Local luminaries shine bright in style show benefiting hospice project

INDIANAPOLIS – Several locally known leaders in media, medicine and business will taxi down the fashion runway for an event benefiting end- of-life patients and their families served by St. Francis Hospice.

The 5th annual St. Francis Hospice Style Show – "Caring Beyond Curing" – is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at Primo Banquet and Conference Center, 2615 E. National Ave., Indianapolis. Proceeds go to the Bridge Campaign initiative, which seeks to construct an inpatient Hospice House facility near St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis on the city’s south side.

Among the guest models: Stacia Matthews, health and fitness reporter at WRTV-6; Winnie Ballard, wife of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard; Rowana Umbarger, wife of Major General R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General for the State of Indiana; Karle Schaefer, 2008 500 Festival Queen; Susan McRoberts, vice president and chief nursing officer at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers; Vicki Perry, chief executive office of Advantage Health Solutions; Pam Hickman, owner of Patora Jewelers; and several St. Francis hospice and palliative caregivers.

Rafael Sanchez, WRTV’s "Call 6 for Help" will serve as master of ceremonies.
The event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with a silent auction, followed by the luncheon & style show presented by Coldwater Creek.

The St. Francis Healthcare Foundation is spearheading the Bridge Campaign to build a free-standing 16-suite facility with room for expansion to 32 suites. It also will include gathering and dining areas, landscaping and a chapel.

It is estimated that Hospice House will serve more than 800 patients per year. St. Francis medical professionals will provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week state-of-the-art pain and symptom management including emotional and spiritual support.

For more information about St. Francis Hospice Style Show sponsorships, registration and auction packages, contact Glenda Dennison at 317-859-2874.