Helping Challenged Children

Kurt Schepers

Did you know there is a local organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of mentally and physically challenged children throughout Indiana? Approximately 260,000 children in Indiana have some sort of special needs. And one local charity organization is doing their part to help children who can’t help themselves.

Carmel resident Kurt Schepers, along with several other members, founded Helping Challenged Children (HCCI) in 2002 after they couldn’t get a local charter from a similar group. The purpose of the organization is to raise money for children who need durable medical goods that insurance won’t cover. “These kids need everything from wheelchair lifts and adaptive tricycles to hearing aid devices and financial assistance for leg braces,” said Schepers, who is vice president of the group. “We’ve helped kids throughout the entire state.”

HCCI conducts one fundraiser a year, which is a bowling event held at Woodland Bowl. “When we first started, we had 10 lanes,” Schepers explained. “This year we had 55 lanes. We are growing slowly, but steadily.” Schepers also said their goal is to reserve the entire bowling alley and fill all 80 lanes. “We want to make it more personable as well,” Schepers added. “At the event there are photos displayed of the kids and the equipment they received. “You can see directly where your donations are going. It’s spectacular.”

All of HCCI’s efforts and endeavors are on a volunteer basis. HCCI uses less than five percent of all funds raised for operating expenses. This leaves over 95% of all funds raised to grant back to the community

This year they raised around $20,000, amounting to nearly $800 per gift, which helped quite a few kiddos. Since the inception of the program, they have raised close to $100,000. Schepers added, “There is nothing better in this world than to get a thank you note and photo from these kids. To see the smile on their face, for things we take for granted, is just so rewarding.”

HCCI is managed by seven board members, about eight committee members and a handful of volunteers.

But this organization cannot operate without help. Help from people like you. That’s right, our readers! HCCI is always looking for people to get involved. “It is not a huge time commitment,” says Schepers. “Right now we are looking for people with backgrounds in accounting and marketing, as well as someone with philanthropic experience. Overall, we are in need of more members in general to help us grow.”

One thing that Schepers mentioned was that they are seeking someone well-known in the community to be “the face” behind the organization. “We need to increase awareness of our program,” Schepers adds. “Sometimes it takes someone who has ‘celebrity’ status.” If you know of anyone who might be interested in supporting the group, please contact HCCI.

“We just want to help as many kids as we can,” Schepers says. “And make a difference in these kids’ lives.” Schepers also said they will do what they can to help, regardless of how big or small the request. Applications can be found on their website at www.helpingchallengedchildren.org.

To help make a difference and get involved, visit www.helpingchallengedchildren.org for more information. You may also contact Kurt Schepers directly at (317) 816-1330.