Beautiful Donor Tribute Art Revealed and Celebrated at Unity Park

Unity Foundation of La Porte County had to get creative to thank donors for their support of Unity Park,
a two acre area on beautiful Pine Lake, which is now home to new public art. In a well-attended
celebration, the Power of Community shined bright as many donors and supporters watched as the
tribute art was revealed. In the celebration, Ed Volk, Past Co-Chair of the Unity Foundation Board of
Directors, and Maggi Spartz, President, thanked the Unity Foundation Board and the many corporate
and private donors that made this project possible. Volk provided a brief history of the project. Jon
Gilmore and Michele Magnuson, current Co-Chairs of Unity highlighted a permanent plaque located at
the Park commemorating the project leaders.

When it was gifted to the City in 2016, the property was appraised at $1,515,000. The accompanying
endowment fund for its care was started with a $100,000 gift from the La Porte Park Foundation. Mayor
Mark Krentz said, “This is a project that I did not mind inheriting. Thank you for preserving our beautiful
lakefront” and introduced Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber who said “Thank you to the Unity
Foundation and the project donors for this wonderful community green space.” The care given by
Schreiber and his team help assure this park greets visitors and residents with a welcoming view of one
of our largest and most beautiful lakes each day. Kathy Chroback, Mayor of La Porte at the time this
project began said, “Maggi came to me with this idea. She and the Unity Board weren’t sure this would
get support, but I told them that the people of La Porte are caring and generous. They would support
this fabulous project.”

During the presentation, Spartz thanked public artist Deb Landry for her inspiration and execution of the
art. Spartz also highlighted the decision to work with Recycled Granite which gave four distinct benefits:
diverting 2,000 pounds of granite from the landfill, employing several Special Needs Artisan Apprentices
to create, deliver and help install the tiles making the 11’ x 11’ portion of concrete permeable, letting
rainwater through naturally; and finally recognizing Unity Park supporters in a permanent and artful
way. The event was capped off as the sun set over Pine Lake, with a view that is forever protected
thanks to the generous donors in our community.

To see the artwork, visit Unity Park on Pine Lake Avenue and consider making a donation to the Unity
Park Endowment Fund at www.uflc.net to support the maintenance and care of Unity Park forever.

The Park was also one of the Bicentennial Nature Trust, legacy projects commemorating Indiana’s
bicentennial celebration in 2016. Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch toured the park later that evening.

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities.
As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages approximately $32 million in assets, administers
more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed approximately $19 million through direct grants and
scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana
and national ethical and operating standards for community foundations.

Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent
endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for
social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.uflc