Mother’s tribute to sons becomes lesson
Local animal rescue organization teaches children philanthropy
As a young boy, Peter Del-Rio-Bathurst loved cats, especially his cat Moonshine. His younger brother, Adam Del-Rio-Bathurst, loved dogs, especially his dog Max.
Their mother, Elizabeth Bathurst, hasn’t forgotten her sons’ childhood compassion for beloved pets and rescued animals. After her sons’ deaths, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, Bathurst created an organization to honor them — the PAD Foundation — to provide financial support for local animal shelters.
“I needed to find a way to help me cope. My grief has been overwhelming,” Bathurst said.
Her son Adam was 28. His brother, Peter, was 33. Both died from fentanyl-related causes.
“With my sons gone, I needed to do something to give my life purpose,” she said. “I want to turn my tragedy into something tangible, something more positive than sitting home and crying director organized In all 2018, day.” of the Bathurst, Indiana foundation’s Youth the longtime Ballet, first gala, guests which and raised hosted more more than than 200 $12,000 for animal rescue and adoption agencies in our region. In 2019, another fundraiser was even more successful.
“I was lucky enough to have a lot of people helping me along the way,” said Bathurst, of Portage. “Once the ball started rolling, even more people joined to help. We exceeded our expectations.”
That ball continues to roll. And so do expectations for this year.
Later this month, Bathurst and friends are hosting events on two consecutive days. The first is the annual designed dren. shore Community Proceeds PAWS gala specifically and Network in will Valparaiso, the go second for in to Hobart, chil- Lake- Feline is Treasured cue and Adoption Friends in Animal Highland, Resand Kitties for Keeps Rescue Inc. in Lansing, Illinois. “Since a Disney theme is featured for our third annual PAD gala, it seemed that a princess ball would tie in nicely. Because I have three grandsons, we added princes, too. Hence the formal name, the Princess and Prince Ball,” Bathurst said. The top-notch ball will cater to children 3 and older with a
Disney-themed dessert buffet, magic show, live entertainment, silent auction and raffles created just for kids. The plated luncheon (with linen napkins) includes one adult entree and one child entree (chicken nuggets, fries, and mac and cheese).
Wendy Darling, a costumed character from “Peter Pan,” will visit every guest with coloring books and crayons. A Tinkerbell character will sprinkle pixie dust on tables while handing out magic wands to girls and little crowns to boys. A Simba character from “The Lion King” will teach a special dance. And there also will be a performance by the characters Elsa and Anna from “Frozen.”
“Best of all, our young guests get to meet and dance with Disney princesses or Prince Charming after their royal entrance,” said Bathurst, who’s been working on the event for several months.
What separates this imaginative ball from any other fundraiser I’ve heard about is its message to children: Charitable deeds through compassionate thoughts are not something that only adults can do, but what kids can do, too, at any age.
“Part of our PAD mission is to introduce children and teens to philanthropy,” Bathurst said. “I have worked with kids for the last 40-plus years. I’ve learned that they also want to be a part of special events to help others, and to help animals.”
At the March 1 event, intentionally planned on a Sunday afternoon, a representative from Treasured Friends will talk with kids, with help from a rescued puppy, explaining how it’s helping rescued animals through shelters, meals, and even play toys. (For more info or tickets, visit https://padprincessball.bpt.me.)
“Children want to feel they are contributing, too, and who doesn’t want to help a little kitten or puppy?” Bathurst asked. “The event will be fun with a greater purpose. A true charity event. A princess ball with a cause.”
The idea for the ball came to mind when Bathurst’s oldest grandson, 6 at the time, joined her to deliver donated supplies to the Feline Community Network. Just like his late uncles, he loves cats.
“He was fascinated that he could make a difference,” Bathurst said. “He loved carrying in the food, petting the cats, even asking to clean out the litter boxes. A month later, one of my dance moms thanked me for letting her daughter perform at the PAD gala. She said it taught her daughter about giving back to the community.
“So then I though what about an event strictly for children who feel the same way,” she said. “The Princess and Prince Ball was born.”
The PAD Foundation project has given Bathurst renewed purpose and passion. (For more info on its programs, visit http://padpets.org.)
The foundation’s annual gala, on Saturday, is designed for guests 13 and older. It will offer a premium-style open bar, full dinner and dessert, live entertainment, silent auction, raffles, and dancing. Both events will be in the Croatian Center, 8550 Taft St. in Merrillville. (For more info or tickets, visit https://padgala2020.bpt.me.)
“Our hope is to provide financial donations for animal rescue charities that my two sons would have enjoyed as boys,” Bathurst said.