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PRESS RELEASE
The ACCF recently awarded a grant to Hope’s Harbor for overnight accommodations for Adams County Families.
Hope’s Harbor, which was previously known as Mad Anthony’s Children Hope House, is a pediatric hospitality house located on the campus of the Lutheran Health Network in Fort Wayne. Based upon availability and eligibility, Hope’s Harbor provides a family centered, home-like, supportive environment for families with children who are hospitalized with a serious illness or injury.
Leah Smitley, Hope’s Harbor Development Specialist, expressed appreciation to the ACCF for this support, which has provided 13 Adams County residents 88 overnight stays at Hope’s Harbor.
Cam Collier, ACCF grants committee member, noted that the ACCF is pleased to be able to support Hope’s Harbor and their effort to help Adams County families in crisis.Â
This ACCF grant was made possible through the Robert Eugene & Sandra Butcher Community Enrichment Fund and the First Presbyterian Church Charity Fund.
The Eugene and Sandra Butcher Family Fund represents and remembers Gene and Susie Butcher and their family. Married nearly 55 years, Gene and Susie had five children:Â Eugene, Verlin, Karen, Nancy, and Melissa. They had a sincere appreciation for the community that helped raise their family and wished to provide an annual tribute to this community.
The First Presbyterian Church Charity Fund has a rich history. In 1836, when Decatur was platted, Samuel Rugg offered to give a lot to each of the first four churches. The original location platted for the First Presbyterian Church was the SE corner of Monroe and Fifth. Unfortunately, with the reduction in parishioners and attendance, the First Presbyterian Church of Decatur opted to recommend the dissolution of the congregation. With over 175 years of active service in Decatur, it was with heavy hearts this dissolution was approved. This fund was established as an on-going tribute to the many loyal parishioners that sacrificed, donated, bequeathed their savings, and built the beautiful church and to uphold the memories of one of the first four churches in Decatur.