For La Porte County, December 8th will forever be changed. At the 24th annual Holiday at the POPS, Mayor Mark Krentz proclaimed December 8, 2018 as Healthcare Foundation of La Porte Day in honor of all that the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) does to promote the health and wellbeing of the community.
“It is an honor for me to show this level of respect and appreciation for the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte,” Krentz said as he presented the award to Maria Fruth, President and CEO of HFL.
The award highlighted the significant contributions that the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte has offered and continues to offer its citizens. Citing the outstanding examples of The Scholarship Program, The Mammogram Program, The Get Active, Get Fit Program, Tour de La Porte, the Holiday at the POPS, and the Opioid Study, the award was presented to signify the city’s appreciation for HFL’s efforts.
“This is really unexpected,” Fruth said. “This is very special; thank you. On behalf of our board, which is an incredible group of community members who worked so hard to make this vision possible, we thank you. Thank you to all the ones that not only helped build this hospital in La Porte many years ago, but the vision that so many people had to not only provide healthcare in the community but also this incredible foundation that can really bring some amazing benefit to our community. We’re delighted.”
The award was presented in front of over 1,500 guests at the sold-out Holiday at the POPS, an annual celebration featuring fine music and friendship in support of the HFL. Families, businesses, and friends gathered at the La Porte Civic Auditorium to enjoy the live entertainment while toasting good health and holiday cheer to one another.
The event featured the exceptional talent of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Lead by Conductor Charles Steck, the orchestra left the audience in awe from their very first song of the night, “Farandole” from L’Arlesienne.
“What a spectacular night,” Steck said. “I’m always overwhelmed when I get to this night, and I could not be more proud of what our community does and what the Healthcare Foundation does. Bravo to you guys! I am honored and thrilled to be leading this group today.”
The talents of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra synced perfectly with the evening’s guest artists. Mitch Marhanka, John Langford, David Applegarth, Lou Voelker, and Steve Eyrick performed collectively as Cripple Creek to bring life to the classic holiday tunes “Mary Did you Know?”, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” The crowds were invited to join in the fun to sing alongside Cripple Creek during “A Holly Jolly Sing Along.”
Mayor Mark Krentz and wife Laura Krentz took to the stage and wowed the crowd with their vocal performance of “What Are You Doin’ New Year’s Eve?”. Their talent, love for one another, and appreciation for La Porte helped to create a memorable moment. Donna M. Mitchell also appeared as a guest artist, dazzing the crowd with her soprano vocals of “O Holy Night.”
Each performance of the evening brought attendees to their feet, cheering for their favorite songs, performers, and community. The Singing Company of La Porte performed with the help of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, bringing forward some of La Porte County’s youngest vocal artists.
The entertainment concluded by inviting the crowd to sing alongside the ensemble in a rendition of “Silent Night.” Every seat in the auditorium became empty as guests stood to embrace each other and sing alongside the orchestra. With the twinkling lights from the decorations creating a tranquil and majestic atmosphere, family and friends wished each other happy holidays and good health.
The annual Holiday at the POPS has become a special tradition for many members of La Porte to help celebrate the prosperity and good health of the community. After the 24th annual Holiday at the POPS, attendees can now not only wish each other happy holidays. They can also wish each other a very happy Healthcare Foundation of La Porte Day.
To learn more about Healthcare Foundation of La Porte and how they empower the people of La Porte to live healthy and live well, please visit https://hflaporte.org/.
