The Daniel Pitino Shelter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Father Ed Bradley, then pastor of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, laid the vision after dedicating much of his time to the parish’s soup kitchen.
The nonprofit has planned an event on March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Riverpark to celebrate.
The Stand Up for Families event features comedian and ventriloquist Willie Brown with his team of dummies. Brown is said to take a different approach to the age-old craft by making fresh, new, and hip for today’s audiences. General admission is $30, while VIP tickets are $75.
“We are having our Annual Stand Up for Families fundraiser, along with a celebration after the show,” executive director Harry Pedigo said. “With a VIP ticket, attendees can enjoy the celebration with heavy finger foods, a photo booth, a meet and greet with Willie Brown and friends, and music with Prof G Entertainment.”
Pedigo attributes the shelter’s longstanding success to the community’s unwavering support.
“For 30 years, the community has stood behind us in many ways like volunteering, donating supplies, money, their services, and following us on social media,” he said. “The biggest and most important attribute to our success is God, prayers, and clients coming back to advocate and serve.”
Pedigo said the nonprofit is focusing on becoming an evidence-based, low-barrier shelter model. They recently became a white flag shelter, opened a thrift store on-site, and formed partnerships with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center to improve the community.
Corporate partnership opportunities, which include several admission tickets, are also available.
The shelter is a nonprofit, non-denominational, privately-supported organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness. The primary facility sits at 501 Walnut Street in the former Walnut Street Baptist Church, serving 65 emergency shelter guests.
They can house 4 families in transitional homes, up to 12 individuals or couples in the Nicky Hayden Apartments. The St. Stephen’s Cathedral soup kitchen also operates 365 days a year on-site.
“Each year gets tougher for us financially, but between God and our community, we always make it,” Pedigo said.
Tickets to the fundraiser and celebration are available on Ticketmaster, the Riverpark’s website, or here.
