The Schrage Family & Centier Bank Commit to $250,000 Founder-Level Partnership with Mascot Hall of Fame Museum

The Schrage Family & Centier Bank Commit to $250,000 Founder-Level Partnership with Mascot Hall of Fame Museum

Known as a “founding family of Whiting,” the Schrage Family and Centier Bank have committed to a $250,000 Founding Partner sponsorship to the City of Whiting’s Mascot Hall of Fame, set to open later this year. 

In 1895, Henry Schrage founded Centier Bank, then known as Bank of Whiting, mere feet away from the Mascot Hall of Fame’s entrance. Michael Schrage, the fourth-generation of the Schrage family to own the bank, recognizes the symbolism of Centier’s role in helping build Northwest Indiana’s past, present, and future. 

“Congratulations to Mayor Joseph Stahura and his team for their vision in creating a destination where families from across the country can come and be raving fans in the name of fun,” said Schrage, President, and CEO of Centier Bank. “Our support for the Mascot Hall of Fame goes to show that, while we have supported the Northwest Indiana community for over 120 years, we remain committed to supporting this landmark that will serve as an attraction for years to come.”

“At Centier, one of our core values is ‘fun,’ and this museum is in step with celebrating the fun opportunities that are in front of us,” said Anthony Contrucci, Vice President of Centier’s Community Relations and Business Development division. “As a member of the fifth-generation of the Schrage family, I am also excited to continue our family legacy with such a unique part of Whiting’s future.” 

The Mascot Hall of Fame, entering the final phases of completion, is a 25,000 square foot facility that will feature fun and educational exhibits that emphasize technology, engineering, science, art, and mathematics.

“The Mascot Hall of Fame has made tremendous progress and we can’t wait to see it open in December 2018,” said Al Spajer, Executive Director for the Mascot Hall of Fame. “We thank Centier Bank for being our first Founding Partner, and it fits perfectly having the Schrage family supporting this attraction for Northwest Indiana.” 

The interactive children’s museum is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors annually to Whiting. The building is located at the corner of Front and 119th streets, just southeast of Whiting’s Lakefront Park. 

“The heart of Whiting’s community is all about family, fun, and celebration, and we are excited to feature such a unique attraction so close to the gem that is our Lakefront Park,” said Whiting Mayor Joseph Stahura. “The Schrage Family & Centier’s commitment to this Mascot Hall of Fame is just another example of the foundation the Schrage family has laid out for Whiting.” 

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Al Spajer at 219-659-7700 or al@funfurallinwhiting.org. For more information on the National Mascot Hall of Fame, visit www.mascothalloffame.com. For more information on Centier Bank, visit www.centier.com.

About Centier Bank

Since 2007, Centier Bank has been among the top “Best Places to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and received national attention by American Banker magazine as one of the Top Best Banks to Work For in the U.S.A.

Centier is the largest, private, family-owned bank in Indiana and remains committed to being owned and operated by the Schrage family in the future.  The bank has retail banking locations in Allen, Boone, Elkhart, Hamilton, Lake, La Porte, Marion, Marshall, Porter, St. Joseph, and Tippecanoe Counties in Indiana.