Sisters bestow Rooted in Providence awards at donor dinner

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, conducted their annual Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Donor Dinner on Saturday, June 7.

Approximately 250 benefactors and others attended the event, which has taken place since 2000.

The dinner honors benefactors for their gifts of time, talent and resources, while also presenting the Queen Amelia, Sarah and Joseph Thralls, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Companion and Dujarié awards.

The theme for this year’s event was “Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.”

Also recognized are individuals, families, foundations or organizations who have contributed $100,000 or more to the Congregation. These friends receive the Rooted in Providence Recognition, which celebrates donors who are invested in the mission and ministries of the Congregation.

The Rooted in Providence award is a handmade stained-glass window hanging. The front of the window hanging reads “Rooted in Providence,” and the back reads “Sisters of Providence.

“It is a beautiful reminder of their loving commitment to the Congregation,” Vicar/General Treasurer Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp said during the banquet. “The stained-glass design and colors were pulled from the beautiful Rooted in Providence plaque, which permanently hangs in the south corridor leading to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.”

This year, honorees for the Rooted in Providence award included Sarah and John Lechleiter, Shirley Bayer-Altman, Julie and Dave Fuhs and Margaret McElroy.

“Your incredible generosity and deep care and support … have enabled the Sisters of Providence to see their way through some very difficult and challenging times, when we most needed rays of hope,” Sister Jeanne said of the Lechleiters.

The Lechleiters were unable to attend. Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis President Tyler Mayer accepted the award on their behalf.

Shirley Bayer-Altman was also unable to attend the banquet. Her sister, Bettye Jean Kuhn received the award in her honor.   

“Shirley was at one time a Sister of Providence,” Sister Jeanne said. “She entered the community the same year as Sister Rosemary (Schmalz) and they have been great friends ever since. She began supporting us with monetary gifts in 1979 and has been doing so ever since.”

“Julie and Dave have been with us through thick and thin for many years,” Sister Jeanne said. “They were one of the many people who responded so generously to our elevator campaign! Actually, they have been responding generously to so many of our needs for many years.”

Of Margaret McElroy, Sister Jeanne said, “She, too, is a former Sister of Providence and is remembered for her role in helping establish the Providence Speech and Hearing Center. Not only has she supported our various funds and the retirement trust since her first gift in 1983, but she also showers her sister friends with tasty treats and fun gifts during her regular visits back to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.”

A total of 70 individuals, families, foundations and organizations are named on the Rooted in Providence plaque.