Add Row 
Add 
Connecting Through Community: A Heartfelt Endeavor
In the latest episode of Spotlight 219, we see a beautiful intersection of community spirit and personal resilience. Frank DeBartolo, owner of Royal Pools and advocate for families battling cancer, unveiled an inspiring initiative called Splash for Support. This program aims to assist five families facing the overwhelming challenges of cancer by offering them free access to a swimming pool, allowing them to create joyful memories during a difficult time.
In SPOTLIGHT 219 - #008, the discussion dives into the heartwarming connections formed through local charitable events and initiatives, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.
DeBartolo's motivation is deeply personal—having watched his father fight a courageous battle against cancer, he felt the importance of giving back while using his expertise in pool maintenance and landscaping. As he explained, maintaining a pool may seem like a small gesture, but it has the potential to bring families together in moments of happiness amidst hardship. For those in the community, applying for this assistance is straightforward; interested families can simply visit the Royal Pools website and navigate to the Splash for Support section.
Celebrating 30 Years: St. Jude House’s Impact
Next, we turned our attention to another remarkable cause: the 30th anniversary of St. Jude House, a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence. Director of Development, Lauren Zurbriggen, shared their journey and how they continue to provide vital support to those in need across Northwest Indiana. St. Jude House serves as a safe haven, ensuring that residents can feel at home while rebuilding their lives.
On May 16, the organization will host its largest fundraiser, Stand Up for St. Jude House, at County Line Orchard. The event promises to blend fun and philanthropy seamlessly, featuring comedian Mike Tumi and local music while raising awareness around domestic violence. It’s not just a fundraising event; it's a celebration of survival and community support.
The Delicious Challenge of Batista’s Deep Dish Pizza
Lastly, we witnessed a comical yet relatable food challenge featuring Aaron Dorman, the food beat writer for the Times, who covered a local deep-dish pizza eating contest at Batista. Eden Gaal attempted to conquer an entire large deep-dish pizza in under 30 minutes—a feat that many might find daunting. The light-hearted competition highlighted not just the enthusiasm for local cuisine but also the bonds between family and friends. Aaron’s light commentary and Eden's humorous struggle reminded us that local dining experiences can be some of the most memorable moments shared with loved ones.
In a world often filled with challenges and uncertainty, stories like these from Spotlight 219 remind us of the power of community support, the compassion shown by organizations like Royal Pools and St. Jude House, and the joys of local food culture that connect us all.
Write A Comment