Horizon Bank has demonstrated its commitment to the Northwest Indiana community by donating $20,000 to Friendship Botanic Gardens (FBG). On November 29th, Steve Kring, the Laporte County Market President for Horizon Bank, officially presented a check to the FBG board of directors.
Horizon’s gift will fund the creation of a new garden dedicated to cancer patients and their families. The funds will also be used to improve the electrical infrastructure at the Friendship Botanic Gardens main entrance along US Highway 12, where a new digital sign broadcasts the nonprofit organization’s events to passing motorists.
Founded in 1936, Friendship Botanic Gardens originally served as a preeminent destination point that drew tens of thousands of people into Michigan City every year. In more recent decades, the cultural impact of the Gardens waned, until a new board of directors launched an ambitious effort to revitalize and restore the grounds, facilities, and event programming.
John Leinweber, President of the Friendship Botanic Gardens board of directors, expressed gratitude for Horizon’s support. “I am so grateful for Horizon’s support for our Gardens. The Gardens are an asset with unlimited potential to make a difference in our community.” Leinweber said. He added: “On behalf of everyone in the FBG family, we’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to Horizon Bank for their phenomenal commitment to the future of Friendship Botanic Gardens and the entire Northwest Indiana community,”.
Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, Indiana. The grounds are open from May through October every year. For more information, call 219 878 9885 or visit www.friendshipgardens.org