The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry installed a new electronic message sign this summer. Through the assistance of a $20,000 grant from the Evansville Endowment Fund, community members can now be updated on the latest news regarding the food pantry and other St. Vincent de Paul outreach efforts.
The Evansville Endowment Fund originated in 1994 from gaming boat profits invested in an endowment to serve the City of Evansville in perpetuity. The Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. administers the Evansville Endowment Fund as a supporting organization, with annual earnings used for grant-making. Funding is focused on capital projects for nonprofits serving within the City of Evansville. The Evansville Endowment Fund has a separate board of directors responsible for governance and grantmaking decisions.
“One of the nicest features of the sign is the ability to broadcast our messages in languages other than English,” said Joseph Cook, Executive Director of the Evansville District. “As our community grows and we serve larger numbers of our immigrant population, getting information to them in their native language is key.”
The cost of the sign was not wholly covered by the Evansville Endowment Grant. According to Cook, “Alvey Signs, Inc., made a significant contribution to the affordability of the sign. We also benefited from the generosity of our own Vincentians to help cover the cost of the electrical hook up.”
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is located at 809 N. Lafayette Avenue on the corner with Columbia Street in Evansville.
