SCHERERVILLE, IN, July 12, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Gus Galante (www.galantemd.com), a Northwest Indiana plastic surgery specialist and co-founder of the "Hospice Hustle" cycling fundraiser, was honored recently by Friends of Hospice at its 2015 Seeds of Hope gala benefiting Hospice of the Calumet Area.
Dr. Galante says his involvement with the hospice organization is part of his longstanding commitment to community service that includes various nonprofit groups. The Seeds of Hope honor is especially meaningful to him, he says.
"I'm happy that the biggest beneficiary of that evening will be our local hospice organization," Dr. Galante says, "and I am grateful to all those who were able to attend and support the event."
Dr. Galante serves patients at 2 locations in Northwest Indiana and is among the leading plastic surgeons in the state.
"Gus has been chosen for this honor because of his compassionate commitment to Northwest Indiana," says Jenifer Vargo Okamura, the director of development for Hospice of the Calumet Area. "He donates his time as well as his talent to charitable organizations that are finding new ways to make life for area residents even better. For 10 years, Gus has served as co-chair for Hospice of the Calumet Area's annual cycling event, the Hospice Hustle."
Dr. Galante's involvement in that event has helped raise more than $250,000 for hospice patient and family services.
The Calumet area hospice organization is one of several community organizations in which Dr. Galante contributes his time and talent. For example, he recently teamed with St. Mary Medical Center to organize a "Pack Away Hunger" event in which volunteers packaged nearly 31,000 meals for local food pantries.
Additionally, because his plastic surgery practice serves so many Indiana women, Dr. Galante and his staff support Breast Oasis, a nonprofit organization that collects new and gently used bras and donates them to women in need. Dr. Galante's practice is a designated drop-off site.
He is also active with B'nai B'rith, a Jewish service organization that supports children in crisis situations by providing teddy bears for warmth and comfort. Dr. Galante's community involvement also includes serving on the Board of Directors of South Shore Arts, sponsoring the Speaking of Women's Health program, and collecting clothing and health supplies for the Nazareth Home.
"This community is my home, and I'm fortunate to be able to support these organizations that make Northwest Indiana a special place to live," Dr. Galante says. "The volunteers who work tirelessly for organizations such as Hospice of the Calumet Area are special people who count on the community to provide individuals emotional, spiritual, and material support. They deserve all we can give them."
Dr. Gus Galante (www.galantemd.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers a full range of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, including BOTOX, fillers, facelifts, and breast enhancement. After receiving his medical degree from Indiana University, Dr. Galante completed his plastic surgery residency at the Loyola University Medical Center and a fellowship in aesthetic surgery and reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Galante has offices in Schererville and Valparaiso, Indiana. He serves patients from all over Northwest Indiana.
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