The Men’s Bourbon Society of Henderson is making monetary donations for flood relief in Henderson County and for St. Anthony’s Hospice.
The nonprofit organization on Monday evening approved a $20,000 donation to the Henderson County flood relief fund, a special account created at the United Way of Henderson County dedicated to directing aid to flood victims and relief agencies helping with the recovery effort.
“One hundred percent of our donation will be used for assisting the hundreds Henderson County citizens in need due to this historic disaster,” the society announced. “Members of the oversight and vetting of this fund include Henderson County Emergency Management, Henderson County government, local businesses, relief providers such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross and faith-based organizations.”
“Our donation will serve as a bridge until which time additional funds are donated or appropriated from local, state and federal government,” it said.
After heavy rains approaching 10 inches or more in early April, the Ohio River at Evansville rose to 47.7 feet, its highest stage in more than a half-century, according to National Weather Service records. The Green River likewise rose out of its banks, causing widespread flooding, particularly in the Reed-Beals area.
Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider in a statement said “some people will definitely not be able to move back into their destroyed homes. And some might not be able to be back in their homes for months pending cleanup and refurbishment.
“On May 13 the county will officially amend into its current budget $1 million for flood relief,” Schneider continued. “That money will be used in various ways to either augment state and federal aid or plug gaps where aid may not be available. The state is already providing some amount of aid, with more on the way. Federal aid resources should be coming to Henderson County soon.”
Additionally, the Men’s Bourbon Society will be making a $5,000 donation to St. Anthony’s Hospice. That donation was made possible by the generosity of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. CEO and co-owner Corky Taylor, Henderson artist Bill Campbell and society members.
Formed in late 2019 and associated with the Community Foundation of Henderson, the Men’s Bourbon Society of Henderson has contributed more than $120,000 to local nonprofits in direct funding and far more than that indirectly.
For example, it established the Henderson Employee Relief Fund during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and provided $20,000 in funding. But that fund ultimately raised and distributed $700,000, with 70% of that provided by Bourbon Society members.
It also participated in a $48,000 collaboration to replace the American Legion Honor Guard Van and a $250,000 collaboration to install 3M Safety Film in all Henderson County schools including Holy Name School and Riverview School.