After 18 months of dreaming, planning, and renovation, BABE of Whitley County is proud to open its doors at a new, permanent home in downtown Columbia City. The public is invited to celebrate at a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 26, from noon to 5:00 p.m., with the ribbon cutting scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The celebration will double as a community-style baby shower, and guests are encouraged to bring a gift, just like you would for any new arrival. BABE’s Amazon wish list includes much-needed items such as diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials that will go directly to local families. The event will also include snow cones from SnoBalls Hawaiian Shaved Ice, balloon animals, prize giveaways, and tours of the new space at 309 W Van Buren Street. Visitors can see firsthand how BABE supports parents and children in Whitley County.
“This move has been a labor of love for our team,” said Executive Director Laura Tucker. “It’s more than just a new address. It’s a fresh start, a bigger space for connection, and a stronger foundation to serve local families for years to come.”
The road to BABE’s new home began in 2023 after the organization’s previous lease was unexpectedly terminated. Andy More, President of More Farm Store Inc. and former board member of the Community Foundation of Whitley County, stepped forward with a generous offer. More had recently purchased the former Redman Plumbing and Heating building on West Van Buren Street and offered it as a long-term rental home for BABE.
“BABE is truly an asset for families here in Whitley County and needed a new location to expand their services,” said More. “The renovation of the old Redman building helps restore a piece of Columbia City history while also helping the families BABE serves.”
To make the transition possible, BABE launched a fundraising campaign supported by a $125,000 lead gift from The Chapman Charitable Trust. Additional funding came from the Community Foundation, Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), and other local businesses.
In addition, now through the grand opening, the Community Foundation of Whitley County will match all donations to BABE up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every gift. Donations can be made online at www.babewc.org/donate.
“We would not have been able to do this without the support of our donors and partners,” Tucker said. “This show of generosity has been incredible, and we are so excited to share this new space with the community.”
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that made this new space possible,” Tucker said. “It’s more than a new home for BABE, it’s a symbol of what our community can do when we come together.”
