Mayor Sue Lynch distributed more than $21,000 to 17 organizations Saturday, July 31 during her inaugural charity event held at Duneland Falls Banquet Hall.
The theme of the event was Healing, Hope & Harmony.
Donations will be used for everything from feline and canine rescues to veteran services, children's programs, senior services, fire and police training, a new community swimming pool and more.
Recipients of this year's donations were American Legion Post 260 Auxiliary, Feline Community Network, Gabriel's Horn, Hannah's Hope Inc., Jacob's Ladder, MAAC Foundation Inc., Portage Exchange Club, Portage Resale Shop Inc., Portage LIVE! Entertainment, Bonner Senior Center Ways & Means Committee, FOP Lodge 145 Cops for Kids, Guardians of the Green Mile, Hoosier Burn Camp, Kiwanis Club, Portage Event Partnership, Portage Helping Hands and Portage YMCA.
“Portage has shown what a wonderful community it is through its generous donations,” said Lynch. “I am grateful for each and every one of them. The funds will touch every segment of our community, from seniors to children, veterans to rescue groups, as well as the community at-large.
“We hope the event grows each year so that we can assist so many worthwhile causes in Portage,” she said.
City Attorney Dan Whitten emceed the event. Pastor Michael Pirtle of City of Refuge Church led the group in the invocation before dinner. The Portage Fire Department Honor Guard presented colors. Music was provided by the Latin Satin Soul Band.
Donors who made the evening possible were: Allen's Snow Removal & Lawn Care, Todd Gore, ILA Locals 2038 & 1969, Debra Podgorski, Samuelson Insurance, U.S. Steel, Dan & Stacey Whitten, Barnes & Thornburg, IBEW Local 531, Chuck Moseley, Rieth-Riley, Security Door, Inc., USW Local 6787, NIPSCO, Abonmarche Consultants, Gariup Construction, IUOE Local 150, Northern IN Area Labor Federation, American StructurePoint, Horizon Bank, Rhame, Elwood & McClure, Cender & Cender, Gary and Beth Germann, Ironworkers Local 395, LiLuna Local 81, NWI Building and Construction Trades, Circle R Electric, Mel Gore and Kuraray MonoSol.
The Porter County Community Foundation received all ticket sales and event sponsorships, issuing payments for event expenses and donations.
