By David Slone
Times-Union
WINONA LAKE — All proceeds from Project Ebenezer’s 2025 Helping Heroes Fest directly benefit Kosciusko County first responders through mental health and wellness initiatives.
In 2024, funds from the event helped support 17 local first responders.
“We are committed to continuing this vital work by providing financial assistance and access to trauma-informed therapy and wellness program,” according to information provided by Project Ebenezer.
The two-day event at Winona Lake Limitless Park includes a variety of activities Saturday and Sunday for every member of the community.
• The pickleball tournament begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and runs throughout the day. This event will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the Gordon Health and Wellness Center at Grace College. Any changes to the location will be posted on Project Ebenezer’s Facebook page, otherwise, they plan to remain outdoors.
• The Kids Fest is a free community event hosted by local first responders from various agencies across Kosciusko County. Activities are designed to be both fun and educational, giving kids a chance to interact with the heroes who serve the community. While there is no cost to participate, donation jars will be available for anyone who feels led to support these first responders who are volunteering their time to give back.
• The raffle features over 60 items, with tickets available for purchase starting Saturday at 8 a.m. (when the pickleball tournament begins) and closing Sunday at the conclusion of the tournament. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. You do not need to be present to win.
• Fellowship Missions’ “It’s All Good” food truck will be on site Saturday and Sunday, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kona Ice will also be available both days, with proceeds benefiting Project Ebenezer.
• Police K9 demonstrations will be 10 to 10:30 a.m. Watch the police K9s demonstrate odor detection and how they apprehend suspects.
• From 11 a.m. to noon, Lutheran EMS employees will be at the ambulance to help you build your very own first aid kit and learn how to “Stop the Bleed” with a wound packing activity.
• Noon to 1 p.m., the firefighter obstacle course will allow you to “conquer the challenge of navigating obstacles” set up by the Warsaw Professionals Firefighters Local 5461 and see just how fast you an move through the course.
• Also, from noon to 1p.m., members of the law enforcement Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Warsaw Dive Team will be on site with their specialty emergency vehicles and tools specific to their specialty. There will also be fire trucks and police vehicles on site during this time for touring.
• The Kosciusko County Dispatch Center will have dispatchers on site providing face painting and temporary tattoos from 1 to 2 p.m., while CARES will have hair tinsel. The hair tinsel will be in first responder-theme colors.
• From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join first responders for rock painting, coloring and bracelet making under the activities tent. This station will be open for a few hours so everyone can feel free to enjoy the activities in between playing at the park and Splash Pad.
“We are incredibly grateful to our title sponsor, the K21 Health Foundation, as well as all of our generous sponsors who make this event possible,” the information provided states.
For more information about the organization, visit www.projectebenezer.com or email projectebenezerinc@gmail.com
