Horizon Bank joined the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce for its annual Holiday Chamber Party on Thursday, December 12. This festive event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with community members while supporting a good cause—donating toys to the Toys for Tots program, which helps local Michigan City families during the holiday season.
Tom Barber, branch manager of Horizon Bank in Michigan City, noted that the event is always a great way to bring people together for a positive and festive celebration.
“This event has been a holiday tradition for years,” Barber said. “We partner with the Chamber of Commerce to reflect on the holiday season, hear updates from them, and enjoy a fun evening with the community.”
Horizon Bank has hosted this Christmas party for the Michigan City Chamber for over a decade. This year, the celebration was enhanced by live carolers from Footlight Players, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Steve Kring, Horizon Bank’s Regional President for Northwest Indiana, enjoys the variety of activities that make this event special each year.
“It’s always a wonderful evening, with so much happening,” Kring said. “From the carolers to the Toys for Tots donations, this is one of our best events. We wanted to make it even more memorable this year, and I think everyone will have a great time.”
Kurt Gillins, President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, expressed his gratitude to Horizon Bank for hosting this beloved annual event.
“It’s exciting to gather and reflect on what’s happening in the local business community,” Gillins said. “Horizon Bank has been a fantastic supporter of both the community and the Chamber, and it’s great to celebrate this tradition at their branch.”
Gillins also highlighted the importance of the donations collected at the event for the Toys for Tots program.
“Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy, and there are also coats being donated,” Gillins explained. “This is just one of the ways the Chamber and Horizon Bank work together to make a positive impact in the community.”
The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce also took the opportunity to reveal its new branding initiative at the event. The Chamber also announced its 2025 Spotlight Organization—Family Advocates. The organization was selected as part of a program led by the Lakefront Career Network, which partners with a local nonprofit each year.
Jackie Dermody, Executive Director of Family Advocates, expressed her excitement about the recognition.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the chance to collaborate with the Chamber and the Lakefront Career Network to raise awareness of the important work we’re doing in this community,” Dermody said. “We've had volunteers help with decorating and preparing Christmas gifts for children, and being part of these partnerships means a lot to us. We’re really looking forward to next year.”
The event serves as a celebration not only of the holiday season but also of the year’s achievements.
“This event allows us to reflect on the year’s achievements as a local bank,” Barber said. “Earlier this year, we held our 'Horizon Cares Day,' a day dedicated to giving back, where we actively volunteered at charitable organizations in the community. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to making a positive impact.” Members of the Horizon Bank team enjoy the event for its networking, donations, and the sense of camaraderie that comes with it. They look forward to continuing this tradition with the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce for many years to come.
To conclude the evening, Horizon Bank CEO Thomas Prame shared an inspiring Christmas story about a little girl who wrapped an empty box with expensive gold wrapping paper. Her father, upset about the family’s financial struggles, initially reacted harshly about the wastefulness. However, when he opened the box and the daughter told him it was not empty, but filled with her love, he realized his overreaction and was overwhelmed with appreciation about the “gift” she shared with him.
“I share this story because, at some point in our lives, we've all been given golden boxes filled with incredible gifts,” Prame said. “At this time of year, there’s nothing more precious than the love, appreciation, friendship, and support of those around us.”
To learn more about Horizon Bank, you can visit its website.