse training and provide treasure chest items for children coming into the center.
The sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) serving Center of Hope are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for patients on-site, eliminating the need for patients to be transferred for further examination. The nurses are specially trained in cultural sensitivity, injury identification, evidence preservation, forensic photography, forensic documentation, courtroom testimony and the acute and long-term effects of sexual violence.
“It takes a community to protect our children,” Resendez said. “Knowing business owners and community members care about the crimes that are happening is a start to helping to end the violence.”
Pete Monger of Rothschild Agency, Inc. in Merrillville, is a member of the Franciscan Health Foundation’s Board of Directors and connected the O’Blocks to the Foundation for the fundraising opportunity.
“Franciscan has so many opportunities to give to the community,” Monger said. “I’m glad to be part of the team and to share those opportunities with others to help these programs grow.”
To learn more about contributions to the Franciscan Health Foundation and the various opportunities for giving, go to www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org or call (219) 661-3401.
