Circle Plans 2 Events to Assist Saint Anthony Capital Campaign

CROWN POINT - Circle Restaurant and Bar is planning a double dose of generosity Aug. 25 and 29 to benefit the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign, and, in turn, underprivileged area residents.

On Aug. 25, John and Ronda Dessauer, who have owned the restaurant since 2005, are hosting their second fund-raiser to benefit the campaign. They have pledged, as they did with the first event on Jan. 27, to donate one-half of the day’s proceeds to benefit the campaign, which began last February and seeks to raise $4.5 million by the end of 2010 to provide funds for construction of a new complex to house St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance program, both of which provide free services to underprivileged or uninsured area residents.

So far nearly $2 million, half of which is matched by a private donor, has been raised. The campaign is Saint Anthony’s first since it opened in 1974.

On Aug. 29, Circle Restaurant and Bar’s Fifth Annual Golf Outing at Pheasant Valley Golf Course in Crown Point also will benefit the campaign, which will receive the day’s full proceeds.
“We always choose a local organization to benefit from the outing and this year decided to go with Saint Anthony for a while,” John Dessauer said, adding, “Saint Anthony has always played a role in the community as a cornerstone for people seeking medical attention and who are concerned about health.” About 40 players participated in last year’s outing.

Ronda Dessauer called the Circle’s efforts a win-win situation, adding they benefit the restaurant, and the campaign. “The last event (Jan. 27) was so successful because of the increased business and the funds that we were able to give back to the community,” she said.

Warren Johnson, director of development for Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region, said he appreciates the Dessauers’ once again stepping up to help the cause.
“As we anticipate final approval to begin building a new St. Clare Health Clinic, loyal donors John and Ronda Dessauer are renewing their fund-raising efforts to help us raise the money needed for this new clinic. With their help and that of others, we will reach our goal,” Johnson said.

The Dessauers’ lead has been followed by Conservative Café, 201 N. Main St., and Ponderosa steak house, 1498 N. Main St., both of which have conducted fund-raisers to benefit the campaign.

Circle Restaurant and Bar is located at 110 S. Court St. For more information, or to register for the golf outing, call Jodi Gleason at (219) 661-0101.