The beautiful falling snow and the music of the holidays, kicked off the Christmas season for the people of La Porte. Nearly 3,000 people attended the 22nd Holiday at the Pops event, a fundraising concert hosted by the Foundation in support of the La Porte Hospital.
The Foundation's Children’s Fund helps with health and wellness programs for kids, including the Lil’ F.I.S.H. Club, which teaches kids how to make healthy and positive life choices, and the Get Active, Get Fit initiative.
As the philanthropic arm of the hospital, the Foundation hosts a variety of programs and fundraisers each year. An exciting change is occurring, and these fun events, like the Holiday at the POPS Concert, will continue as The Foundation becomes a part of the Healthcare Foundation La Porte.
“The concert would not possible if not for a wonderful group of volunteers, and support from our sponsors,” said Maria Fruth, President, and CEO of the La Porte Hospital Foundation as well as the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. “It would make a huge impact if our children grew up more healthy and active, and this helps us provide that.”
The house was completely full for the event, including the balcony. People filled 62 tables on the main floor as well. Thunderous applause happened after nearly every act, with standing ovations for the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Children’s Choir.
“Our committee begins planning next year almost immediately after this,” said Deb Varnak, POPs committee chair with the La Porte Hospital Foundation. “The Children’s Fund affects thousands of youth, and we’re very proud of that.”
Performances for the evening were given by Cripple Creek with special guests Jenny Hartson, the North American Brass Company, Kyrie Anderson, Tim King, Jen Hayes and Maddi Reese Ames, the 11th Hoosier Star winner. The La Porte Symphony Orchestra performed, led by Maestro Philip Bauman.M
“It’s a beautiful thing that we get to do for the community. We don’t get paid. We do this for no money because we love it and it really makes a difference,” said David Applegarth, a member of Cripple Creek. The group is made up of Steve Eyrick, Mitch Marhanka, Lou Voelker, and John Langford as well, all live in the Door Village area of La Porte County.
The North American Brass Company gave a world premiere of a new composition called “Ho, Ho, Ho!”
“We’re just so happy to have the symphony perform for this event,” said Laura Cutler, Executive Director of the La Porte County Symphony, “Honestly, it’s an honor.”
“We thank you very much for offering us this chance to bring you this music,” said Phillip Brauman, Music Director/Conductor of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra during the event.
The 2016 partners who help make this and many other Foundation events possible include Platinum Sponsors: Anesthesia Associates of La Porte, Bye-Mór Inc., CareEnroll, Drayton Biege, Sirugo & Elliott LLP, Edward Jones, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP, Horizon Bank, La Porte Hospital, The Lanford Family, Qubit Networks, NKLJ, The Siefker Family. Other partners include 1st Source Bank, American Limb and Orthopedic Company of Valparaiso, Applegarth Dermatology, B&B Manufacturing, The Bunce Family, General Insurance Services, Harbour Trust, Harris Precast Inc., The La Porte County Herald-Argus, Larson Danielson Construction Company, One Advantage, NIPSCO, NRP Jones, PNC Bank, Swanson Center, Jack and Betty Tickler, Wells Fargo, John & Mary Smith, Christopher, Deb, Sydney, & Grace Varnak, and John & Laura Smith, Bill,Renee, Tally and Liam Wolf, Mr. John and Dr. Hester Muller, Blue Chip Casino LLC, Mr. & Mrs. Gene Burrows, Fas-Pak, Inc., Fenker’s Fine Furniture, Hawkins Print Shop, Heston Supper Club, Parkison & Hinton, CPA’s and Swanson Insurance.