Bob Thompson and Bill Carson are two friends in construction who, by chance, were introduced to St. Mary’s because the old Child Center was in disrepair. Bob looked at it and told the Director that the site was beyond repair, but not to worry as he and Bill were dedicated to making sure a new building would be built and donated for the children. It should be noted that Bob had melted at the sight of the 20 children at play. 

Eventually 32 local businessmen made the commitment to build the building. They secured the site, designed a 10,000 square foot building and called upon others in the construction industry to join in the cause. Although they had not sought publicity, the press later dubbed them Godfathers. When the building was completed, it was officially donated in 1998 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at which Bob Thompson declared it, “The biggest little building in Indianapolis!” And because the first building quickly filled, Bob Thompson donated a second building with 15,000 square feet, located at Fort Benjamin Harrison, that accomodates 120 children.