Big Hearts, Big Generosity

A total of $650,000 was raised by our community as part of Have a Heart, a community art project fundraiser presented by Elkhart General Hospital Foundation. Held at The Lerner Theatre on Feb. 14, the first-time event will direct proceeds to support Elkhart General’s heart failure initiatives and HeartReach Michiana, a non-profit organization that uses donations to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the region.

Additionally, the Foundation contributed a portion to Martin’s (Supermarket) Foundation that will use the donation to support the Elkhart Police Department and the families and employees who need mental health services following the Jan. 15 shooting at an Elkhart Martin’s Supermarket.

Nearly 400 people packed the Crystal Ballroom at The Lerner for what was an enormously successful fundraiser. A total of 18, five-foot and 23 table-top fiberglass hearts, designed and created by local artists, were auctioned off at the event. Foundation Executive Director Jon Housand says the event donations will help bolster the already top-notch Elkhart General Center for Cardiac Care.

“I was overwhelmed,” Housand says of the peoples’ generosity. “The event far exceeded our expectations. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to Have a Heart, and we are honored that so many generous individuals care so much about improving the quality of life in our region.”