Volunteers raised funds for Tori’s Angels during RAGBRAI in Panora.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Most people in this area are familiar with Tori’s Angels, but the organization recently opened a downtown office in Panora (110 East Main St.). The office space is shared with BH Real Estate and Consulting.
An open house is scheduled 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served, and attendees can learn more about the organization.
Tori’s Angels began in 2010 with fundraisers to support the medical needs of a local girl, Tori Heckman. When there were leftover funds, the organization was formed to help other youth.
Administrative Assistant Ellen Betzer described how Tori’s Angels functions and what type of situation qualifies.
“The child has to have a life-threatening illness, and they have to live here in the state of Iowa, and they have to have some type of medical insurance,” Betzer said. She added that once approved, Tori’s Angels can support the need until the child turns 19 years old.
“We can cover anything that’s not covered by insurance, that’s medically necessary for that life-threatening illness. So if there are doctor’s appointments that have a co-pay, or deductibles, things like that,” Betzer said. “We also cover the travel expenses and meals.”
Betzer shared a few numbers to provide scope on what Tori’s Angels has done.
“We recently approved our 208th child, and we currently have 147 that we’re actively supporting,” she said. We’ve paid out over $3 million in benefits to the families we’ve covered in the 16 years.”
The public is invited to attend the open house or visit www.torisangels.org to learn more about the organization.