Milan church uses annual play to support Samaritan's Hope Chest

(MILAN, Ind.) – St. Charles Catholic Church in Milan hosts an original murder-mystery dinner every spring. 

It’s organized by the church’s Ladies Society and Sherrie Kleinholz writes and directs each performance. 

This year the play was called “Mane Event” and it was about an expensive horse who had been murdered. The audience was tasked with finding out who was responsible. 

“We’ve been doing these murder-mystery dinners for 10 years and while we are by no means professionals, we really enjoy doing them and we all have a great time,” said Ladies Society president Linda Lauber. 

The dinner proceeds typically go to improvements around the church but the group decided to do something different this year. 

They chose Milan-based Samaritan’s Hope Chest to receive the proceeds. 

Samaritan’s Hope Chest provides emergency assistance, clothing and supplies to victims of house fires along with other families experiencing a difficult situation. 

“We do Cinderella’s Closet, give out tuxedo vouchers, school supplies, Christmas projects, and even give free books to fourth graders,” said Samaritan’s Hope Chest member Mary Lou Schwipps. 

Members of the St. Charles Ladies Society and Samaritans Hope Chest gathered together on Wednesday for a check presentation. 

The annual murder-mystery plan resulted in a donation of more than $2,000 to the Milan organization.

“We are honored to receive this as there are just so many needs that come up all of a sudden, and this donation certainly allows us to help those families,” Schwipps said. 

Shortly after receiving the donation, the Samaritan’s Hope Chest members had to quickly leave so they could help a family who was in need of clothing. 

You can learn more about Samaritan's Hope Chest by clicking this link.

The St. Charles' annual murder-mystery dinner takes place each April and there's even members of other churches who volunteer and get involved.

The play this year was held in honor of Geraldine Driggers, who was heavily involved in the church prior to passing away in 2025. 

Those involved in the check presentation on Wednesday were Nancy Ricke, Cathy Ertel, Janice Mayer, Debra Johnson, Chris Denton, Sally Gosmeyer, Linda Lauber and Mary Lou Schwipps.