ROLLING PRAIRIE – “Look at all the thousands of people who showed up for God’s people today. It’s amazing,” remarked Deacon Barry Cummins.
Deacon Cummins was referring to the nearly 3,500 people who turned out for the 30th annual Share Foundation Leprechaun Hunt on Aug. 4. It is one of the major fundraisers for Sharing Meadows, a 200-acre community created by Father Dennis Blaney for other-abled adults. The residents live in homes built on the property, located near Rolling Prairie.
“It’s amazing to see how many people come out to support the community out here,” said Deacon Cummins, of Cedar Lake. “We came out to enjoy and support a great organization that selflessly helps others.”
The day includes Irish food, song, dance and the hunt for hidden leprechaun statues. Thirty-three miniature leprechaun statues, each with an assigned prized value, were well hidden across the 200 acres. Twenty-four of the statues were found, including the top prize of $1,500.
Olivia Peters, an 8-year-old from Elkhart, stood on her tippy toes trying to peek inside a hole in a tree. Despite her efforts, she walked away empty handed. She was joined by her brother, Ryan, and family friend, Patty Marsicek, of Michigan City.
Despite the lack of luck, the trio admitted they were enjoying their time. “I’m glad we’re doing our part to help the Sharing Meadows community,” said Marsicek, a Queen of All Saints parishioner.
Although Amanda Newcomb’s sons managed to each find a leprechaun in past years, one for $500 and the other for $1,000, Newcomb was still leprechaun-less. She said she second-guessed herself during the hunt, which cost her.
“I was going to turn right, and I decided to go left, and as soon as I turned left somebody hollered, ‘I found one!’ I’ve learned: Don’t second-guess yourself,” she moaned.
Ten minutes was all it took for first-time hunter Peter Charpentier to find a leprechaun hidden in some underbrush near Hog Lake.
“This is easy. Why do people say it’s such a big deal?” he said as he joked with his friend, Josh Bachman.
Bachman responded, “I’ve been doing this for about 10 years and never have found a leprechaun. He finds one in 10 minutes.”
This year’s hunt was a milestone for the organization.
“It's a special year for Sharing Meadows all around. Thirty years since we opened our first residential home, the 30th anniversary for the Leprechaun Hunt. Father Blaney received the Sagamore of the Wabash (award) and was named grand parade marshal for the LaPorte Fourth of July Parade. There’s a lot to celebrate,” said Bill Harmon, executive director of the Share Foundation.
“The most exciting thing is the continued support of the community. Thirty years they’ve come out to the Leprechaun Hunt, many who were at the very first one. So, it continues to build and grow, and the excitement continues,” Harmon added.
Harmon shared the impact Father Blaney continues to have on the community, although his presence is less frequent due to his health.
“When he's back on the property, there's a different atmosphere. He adds so much value to the community, even simply just by his presence,” said Harmon. “I can't even imagine the pride that he feels when he looks out and sees all the people, the big tents, the people going through getting the ribs and plates of food. He had a line of people waiting to greet him.”
Harmon jokingly remarked, “I hope just to get a, ‘Hi Bill,’ from someone.”
Harmon sincerely brought the relationship between Sharing Meadows and Father Blaney together.
“It's the culmination of the hope that Father Blaney brings, the hope that he has already brought. Thirty years down the road, we're still going to be talking about the first 30 years,” Harmon said.
Caption: Leprechaun hunters take off from the starting line as the horn is sounded. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)