Beverly’s Hearty Slice (BHS) is gearing up for a jam-packed holiday season, with Thanksgiving and Christmas events around the corner. Thanks to a donation from the Ivey family, they’re getting the party started by extending free admission to Kentucky Wesleyan Basketball home games on November 10 and 11 to anyone who’s played a role in the organization’s success.
KWC will play Illinois Springfield on Friday at 7 p.m. and the University of Indianapolis at the same time on Saturday.
“We want everyone who’s volunteered, donated, covered, attended, or supported at least one of our BHS events to attend,” Owsley said. “Not everyone gets an opportunity to see a college basketball game at the Owensboro Sportscenter, and we hope everyone will come and have a great time.”
Owsley said attendees should check in at Gate 4 and relay that they’re with BHS for free admission.
Next on this list for the nonprofit is its Thanksgiving event, which is moving indoors this year to the Owensboro Convention Center to keep folks from battling the weather. BHS will dish out more than 225 take-home meals consisting of ham, green beans, corn, and mac and cheese.
They’re adding shuttle services from Kendall-Perkins Park to the Convention Center for those requiring transportation. Attendees can also enjoy music by the Owensboro Symphony and receive gloves, hats, and coats to prepare for the winter months.
“I have to thank our sponsors, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, for making this possible,” Owsley said. “Also, many thanks to the Chamber Young Professionals and the Owensboro girls’ basketball team for volunteering their time to ensure families don’t go without.”
BHS also announced it would return its Hope for the Homeless event for a second year. With a $5,000 donation from Next Era Energy, the nonprofit will provide five homeless families a 2-night stay at the Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
With the 2-night stay, guests can expect breakfast, lunch, and private dinners at Lure Seafood and Grille each evening. Bryson O. Samuels at Williams Barbershop will give each kid a complimentary haircut. Area shelters will select the families.
“We will provide presents for the entire family, and the children can enjoy dinner with Santa Claus on Christmas day before he heads back to the North Pole,” Owsley said. “Thank you to the Hampton Inn for collaborating with us again on this event, and thank you to Next Era Energy for sponsoring.”
Owsley created Beverly’s Hearty Slice (BHS) in September 2020, dishing out pizza and other goodies in underserved areas. The name and mission pay homage to Owsley’s late mother, who always invited folks into her kitchen.
Owsley and a team of volunteers began serving Little Caesar’s Pizza every other week at Kendall-Perkins Park, and for over three years now, they haven’t missed a date despite some very cold, snowy, and wet evenings.
The nonprofit has expanded and evolved to boast three additional locations in Owensboro and one in Boston. It’s also much more than pizza and bottled water now.
The nonprofit’s giveaways include OMU vouchers, Walmart gift cards, government phones, athletic equipment and bicycles, Halloween costumes, hygiene products, and coats. They regularly host holiday events and more to fulfill various community needs.
