By Anna Skinner
Six years ago, when Phil Hiatt planned his own birthday party, he decided he wanted to celebrate by helping those in need.
Every year prior, Hiatt held a party at his house cooking kabobs and having a good time. Once a lot of people began showing up, he decided to use that to assist others instead of celebrating himself.
That idea turned into the annual hosting of a fundraiser after he began talking to people to find a child in need that deserved a hand-up.
Now, Hiatt cooks kabobs every year with a raffle and donations available for those who attend and want to donate to the fundraiser. Over the past six years, Hiatt has raised nearly $5,000 each year for a different child.
This year, that kid is Austin Leach, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School who is not able to attend school because of a kidney illness. When Leach was two, he had strep throat that resulted in lymphatic syndrome, which led to kidney damage at seven and a kidney transplant the same year.
Years later, Leach has experienced complications and needs another transplant because the other is failing.
This year’s party will be May 30, and in addition to the kabobs, shrimp trays and fruit trays, the whole street will bring one dish. The food is free, and two bands have volunteered to perform during the fundraiser. Various companies have donated items for the raffle that will take place, including Lowe’s Hardware, photographers raffling off sessions and more.
Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. All the money from ticket sales and additional donations will go directly to Leach.
Even though the fundraiser hasn’t taken place yet, two large donations have raised $5,500 for Leach already. Hiatt’s brother is one of those generous donors.
The party will take place at Hiatt’s house at 20029 Gregory Cir. in Noblesville. Revol Internet radio will be broadcasting from the event and Mayor Ditslear has received an invitation to attend as well. Hiatt is expecting a few hundred people to show up throughout the day.
Hiatt said that even though it’s his birthday, he doesn’t want to celebrate himself when he can help someone in real need. Leach’s years’ worth of kidney problems has not only led to his own suffering, but many trips to Riley Hospital which puts financial strain on his family.
“You want to try to live the best you can because you don’t know when your last day is,” Hiatt said. “Why not help a kid and give them what they can have because who knows what will happen tomorrow. I am just giving something for someone to look forward to.”
The event begins at 3 p.m. The bands will start playing around 5 p.m., and Hiatt plans for it to end around 11 p.m. All donations are tax-exempt through the Good Samaritan program.
