Chris Center sets Alpaca Party fundraiser for Sept. 18

The Chris Center will conduct its first major fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 18.

The Alpaca Party will raise crucial dollars to advance The Chris Center Inc.’s mission to promote the mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. The Alpaca Party will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 18 at an alpaca farm on the Westfield-Zionsville border, 14950 Little Eagle Creek Ave., Zionsville. Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founder Don Farrell will provide live entertainment; there will be a BBQ and drinks can be purchased from the Charley Horse Mobile Bar.

Tickets for the event are $65 and can be purchased online at chriscenterpaws.com and include a complimentary cocktail, the live entertainment, dinner and of course the opportunity to interact with the alpacas.

The Alpaca Party will provide attendees an opportunity to meet founders and board members of the Chris Center and learn more about the organization’s mission and plans. Fundraising activities taking place during the event include live and silent auctions featuring highly sought-after items such as a Sanibel Island condo stay.

There will be no parking at the venue. Parking is available at Union Elementary School in the east lot at 11750 E. County Road 300 South, Zionsville. A free shuttle service, beginning at 5:15 p.m., will transport ticket holders from Union Elementary to the event.

“We strive to provide another resource for teens as they walk the path to mental wellness,” The Chris Center founder Nancy Elbert said. “This fundraiser will help us accomplish our goals by funding the development of future programming available to both teens and their parents as they navigate the challenges of life.”

About the Chris Center

The Chris Center’s mission is to promote the mental and emotional well-being of teenagers in Central Indiana by connecting them with nature and the healing power of human-animal interaction. Our vision includes bringing the first care farm for teen wellness to Central Indiana. The idea behind a care farm is that mental and emotional well-being can be improved by connecting to nature, interacting with animals and participating in farm activities. The concept is well accepted in Europe, and research supports the mental health benefits associated with care farming. The Chris Center Inc. is a registered nonprofit, headquartered in Indiana.