Pictured is the crowd at the luncheon listening to Keynote Speaker, Linda Bowdler.

KOSCIUSKO — Thanks to the efforts of many sponsor corporations, table captains, volunteers and attendees, the second annual Angels of Hope luncheon raised nearly $30,000 to support Beaman Home’s mission of providing shelter, education and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence, and sexual assault. The luncheon was filled with inspiration and hope as attendees were riveted while Linda Bowdler shared the heart-wrenching story of her and her family’s ten-year journey after she and her two grandsons witnessed the murder of her daughter, Lisa, the mother of the boys, at the hands of their father. Lisa’s youngest son, Adrian, shared a flute solo that he dedicated to his mother leaving not a dry eye in the house. 

The luncheon was catered by the Beaman Home Chef with help from other staff and volunteers. It was an Italian menu and enhanced by flavored olive oil provided by The Olive Branch in the Village at Winona, and topped off with a homemade cookie provided by Betty’s Cake Shop of Warsaw. Linens for the tables were provided by Wildman Business Group, while the entire event could not have been possible without the wonderful facility provided by the caring people of Christ’s Covenant Church.

Towards the end, Beaman Home Executive Director, Tracie Hodson shared the programs and needs for ongoing funding, and invited all to participate in the Lisa Bowdler Angel Society which will allow for an ongoing financial stream where 90 percent will be used immediately to support the mission, while the other 10 percent of gifts will establish a rainy-fund for future projects.  The goal was to acquire 100 monthly supporters, and 35 enrolled during the event. If you are interested in becoming part of the Lisa Bowdler Angel Society, more information can be found on the Beaman Home website, www.TheBeamanHome.com.

To create a fun atmosphere, each attendee was asked to donate a box of diapers, pull-ups or baby wipes, which garnered a whole van-load of diapers that will help those who come into shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their small children. More fun occurred as attendees were able to purchase a “secret” box for a game added this year called the Box Trot. Chapman Jewelers provided something of value for each of 50 boxes that could be purchased for $50 per box for a chance to win a grand prize jewelry set worth over $2,000 from Chapman Jewelers. The grand prize winner was selected at the end of the event, which provided a little levity to the event. The winner was Tabitha Cooper from Paragon Medical.

Other sponsors of the event were Paragon Medical, 1^st Source Bank, Law Office of Travis McConnell, Kristy Ormsby, LSC Communications, Parkview Warsaw, Old National Bank, Hall & Marose Silveus, PNC Bank. Silveus Insurance Group, Tri-Kappa of Warsaw, Warsaw NOON Optimist Club, Alderfer Bergen & Co., United Methodist Churches of Burket and Beaver Dam. This event could not have been made possible without the continued support of our great sponsors.

Beaman Home has provided services to Kosciusko, Fulton and Marshall Counties’ victims of domestic violence and their children since 1985. For more information, please visit, www.thebeamanhome.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheBeamanHome, Twitter @Hope4DVVictims, LinkedIn or Instagram. 

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of assault or abuse – there is help. Please do not hesitate to contact Beaman Home’s Toll Free 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (877) 725-9363.