When people hear VNA of Northwest Indiana, its hospice service is most often the first thing that comes to mind. The not-for-profit organization that has been serving Northwest Indiana for nearly fifty years has four other services lines, one being the VNA Phoenix Center. The VNA Phoenix Center is a safe and supportive environment for children, teens, young adults, and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Through talking and listening, participants are free to find hope and comfort in their own personal way. The program meets bi-weekly during the school year. During the sessions, participants are placed in an age-appropriate group with peers experiencing a similar situation. Participants exchange their loss and experiences through storytelling, artwork, basketball, and other fun activities.
As a not-for-profit organization, the VNA of NWI can provide the VNA Phoenix Center program to any child enduring the loss of a loved one without any fees. Children are enrolled in the program who have lost loved one from suicide, drug overdose, murder, medical situations, etc.
The NWI Parrot Head Club, a club with members from Porter, Lake, and La Porte counties, has a rich history of philanthropic support, the club’s motto is “Party with a Purpose”. At one of the club’s monthly meetings, members learned about the VNA Phoenix Center program and decided to hold a fundraising party for the program. The club has organized a “Party with a Purpose Tailgate Fundraiser Party” on Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 12:00pm-5:00pm. The event, for ages 21 and over, will be held at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria, 371 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton, IN 46304. The $20.00 entry fee provides attendees pizza and hot wings, raffles, a silent auction, football, and an opportunity to make new friends with the NWI Parrot Head Club. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the VNA Phoenix Center program. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting www.vnanwi.org/latest-events or at the door the day of the event.
“Having been around a few Parrot Heads in my life I know what a generous, fun-loving community they are. They have fun, but they also care about causes. I’m so pleased they chose our Phoenix Center for their “Party with a Purpose” fundraiser. Parrot Heads are all about optimism, community, and helping each other – which is a lot like our Phoenix Center kids. It’s a great partnership and we’re so appreciative, said Bob Franko CEO/President of VNA of NWI.
“The VNA is ecstatic that the NWI Parrot Heads appreciate the importance of the VNA Phoenix Center and understands how much the program impacts the lives of children and their families every day. Through benevolent community members, such as the NWI Parrot Heads, the VNA can invite any child experiencing the loss of a loved one to participate in this program entirely free. Grieving children are often the forgotten mourners as they are not as experienced with coping compared to adults. Children shouldn’t feel as if they are alone in their grief. To ensure that the needs of grieving children are met, it takes a community to provide emotional support, the VNA Phoenix Center does just this,” said Melanie Marshall, Chief Marketing Office with the VNA.
About the NWI Parrot Head Club:
The NWI Parrot Head Club is a phlock of Parrot Heads from Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties that “Party with a Purpose.” Some refer to the club as angels in tropical shirts. The NWI Parrot Head Club has a strong commitment to the communities and needs of others, while living life to its fullest. The club’s focus is local charities and volunteering for nonprofit organizations. To learn more about the NWI Parrot Head Club visit: www.nwiparrotheadclub.com
About VNA of NWI:
VNA of NWI is the most patient-focused provider of aging, palliative, hospice, and grief support services in Northwest Indiana, providing comfort, peace-of-mind, and superior care to families working through some of life’s greatest challenges. VNA of NWI provides hospice and palliative care services as well as grief support, Lifeline, and Meals on Wheels. The VNA is an accredited, not for profit, United Way agency serving Porter, LaPorte, Lake, Jasper, and Starke counties for nearly 50 years. For more information, contact the VNA of NWI at 219.462.5195 or visit www.VNANWI.org.
