FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

Contact: Susan Rozzi, Associate Director

(317) 718-1200

susan@hendrickscountycf.org

October 6, 2009                                                               

HABIT OF THE HEART GALA WEEKEND EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

( AVON , IND. ) – In an uncertain economy, the Habit of the Heart Gala Weekend proved to be a huge success, exceeding last year’s goal by raising a remarkable $63,000 to help Hendricks County women and children in emergency need.

Kicking off the weekend at the Gala Dinner, Friday, September 25, attendees enjoyed live and silent auctions, a diamond/champagne raffle, Tablescapes competition, games and gourmet dinner. At the Ladies in Red Luncheon, Saturday, September 26, women participated in the Handbag Habit, Hendricks County ’s original charity purse auction, connected over lunch and laughed with keynote speaker, Dr. Suzanne Metzger.

“This year’s event was spectacular,” shares event co-chair Rhonda Wiles. “The Habit of the Heart Committee is a passionate group of over 25 women who work hard throughout the year as a team. This year they have increased the awareness of the needs of our children in Hendricks County . The result was a wonderful, fun, enjoyable event for a cause that matters to many.”

Proceeds from the weekend are donated to the Habit of the Heart Fund which benefits women and children in emergency need and to the Hendricks County Community Foundation. Hendricks County students have only been in school for a couple months and yet guidance counselors and school nurses have already requested over $10,000 from the Habit of the Heart Fund.

“We receive requests for grants from the Habit of the Heart Fund daily,” says Janet Haley, executive director of the Hendricks County Community Foundation. “We are able to respond within 48 hours to most requests. The success of this year’s event will allow us to make even more grants in the coming year.”

When a classroom teacher, school nurse or guidance counselor identifies a child in need, they simply fax a grant application to the Community Foundation. Because the Habit of the Heart Advisory Committee has authorized the Community Foundation to award grants up to $250, grants can be made within a week for those in need meeting necessary criteria. Other grants are taken under consideration by the Advisory Committee. The Habit of the Heart Fund has given over $35,000 to help meet emergency needs.

The Habit of the Heart Fund is held at the Hendricks County Community Foundation which manages a $6 million collection of funds created by individuals, families and organizations for charitable purposes. The Community Foundation provides an easy, effective way for donors to make a lasting impact on Hendricks County . For more information, contact the Hendricks County Community Foundation at 317.718.1200 or visit www.hendrickscountycf.org.