By Heather Lusk
Since opening March 1, Mountain House Maternity Home in Whitestown has welcomed its first infant and is preparing for growth. Founder Lori Buzzetti is organizing a second fundraiser to help continue the mission of her organization, So Big.
The Sept. 27 “Born to Sparkle” fundraiser at the Golf Club of Indiana in Whitestown will directly help the Mountain House by covering overhead expenses and food for residents.
During the evening, guests will be entertained by comedian Jonnie W. and a caricature artist.
Tickets are $75 and are available at sobig.org/events.html. An online silent auction will be ongoing during the evening with a live auction at the event. Some of the larger items for the live auction include a trip to Sanibel Island, chairs from RG Décor and a golf outing for four.
Last year’s “Born to Sparkle” event raised $110,000, just under half of So Big’s annual budget. This year, Buzzetti wants to raise $150,000.
The Mountain House provides shelter, food and clothing for homeless expectant women and their children. It also offers lessons in life skills to help them get back on their feet, whether through a career path or furthering their education.
The first mother and her infant have found new housing. Two more expectant mothers to move into Mountain House within the next week. The facility has room for up to four mothers. When the next group of women enter the program, they’ll participate in Wheeler Mission’s Transform Class. All of the programs are led by volunteers.
“We’re just taking our time,” Buzzetti said. “We may take three and just catch our breath. Since they’ll all be new, it’s going to take some time to get them settled.”
