Sunday August 6th, Adult & Child Health and the Gaunt Family hosted The Mansion on the Mile Tour for Foster Youth. The event served as a fundraiser for foster care with donations at the door affording guests the chance to tour the historic Tate Mansion on 228 N. East Street in Indianapolis.
The home first belonged to the affluent Warren and Helen Tate at the turn of the twentieth century. Warren, infamous for how we conducted his public business and personal affairs, is best known as the person who murdered a witness in the Marion County courthouse in 1878. Helen was once arrested for operating a house of “ill repute” in downtown Indy. Both were salacious; certainly not known for having warm, nurturing dispositions.
Fast forward over a century, when Tom & Jean Gaunt purchased the house with the intention of transforming it into a bed and breakfast. That dream was quickly placed on hold when the Tom & Jean, seasoned foster parents, adopted nine children at once. Turning a once nefarious and relatively empty mansion, into a full and loving home. Tom is a member of the Adult and Child Health’s Board of Directors, he and his wife have fostered over 100 children and adopted 11. Now empty nesters, the couple converted the home into a Bed and Breakfast, and graciously offered to open it to the public for A&C’s benefit.
The event had an incredible turnout with over 350 visitors and a total of $4,127.25 in donations. A network of volunteers led guests through the house, describing the rich historic significance of each room. Staff from Therapeutic Foster Care, ELT, and Development as well as Foster Parents, Foster Youth, and members of the Gaunt Family worked tirelessly, to make the event an absolute success! With such a large volume of attendance, we are truly grateful for all the effort put into their roles. A huge thank you to everyone involved with the event!
We are so excited for every opportunity to share our mission & engage with the community. The Gaunt’s story beautifully portrays what’s possible when parents are committed to providing a safe and loving home to foster children. Their large & loving family truly shows us that #ThisisWhy.
Visit here, for more information on the Mansion on the Mile Bed & Breakfast.
Interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Parent, or supporting Foster Care? Click here.
