Valparaiso, IN – Hilltop Neighborhood House (Hilltop) hosted its Vine to Village Fundraiser on Sunday, October 25, at Don Quijote Restaurant in Valparaiso. The event celebrated and raised money for Hilltop’s newly established Hunger Link Program, an initiative designed to combat food insecurity by enabling local police officers and first responders to deliver immediate food aid to families in crisis.
Rising costs increasingly make it difficult for many individuals and families in the Valparaiso area to consistently afford food. The Hunger Link program directly addresses this issue by equipping first responders with the ability to provide essential nourishment. Jennifer Wright, President and CEO of Hilltop, detailed the program's scope, stating, “This is for Hunger Link, which is a hunger relief program that we’re partnering with first responders on.” The program's partners include the Center Township Trustee, the Porter County Sheriff’s Department, and the Valparaiso Police Department. This partnership ensures that when an officer or first responder encounters a family without food, they can offer immediate support, alleviating the burden of purchasing food out of their own pockets, a practice that has occurred in the past.
The Vine to Village Fundraiser was critical to establishing resources for Hunger Link. All proceeds from the evening are dedicated to purchasing food for distribution through the program. The event brought together Hilltop volunteers, board members, and friends for an evening of authentic Spanish food and wine. Attendees had opportunities to donate directly, and the fundraiser also included both online and in-person auctions held during the dinner. Wright underscored the necessity of these contributions, explaining, “Without the resources, we can’t purchase the food. It all goes together: time, talent, and treasure.” She emphasized that these resources are vital to acquiring food, distributing it to first responders, and ultimately reaching clients, ensuring the program's seamless operation.
Beyond immediate assistance, the Hunger Link model includes follow-up support. Social workers from the partnering agencies—the trustees’ office, the sheriff’s department, and the police department—will contact clients the day after initial food delivery. This follow-up aims to ensure families receive long-term and sustainable food support.
Don Quijote Restaurant and its owner, Carlos Rivero, have consistently supported Hilltop House initiatives. Rivero is passionate about hunger relief and has hosted many of Hilltop’s events. Kelly Anthony, a Hilltop Neighborhood House board member, commended this long-standing relationship, stating, “Carlos is so supportive of Hilltop House. He’s always been great, especially for hunger relief programs.”
Hilltop Neighborhood House has been a steadfast community staple in Valparaiso for many years, significantly impacting numerous local families. Heather Hendren, another Hilltop board member, shared that her family’s deep connection to the organization, particularly through her mother, inspired her own involvement. The recent Vine to Village Fundraiser demonstrated a unified community effort to support crucial causes, embodying a special energy as residents came together to address fundamental needs like food access for their neighbors.
