We found a nice spot of shade in front of the church as we met to play a game catch in the hottest part of the day. I met Senator Mike Crider after a day of meetings for both of us. He had been at the Statehouse and was heading back after our game of catch.
I first met Senator Crider earlier this year through our common work in advocating for expanded mental health care in our state. Senator Crider submitted Senate Bill 1 during this year’s legislative session, which is the first time that the first bill considered by the Indiana Senate was focused on mental health. He has been a long-time advocate for this issue, which is something that affects so many across our state regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, or any other background. That’s what makes this work so important, because it affects the lives of everyone. In fact, Senator Crider shared that it’s what he appreciates the most about serving in the Indiana Senate. He said that he has the opportunity to bring positive change into people’s lives across the state.
Senator Crider hasn’t always been known as a senator. As we played catch, trying not to move too much to avoid getting too hot, I learned that he first served as a conservation officer and Director of Law Enforcement for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. During that time, he also started an initiative for hunters to bring in venison that would be packaged and sent to food pantries across the state to feed hungry families.
While his intention wasn’t to go into politics, his job gave him the opportunity to work on bills and public policy, so when he was invited to run for office, he already had some experience to bring. Growing up in eastern Hancock County, he now represents his home county in the Indiana Senate.
While I typically don’t stand too far from my catch partners so we can have some conversation, we can still throw it pretty hard. I noticed that Senator Crider had some energy behind his throws. His grandson has him out practicing and it shows! While he doesn’t really follow professional baseball a lot today, he said that he cheered for the Cubs some growing up while playing baseball as a kid.
Senator Crider has received a number of awards for his service. The Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers awarded Senator Crider the 2021 Public Elected Official of the Year Award for his work on mental health care legislation and he also received the Conservation Champion Award from the Indiana Wildlife Federation for his “efforts at the statehouse to keep our parks and outdoor recreation areas accessible for all Hoosiers.” He is an accomplished State Senator and now he can add catch partner for my 30 days of catch.
I really appreciate Senator Crider taking time out of his busy day to play a game of catch for a great cause that we both care deeply about. I also want to thank Senator Crider for his work in the Statehouse around mental health advocacy and his 12 years so far serving our state as a Senator.
Here is an update on the financial fundraiser for Gleaners. We are at $17,867. Thank you to everyone who has donated, played catch with me, and shared my fundraiser with others! I’m overwhelmed with the generosity of so many who helped to shatter my original goal of $15,420.
My new goal is $20,000. Let’s keep it going!
If you feel moved to share a financial donation for my Gleaners fundraiser, use the link below.
https://give.gleaners.org/fundraiser/4739257
Also, don’t forget to invite family and friends to join me for my Final Day of Catch Party behind the main church building near the playgrounds on Thursday, August 31st from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. We will welcome Rowdie, the awesome mascot from the Indianapolis Indians, and will give out free popsicles. Join us for the celebration!
Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1226246214719825/?ref=newsfeed
Get outside. Play catch. Find something that brings joy and a smile to your face.
Thank you for supporting Gleaners and following my 30 days of catch!