Batesville woman remembered during "Paws for a Purpose"

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Community members gathered for a unique event in honor of a Batesville woman this past weekend.

21-year-old Riley Duerstock was tragically killed when her vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in northern Indiana in September 2023.

Riley was a nursing student at the University of Indianapolis and had also worked for Decatur County Memorial Hospital.

One thing she loved was dogs so her family created the inaugural “Paws for a Purpose” in her honor. It was a walk-your-dog fundraiser at Liberty Park on Saturday.

Proceeds from the event went to the Riley Duerstock Nursing Scholarship, which helps Batesville graduates pursue careers in nursing.

Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including a pie auction, snow cones, puppy chow, and a kindness counter craft for children.

Community partners such as the Indiana Donor Network and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) joined in support of the event’s mission to raise awareness and give back.

“Riley was an extraordinary young woman whose kindness and determination touched everyone she worked with,” said Billi Bruner, DCMH HR Director. “We are honored to help carry her legacy forward through the Riley Duerstock Nursing Scholarship and by continuing to support programs that give back to the community she loved.”