Members of the Carroll County Agriculture Association slaved over a hot, smoky griddle Sunday to cook pork chops for at least 500 visitors at Carroll Manor. The meat was donated by IPC and the labor and griddle were provided by the Ag Association. The event was organized by IPC as a fundraiser for the Manor and held on-site at the facility. Photo provided There has been controversy in the past two years about the potential sale of the land around, and possibly including, Carroll Manor to Indiana Packers Corporation. When the controversy arose, Manor staff hosted an open house and members of IPC staff attended. Janet Smith, a multi-year IPC employee, came away with an idea about how to help the Manor and how to demonstrate to the community IPC has only the best intentions for the facility.

“I am a member of this community, first and foremost,” Smith said. “I toured the Manor last year and it tugged on the heartstrings a little bit.”

Smith said she returned to work with the idea that IPC could do something positive for the facility and spoke with IPC President Gary Jacobson about hosting a fundraiser on the grounds.

“We could have just handed over a check,” Smith explained. “But we thought more was needed.”

She said the genesis for the concept of the first event came from the feeling that the Manor needed something to give them a boost in the eyes of the community. Smith said IPC sponsored and hosted the first fundraiser on site in 2008.

“Last year we figured the Manor needed some positive attention as much as they needed funds,” she said. “But it turned into a great and positive community thing.”

“It was neat to see that come together last year, not only to raise money but to see the community show support for Carroll Manor,” she said. “I don’t have an ulterior motive about doing this. Just writing a check might have paid some bills, but that would have been impersonal.”

Smith said she put a lot of personal and company time into organizing the event, but was quick to recognize the groups and individuals who also helped.

“We found out there was a lot of support for the Manor in the community,” she said. “I like involving the other organizations and we have to give them credit for what they have done.”

Smith said help came from the Delphi Key Club, Carroll County Agriculture Association, Tri-Kappa, Psi Iota Xi, Flora, Delphi and Camden Lions clubs, Delphi FFA, St. Joseph and Delphi United Methodist and other churches and individuals.

“The Ag Association cooked chops for us, Tri- Kappa and Psi Oates baked cakes,” Smith said. “We got a huge tent from American Party Time Rentals in Kokomo, and rented tables and chairs.”

“Some people just jumped in and offered to help,” Smith added.

Roughly 500 people attended the Sunday event. Although the money is still being counted, Smith estimated the Manor will receive close to a $5,000 donation from the pork chop meal, which included green beans, applesauce, chips, bread and butter, dessert and drinks.

“I’d like for this to be an annual event for as long as it is needed,” she said. “We donate pork to the Manor whenever they need it. All they have to do is ask for it because we try to be a good community member and neighbor.”