Regional Care Group gala shines light on hope and whole-person care

On Friday, May 15, Regional Care Group hosted its annual gala at Chateau Banquets in Merrillville. This year’s event, entitled “Illuminated by Hope: A Table for All,” invited guests to an evening inspired by the timeless charm of Paris, the City of Lights.

For over 50 years, Regional Care Group has served northwest Indiana, providing comprehensive support during life’s most challenging moments, from crisis stabilization to long-term mental health care, as well as early childhood education. Guided by a commitment to whole-person care, the organization empowers children, individuals, and families to heal, grow, and thrive. The gala shines a light on expanding access to inclusive mental health care across northern Indiana.

This year’s gala celebrates not only that legacy, but also the collective strength of a community dedicated to ensuring that care is accessible to all. Illuminated by Hope reflects the shared belief that brighter futures are possible when compassion leads and communities come together. Carla Houck, Board Chair of Regional Care Group, believes the theme reflects their mission perfectly.

“It calls to mind a guiding light,” Houck said. “It’s a light that brings comfort when hearts are heavy, clarity when the path ahead feels uncertain, and strength when the journey feels long. It’s that steady hand that guides you through the darkness, reminding you that even in the hardest moments, light is still ahead.”

The evening began with a VIP reception featuring appetizers with wine pairings by Asparagus, live music from the Louis Pettinelli Jazz Quartet, and the opening of the silent auction before the gala program officially began.

Nicholas M. Neal, vice president of Community Services for Geminus, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. After opening remarks, Dr. William Trowbridge and Houck raised their glasses for a champagne toast with guests.

Trowbridge, president and CEO of Regional Care Group, spoke about the organization’s wide-reaching services and integrated approach to care.

“Regional Care Group is made up of three different corporations: Regional Health Systems, Lake Park Residential, and Geminus. Together we provide comprehensive, whole-person care, looking at all different things, including primary care, mental health, as well as your social care,” Trowbridge said.

The organization continues to expand its reach throughout the state, with Regional Care Group now serving 12 different counties throughout northwest and central northern Indiana. Trowbridge also highlighted several figures representing the impact of the organization’s work, including $1.6 million in annual grants through the Geminus Community Partners Program to organizations preventing child abuse. He also highlighted Regional Health Systems’ Psychiatry Residency Program, the only one in the northern half of Indiana and the only one in the country located within a Community Mental Health Center.

“The most important part of tonight’s event is to raise awareness of who we are and what we do, and the importance of the services that we provide,” Trowbridge said.

“We do a lot of different areas of services, whether it’s early childhood education or mental health, but it’s important to recognize no one’s in a silo of their needs,” Trowbridge said. “We’re making sure that we look at the bigger picture for clients and truly integrate all the things that they need into a single place, so they don’t have to go around to four or five different organizations. All the services they need are under one roof. We’re making sure that we’re really focusing on that individual in a better way.”

Houck also spoke about the uncertainty many people are currently facing and the importance of remaining hopeful.

“In general, there’s always going to be a segment of our society that is feeling anxious over all types of situations, whether it’s health, social, or what’s going on in society,” Houck said. “That’s where we have to be ready to have that integrated health care. We are here anytime someone goes through a crisis, no matter what caused it.”

She continued by encouraging attendees to embrace change and focus on growth.

“I am never going to say that things are dismal,” Houck said. “I like change, and change can be painful, but I have lived long enough to know that through cycles, good things always last out of change.”

Houck invited attendees to let the light in the room fill them with hope.

“This is what it looks like and feels like when a community with shared missions shows up,” Houck said. “We really are truly grateful that you joined us this evening and for believing in our work. Thank you for helping our community be strong of mind, body, and soul today.”

Keynote speaker Hannah Robinson spoke about the importance of prevention, partnership, and accessible mental health support for families.

“Tonight’s theme, ‘Illuminated by Hope: A Table for All’, beautifully captures what brings us together,” Robinson said. “This event is about more than a celebration. It’s a demonstration of our shared mission to provide life-changing care and create brighter futures throughout the Region. It’s a reminder that when we build a table big enough for all families, we make space for belonging, support, and opportunity.”

Robinson emphasized the role prevention plays in supporting children and families before crises occur.

“Families today face real stress, trauma, and unmet needs. Mental health lies at the core of family stability and child well-being,” Robinson said. “Prevention enables us to step in before a challenge becomes a crisis. Prevention is the quiet, powerful work of strengthening families long before they reach a breaking point.”

She also highlighted the partnership between Geminus and the Indiana Department of Child Services through programs like Community Partners for Child Safety and the Strengthening Indiana Families Family Resource Centers.

“Prevention does not belong to any one agency. It is only possible through partnership,” Robinson said. “Regional Care Group, schools, local leaders, mental health providers, community advocates — you are all part of this work.”

Robinson closed by reminding attendees that hope grows through collaboration and compassion.

“Families deserve support that is accessible, stigma-free, and rooted in trust,” Robinson said. “Hope is illuminated when we collaborate, when we listen, and when we ensure every family has a seat and a voice.”

Guests continued conversations over dinner and live music as the evening carried on. Throughout the night, attendees contributed generously through the gala’s fundraising efforts and silent auction. The event concluded with networking opportunities, a photo booth, and, sticking with the theme, macarons for dessert.

For more information on Regional Care Group and its services, please visit Regional Care Group.