Matthew 25 invites the Tri-State to BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque on Oct. 24
HENDERSON, Ky. – Matthew 25 AIDS Services, which serves communities across Kentucky and Southern Indiana, will bring its second annual BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque fundraiser to Warehouse 410 in Evansville on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The 21-and-older event invites supporters from both sides of the Ohio River to enjoy an evening of food, bourbon, entertainment and exclusive experiences while raising funds for compassionate HIV and STI care, said a Matthew 25 release.
Although the event takes place just across the river in Indiana, its purpose is deeply connected to Henderson, where it was founded. The organization is celebrating 30 years in service in 2026.
“Expanding our fundraising efforts into Indiana allows us to strengthen our reach across the 12 Southwest Indiana counties we serve while continuing to build on the support and relationships at the heart of our Henderson community,” said Rachel Trout, public relations and fundraising specialist at Matthew 25.
A release from Matthew 25 said guests will enjoy barbecue from ChefWhat and an hour-long show by Evansville’s Drop Dead Darlings burlesque troupe. Roaring ’20s-inspired attire is encouraged but not required, adding a playful vintage atmosphere to the evening.
Additionally, the bourbon program will be led by Caryn Wells, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distilling Co. Wells will share the story, craftsmanship and character of the historic Owensboro distillery and its portfolio.
Guests can also sample offerings from Green River, Heaven Hill Distillery, Hard Truth Distilling Co., Larrikin Bourbon Company, Old Dominick Distillery, Row 94 and Purple Toad Winery.
Author and whiskey writer Richard Thomas, owner and editor of The Whiskey Reviewer, will offer a brief conversation and book signing, giving guests another opportunity to connect with bourbon culture beyond the tasting glass.
And, a silent auction will feature more than 30 bourbon-themed packages, including distinctive bottles, tasting experiences, specialty products and other curated offerings. The premier package includes two seats on Matthew 25’s private single-barrel selection team at Green River Distilling on November 13. The winning guests will help choose the barrel for Matthew 25’s exclusive 30-year commemorative bourbon bottle, an experience not available for general purchase.
Event Details
The VIP experience of BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque will run from 6-6:45 p.m. while doors for general admission open at 6:45 p.m. The event is from 7-9:30 p.m.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Board of Education will hear public comments regarding tax rates
The Henderson County Board of Education will hold a public hearing in the Professional Development Center at 5:45 p.m., Sept. 14, to hear public comments regarding a proposed general fund tax levy of 68.3 cents on real property and 68.3 cents on personal property.
According to a release from Henderson County Schools, the General Fund tax levied in fiscal year 2026 was 68.2 cents on real property and 68.2 cents on personal property which produced revenue of $25,187,498.40.
The proposed General Fund tax rate of 68.3 cents on real property and 68.3 cents on personal property is expected to produce $26,546,748.14, said the release.
Of this amount, $5,329,149.12 is from new and personal property. The compensating tax rate for 2027 is 65.7 cents for real property and 67.9 cents for personal property and is expected to produce $25,693,042.77.
The general areas to which revenue of $1,359,250 above 2026 revenue is to be allocated as follows:
- Instruction $1,100,000
- Building fund $100,500
- Technology $25,000
- Transportation $35,000
- Maintenance of plant $71,750
- Tax collection fees $27,000
In reference to KRS 160.470 and Section 73 of House Bill 757, no portion of the proposed tax rate, if adopted, would be subject to recall, said the release.
Kentucky Opioid Symposium coming to Owensboro Oct. 5–6
Owensboro will welcome the Kentucky Opioid Symposium Oct. 5–6, bringing together state and regional leaders, prevention professionals, community partners and organizations working to address the impact of substance use on children, families and communities across Kentucky.
The symposium is coming to Owensboro through a collaborative effort between RiverValley Behavioral Health, Visit Owensboro and the Kentucky Opioid Advisory Commission, which is housed in the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.
The two-day symposium is open to the public, with registration available for $50 for the full two-day conference. Community members are encouraged to attend alongside city, county and state officials; representatives from the legal and justice systems; schools and educators; healthcare providers; law enforcement; public health professionals; and members of the prevention, treatment and recovery communities.
“We can change the trajectory of our Commonwealth when advocates, professionals, and leaders all work together toward a shared goal: saving lives,” said Christopher Evans, Director of Kentucky’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. “We look forward to this Symposium and the chance to support those who are improving the lives of so many of our fellow Kentuckians.”
Dr. Wanda Figueroa, president and CEO of RiverValley Behavioral Health, said bringing the Kentucky Opioid Symposium to Owensboro will connect regional partners with state leaders while strengthening efforts to address substance use across the commonwealth.
“The opioid epidemic has affected every community, and our response must be just as connected,” Figueroa said. “We hope attendees leave with new relationships, practical ideas and renewed energy to strengthen prevention efforts and build partnerships that continue long after Oct. 6.”
The Kentucky Opioid Symposium will provide opportunities for professionals, community leaders, prevention specialists and other stakeholders to learn about strategies, resources and partnerships designed to address substance use and its effects throughout Kentucky, said an RVBH release.
The symposium is designed to create a shared forum for people who encounter the opioid crisis from different perspectives, from individuals and families directly affected by substance use to professionals working in prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as leaders in healthcare, education, public safety, government, public health and the justice system, said the release.
The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Symposium is open to the public. Registration is $50 for the full two-day conference.
To register or learn more, visit link Opioid Symposium 2026 Registration or visit https://kyoaac.ky.gov/
Shop local this fall in downtown Henderson
Fall open houses will be held in downtown Henderson Sept. 10-Sept. 12 when local retailers will provide seasonal shopping, special offers and new merchandise.
The three-day event will be hosted by the Downtown Henderson Partnership Committee and will give shoppers an opportunity to explore participating downtown businesses and discover the latest fall arrivals, seasonal finds and promotions.
A list of participating retailers and their promotions will be available on the Henderson Chamber of Commerce website. For more information about Fall Open Houses, participating businesses or upcoming Henderson Chamber of Commerce events, visit hendersonkychamber.com or call 270-826-7505.
