GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Franciscan Health Foundation Circle of 1875 will be hosting a Spring Tea on Friday, April 24 at Sassafras Tea Room in Greenwood from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Circle of 1875, which is named for the year the first Franciscan hospital was opened in Lafayette, is a charitable group that provides an opportunity for women who want to make a difference in Franciscan’s healthcare community. As part of the Circle of 1875, members become a part of something bigger than themselves. By pooling financial gifts, an even greater impact can be provided to those in need.

Last year, the Circle of 1875 provided $30,000 to three different programs.

Initiatives supported by the Circle of 1875 in recent years include the Franciscan Health/Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry, serving more than 500 families as well as providing over 600 bottles of donor breast milk to babies in need.

In addition, the group has funded fertility care, fall prevention kits, and emergency bleeding kits.

The Circle of 1875 also has backed programs for auto safety, food insecurity, and stroke recovery. The group has funded care items for patients in Center of Hope, Grace Project and Memories to Hold.

“A year or two into my employment at Franciscan, a co-worker from the Franciscan Health Foundation presented me with the opportunity to join the Circle of 1875,” said Kristin Doss, who works in nursing administration for Franciscan Health in Central Indiana. “I saw this as an opportunity to network, personally and professionally, with a group of outstanding ladies. I liked the idea of getting to know some of our leaders in a charitable setting. The combination of giving to those in need and joining other amazing women to do so, keeps me coming back annually.”

Gifts from Circle of 1875 members help ensure access to vital services through Franciscan Health, including screenings, treatment resources, education, and support programs that many patients might otherwise struggle to obtain. These services provide not only medical care but also reassurance and dignity during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

“I joined the Circle of 1875 because I knew that my donation would have an even greater impact with the strength of numbers in the group,” said another Circle of 1875 member. “The Circle also allows me to hear directly from those seeking funds and support and hear their story and goals. It makes me feel a part of the groups we support, and I truly feel I make a difference.”

Sassafras Tea Room is located at 229 North Madison Avenue in Greenwood.

Those interested in attending the Spring Tea must RSVP by April 17 to Dawn Trader at
dawn.trader@franciscanalliance.org.