Commentary by Lori Goldsby
Three local cancer charities benefitted this week when Hamilton County residents from Carmel, Fishers and Geist gathered at the Vines For Life event at the Hawthornes Country Club. Creating Hope, a program founded in 2000, distributes art kits to patients who are undergoing cancer treatments. It was started when Jeanette Shamblen found that art therapy helped to alleviate her symptoms of pain, fatigue and stress. Indy SurviveOars is a dragon boat racing team founded by Kathy Martin Harrison for women who are recovering from the effects of breast cancer. They paddle on Geist Reservoir from April to October and compete in national competitions. Team Luke was founded in 2008 by Vicky and Todd Andritsch when their 3-year-old son, Luke, was diagnosed with leukemia. The drum circles and Rhythm Pax activities give the gift of music to children fighting life threatening illnesses.
The fifth year for this event, it has grown each year and was a sell-out crowd as attendees noshed on heavy appetizers from The Hawthornes and students from The Chef’s Academy. Wines, craft whiskeys, bourbons and beers were available for sampling from Elite Beverages. The Bongo Boys provided music with a fun beat while guests mingled and bid on auction items.
