Today First Lady Karen Pence announced the formation of the Indiana First Lady's Charitable Foundation, whose mission is to support and recognize communities and organizations that promote the well-being of Hoosier children and their families. The Foundation will highlight the best of Indiana and award financial grants and scholarships to both individuals and organizations.
"We want to shine a light on the people and organizations who are working every day to benefit our children and Hoosier families, and in doing so help them further their efforts," said the First Lady.
"The Foundation's inaugural grant recipient will be Riley Children's Hospital Art Therapy Initiative. There is nothing more difficult for a parent than watching a child sick or in pain. The Art Therapy program at Riley Children's Hospital is a blessing for all who are touched by this initiative. I deeply appreciate the work they do for our Hoosier children and their families, especially during such a time of need," said Mrs. Pence.
This is a cause the First Lady has long supported, first as a board member of Tracy's Kids, an organization that provides art therapy for children in Washington, D.C. hospitals and now as Honorary Chair of Riley Children's Hospital Art Therapy Initiative.
Each year the Foundation will select a different charity to highlight. Throughout the year there will be opportunities for organizations to request a grant or monetary award on the Foundation's web site, www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org.
Planning is underway for the Foundation's inaugural fundraiser, the Indiana First Lady's Lunch, "Helping Indiana's Children Bloom," to be held April 30, 2014 at The JW Marriott in Indianapolis at 12 noon.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) (application pending). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations will be tax deductible.
A news conference with First Lady Karen Pence and Jason Mueller of the Riley Children's Foundation was held at 10:30 am EST on November 6, 2013 at the Simon Family Tower Main Lobby, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.