April event heralds hospital’s century-long health care ministry in Central Indiana
Spotlight on Franciscan St. Francis Health’s past with a focus on the future
INDIANAPOLIS — Step back in time to 1914. Henry Ford introduces the assembly line for the Model T. Charlie Chaplin debuts as “The Tramp” in film. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated, thus sparking World War I and Babe Ruth plays his first professional baseball game with the Baltimore Orioles.
Back home again in Indiana, René Thomas wins the 4th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race and blisters the track with a record-setting lap of 82.4 mph and Mayor Joseph Bell establishes the police force’s first vice squad.
And in fledgling Beech Grove on Indianapolis’ south side, St. Francis Hospital begins accepting patients at is new medical facility, complete with 75 beds, operating rooms and an emergency room. It was the fulfillment of a vision orchestrated by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.
Franciscan St. Francis Health – formerly St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers – is celebrating its centennial in 2014 and will officially kick off a series of activities beginning Thursday, April 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Step Back in Time” will offer friends of Franciscan St. Francis Health a preview of its centennial celebration gala at the JW Marriott on Saturday, Sept. 27. The April 10 event will provide the special 100 guests an evening of hospital history and refreshments; actresses dressed in 1914-era clothing, who will mingle with guests; Fred Astaire dance instructors demonstrating their fleet-footed moves to Big Band music; and the opportunity to preview silent auction items that will be featured at the gala.
Guest also will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a free two-year lease on a Fiat 500 Pop from Tom O’Brien FIAT of Greenwood. The winner of the Fiat will be announced during the gala in September.
Honorary Co-Chairs of the Franciscan St. Francis Centennial Celebration Gala on Sept. 27 are The Most Rev. Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Indianapolis, and Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter and his wife Sarah.
While history drives this event, the future of the hospital’s outreach to the greater community also takes a front seat. Proceeds will be designated to the Hospice House project. Groundbreaking for this free-standing facility, located on the Indianapolis hospital campus, is scheduled for June 12 with completion by year’s end.
When complete, the facility will serve as many as 600 Central Indiana families annually. It includes a 16-suite facility (with additional shell space for future expansion); bright gathering areas, kitchen and dining areas; garden-like landscaping and a chapel for meditation and worship; and unlimited visitation from loved ones and family members, including family pets.
To learn more about Hospice House and see images, click HERE.
Franciscan St. Francis will have other activities throughout the year to celebrate “A Century of Inspiring Health.” A video is being produced to recount the hospital’s growth at the former Beech Grove hospital and its campuses at Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel and a “history wall” is being developed for public display.
