United Way hosted baby shower

The St. Joseph County United Way hosted a baby shower Thursday to celebrate a first-of-its-kind event.
United Way director Kelly Hostetler said the occasion was to recognize the first adoption out of a newly created fund to help families who want to adopt but may not have the resources to pay the expenses associated with adoption.
The Five Star Pizza Adoption Fund was established by Carl and Annette Thornton, owners of Five Star Pizza, because of their passion for adoption.
Thursday’s event recognized a St. Joseph County husband and wife who were able to adopt twin boys, thanks to a financial gift provided through the fund.
The twins were born this past spring to a young mother who agreed to the adoption.
Hostetler said the adoption cost for the two babies exceeds $12,000, as the Kramer’s also offered to pay for the birth mother’s attorney fees.