Charitable Contributions and Community Events in Northwest Indiana

Casino Donates for Suicide Prevention

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana made a substantial donation of $25,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This contribution will be utilized to support the Out of the Darkness Northwest Indiana Walk scheduled for October 3, held at Wicker Park in Highland. The donation was formally presented at the casino in Gary on September 10.

For further details regarding the walk, visit the Out of the Darkness Northwest Indiana Walk website.

Institutional Impact Grant Awarded

Valparaiso University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology have jointly received an Institutional Impact grant from the Educating Character Initiative. Managed by The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, this grant amounts to $492,703. These funds will support the ‘Building Lives for Good: Character Formation through Story’ initiative, focusing on fostering student growth through narrative pedagogy. This approach utilizes storytelling to connect students with their lives and communities.

Upon piloting the program stages, both universities will use the findings to refine and implement a revised version within their educational structures.

Women’s Fund Grants Distribution

The Women’s Fund of Porter County has distributed $65,000 in grants to three local organizations aimed at addressing critical needs for women and children. The Northwest Indiana Food Council and Parents as Teachers of Porter County will receive $25,000 each, while the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will get $15,000. Since inception, the Women’s Fund has granted over $1 million towards programs benefiting women and children.

To learn more, visit the Women’s Fund website.

Promotions at CLH, CPAs & Consultants

CLH, CPAs & Consultants of Michigan City has elevated Allison Leffert, Seth Bedwell, and Ashley Boyan to managerial roles. Leffert, from LaPorte, was promoted to senior manager. She began as an intern with CLH in 2014 and 2015, joining full-time in 2016. Bedwell, also from LaPorte, started with internships in 2020 and 2021, becoming a full-time staff accountant post-graduation from Trine University, and was promoted to senior accountant before his manager role.

Boyan’s new role as client service team assistant manager marks an establishment, allowing her influence in shaping the firm’s direction. A LaPorte High School graduate, Boyan joined CLH in 2018.

Car Seat Safety Events

Franciscan Health Trauma Services presents free car seat safety events for Indiana residents during National Child Passenger Safety Month. The first event occurs September 23, from 3-6 p.m. at Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Legacy Campus. Another will be held September 25 at Munster Fire Station No. 2 in Lake County, also from 3-6 p.m. Car seat safety checks require reservations and typically take 30 minutes per child, providing caregivers with assessments and education.

For more information, call 219-488-1380.

SHE Women’s Health Conferences

Registration is open for Franciscan Health’s Strong, Healthy, Empowered (SHE) Women’s Health Conferences. The first event on September 26 runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Purdue University Northwest, themed ‘The Evolution of the Empowered Woman.’ It focuses on health, wellness, and personal growth. Panels discuss reproductive, maternal, perimenopause, and menopause health.

The second event takes place October 23 at Purdue University Northwest, featuring ‘Take Charge of Your Health through Every Transition’ as a theme. For tickets or details, visit the Franciscan Health Foundation website.

Purdue University Northwest Enrollment

For the 2026-27 academic year, Purdue University Northwest welcomed 1,653 new undergraduate students, recording a 70.8% retention rate for second-year students. This marks a consecutive record for returning students. The retention rate saw an increase of nearly 5% compared to two years ago. The university noted a surge in first-year students from various service areas, including Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Lake Central, Munster, and Valparaiso. Indiana residents constitute approximately 80% of the total student body, with total enrollment reaching 6,103 this fall.