Heart of Downtown Evansville


We're featuring uplifting stories from downtown residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a series known as the Heart of Downtown Evansville.  Learn how our residents and businesses are responding, giving back and making a positive impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We want to hear from you! Share your story with us.
Email [email protected] or post your story to social media with #heartdtevv.


Grateful Threads Fabric & Furnishings donating fabric to make masks

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Grateful Threads Fabric & Furnishings, located in Downtown Evansville at 426 Carpenter Street, is donating fabric for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like fabric to make masks please send a message to Grateful Threads on their Facebook page indicating how many pieces you would like. They will provide the fabric until supplies are depleted.


Gaming marathon supports employees

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L to R: Jared Neible and Clint Hoskins, owners of High Score Saloon

High Score Saloon is Evansville’s first and only arcade for adults. Located in Downtown Evansville at 323 Main Street, High Score features eight rotating craft beer taps, 35 classic arcade, pinball machines, four classic console systems, a full selection of spirits and canned domestics. On March 26 they hosted a 24-hour gaming stream to raise money to pay their employees who have been out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gaming stream took place on Twitch, an online site that allows users to watch broadcaster's video game play.

Clint Hoskins and Jared Neible, owners of High Score Saloon, shared: "We hosted a 24 hour gaming stream to raise money for our displaced employees. We figured a few people may tune in, drop a dollar or two, say a kind word and that would be it. We wanted to do a video stream of us gaming as a way to spend time with the employees and customers we missed seeing. Maybe raise $200 while we were at it? We raised $4,025 for our employees instead. We’re in shock, honestly. As owners, our employees are the number one priority because we know if they’re cared for they’ll care for our customers and our arcade in return. We’re rather certain after the last week of fundraising efforts from ourselves, the community and even themselves they’re feeling the love. The doors are closed and the taps are down, but we found a way because what we’ve said since day one is true: at High Score it’s all about the games."


Friends band together to support United Caring Services

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Items purchased by a group of friends for United Caring Services

Downtown resident Allison, and one of her friends Lynn recently donated food and supplies to United Caring Services (UCS), located in Downtown Evansville at 324 NW Sixth Street. They were both struck by how many guests were being served at the agency. Lynn said she felt compelled to do more. She posted a message on a Facebook group page with 13 of their friends. "We thought we would see if anyone else was interested in donating money for needed supplies. Everyone stepped up and contributed. In total, we collected $500," said Lynn. She contacted UCS to identify their greatest needs. They went shopping with the donated money and were able to purchase many of the items on UCS's wish list.

UCS continues to need the community's support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They serve three meals a day to anyone in need. Meals are cooked and served by volunteers. If individuals or groups would like to help but do not want to come to the shelter, catered meals are an option. Please call Shari Castiller Gesser, UCS Talent Coordinator, at (812) 228-7045 if you are interested in helping.


A downtown wedding

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Henry Lee and Michele

Downtown resident Michele, and her fiancé Henry Lee, a downtown resident of Henderson KY, were set to be married on March 21 with a wonderfully planned family wedding, reception and honeymoon, but their plans drastically changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michele shares, “Our wedding plans crashed and burned this past week, like for so many in the world. But we were ready to be married anyway, so we want to thank a few friends who made that happen for us, while simultaneously social distancing themselves! We thank God for bringing us together, plus bringing us sunshine on our special day, Pastor Kinkade of City Church for officiating our tiny ceremony and Piece of Cake Bakery for offering to decorate a delicious wedding cake totally spur of the moment.”

Michele’s grandchildren served as the flower girl and ring bearer (via video) and other relatives FaceTime’d with their congratulations to the couple. Congratulations, Michele and Henry Lee!

Photo courtesy of Michele Crowley


Old National Bank fuels health care heroes 

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L to R: John Greaney (Ascension St. Vincent Evansville), Zac Parsons (Honey Moon Coffee Co.), Jessica Parsons (Honey Moon Coffee Co.) and Dan Parod (Ascension St. Vincent Evansville)

Old National Bank (ONB), headquartered in Downtown Evansville at One Main Street, has led the way in recognizing local health care heroes on the front lines battling COVID-19. From March 20-25, ONB partnered with local businesses like Donut Bank and Honey Moon Coffee Co., which also has a location in Downtown Evansville.  In total, they provided treats, donuts and coffee delivery to more than 2,000 health care associates at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Deaconess Health System.

ONB also created a thank you video to express their appreciation to health care associates. View the video here


Tropicana team member sews masks for first responders 

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A Tropicana Evansville Team Member named Chi-Chi is doing her part to assist local first responders in our community and those in need by sewing over 100 face masks. Thank you Chi-Chi for your selfless act of kindness!


COMFORT By the Cross Eye Cricket donates meals to health care staff

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COMFORT By the Cross Eyed Cricket , located in Downtown Evansville at 230 Main Street, has donated meals to Deaconess Health employees. Thank you COMFORT for your support of our community's frontline health care workers!


Post House supports health care employees through food donations 

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The Post House, the newest living destination in Downtown Evansville at 215 Vine Street, provides catered meals to support local health care associates working to battle COVID-19. Thank you, Post House and we can't wait for your grand opening! 


Check back regularly for more stories. And remember to share your stories with us. 

Email [email protected] or post to social media with #heartdtevv.