Mike Schrage, Centier Bank president and chief executive officer, and Carol Highsmith (to his left), bank senior partner, recently donated on the bank’s behalf a weight scale (upon which Schrage is standing) for wheelchair-bound patients, to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago unit at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness-Schererville.
The gift was made in the names of patients Justin (left) and Alexander Simmons, both of Griffith, who are shown with their mother, Marie. Alexander also volunteers at Omni.
The scale likewise is accessible for public use, without an appointment, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tony Englert, Franciscan Alliance Foundation regional executive director, praised the bank for the donation and presented Schrage and Highsmith a plaque. “The scale will make life easier for Alexander and Justin and many others, as we offer it to the community for use, as well. I am pleased and grateful to express appreciation to Centier, on behalf of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and Franciscan St. Margaret Health (Omni owner), which has a wonderful partnership with the RIC, the nation’s top rehabilitation hospital.”
Schrage said the family-owned banking conglomerate has been a community partner for 119 years and “loves to reach out and help those in need.” Marie Simmons said the scale donation will mean an end to trips to Indianapolis to have her sons weighed. “This is a huge and welcome help for us and we are very grateful,” she said.