Family Support Services raises more than $20,000 at first Gone Austin event

One-hundred-twenty guests entered Harvest Barn and took a trip to Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 27. All were there to help raise money to support the work and mission of Family Support Services of West Central Indiana.

FSSWCI hosted its first Gone Austin event with $20,000 raised to support victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and development of healthy families in Putnam, Owen, Clay, Montgomery and Boone counties.

“The 2018 Gone Austin event at Harvest Barn was a huge success this year,” Scott Monnett, executive director of Family Support Services, said. “We can’t thank Jack and Janae Berry enough for their hospitality. After fear of seasonably cool and wet weather leading up to the event, everything turned out great. This venue was perfect for the theme and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

“Thanks to all the volunteers who helped put it together and the sponsors who supported us,” Monnett added. “We could not have done it without you.”

Participants enjoyed appropriately western-themed food provided by Putnam Inn Catering, music entertainment from Anderson Entertainment and a silent auction with donated items from individuals and businesses all over the West Central Indiana region.

During the evening, FSSWCI Board Chairman Tammy Hunter welcomed the guests and thanked the planning committee which included Tammy Hunter, Deborah Miller, Sue McCune, Samantha Hinman, Laura Monnett, Maureen Egold and event planner Julie Thompson.

“Without Julie and the committee this event would not have been possible, we are grateful for their time and talents,” Hunter said.

Also during the evening Monnett recognized the staff, volunteers and community partners who makes the work of FSSWCI possible. Each year, Family Support Services completes nearly 4,500 in-home visits through the Healthy Families program assessing the needs and supporting the development of infants until age three. The ultimate goal is to prevent incidents of child abuse and neglect, while promoting healthy development.

In addition, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program spends more than 3,500 hours with more than 750 victims of domestic violence or sexual assault annually. The program assisted with the filing of more than 320 protective orders to assist victims escape incidents of violence. In total, FSSWCI provides services to more than 1,500 youth annually through direct service, supportive and leadership programs.

“Every day is different, but all are critical,” Monnett said. “Our advocates and family support specialist have to be prepared daily to provide support to our clients who need guidance, but also be ready to spring into action when life threatening emergency situations arise.”

Sponsors who helped make the Family Support Services Gone Austin event a successful fundraising event include Ascena Retail Group, Jerry’s Wrecker Service, Putnam County Hospital, Greencastle Hometown Dental, McDonald’s/Jedele Enterprises, Distinct Web Design, Burdge Boots & Boutique, Chiyoda, Wabash Capital, First National Bank, Prime Real Estate Group, Putnam Inn, Walmart, Gracehouse LLC., Anderson Entertainment, Harvest Barn Wedding and Event Venue. with special recognition going to AA Huber & Sons for more than 19 years of financial support of Family Support Services.

“It is such an honor to be able to host members and supporters from our community in support of the organization’s mission of creating community where no one is abused and all families have the support they need to live healthy lives.,” Monnett added. “We are grateful to all who supported the event this year and encourage anyone who would like to join us in our fight to contact us. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse can happen to anyone. We need the continued support of the community to make sure it doesn’t happen here.”

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana can be contacted at 653-4820 or by visiting www.fsswci.net. The organization plans another trip to Austin on Sept. 14, 2019.