Veterans & First Responders
Evansville, IN – ECHO Housing & Community Development is proud to announce its inaugural Patriot Gala, presented by Business Communications Solutions (BCS), on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This unforgettable evening will celebrate our community’s Veterans and First Responders while raising vital funds to support ECHO’s programs and services.
This year’s Casablanca-themed formal event will transport guests to the glamour of the 1940s with vintage-inspired décor, live entertainment, and heartfelt moments of tribute. Held at the CK Newsome Center, the Patriot Gala will feature casino style games, dinner, an awards ceremony, raffle, dancing, and more. Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to join us in honoring our local heroes.
As a leading advocate for Veterans in the region, ECHO provides critical services to those experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges. ECHO maintains the area’s Veteran By Name List to drive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, facilitates the River City Veteran
Resource Group, helps coordinate the Annual Veterans Stand Down, and strengthens partnerships to ensure Veterans can successfully reintegrate into the community. ECHO’s 11-county service area also relies on the collaboration and courage of local first responders.
Recognizing that many Veterans continue their public service as law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, dispatchers, and other community protectors, the Patriot Gala will pay tribute to these remarkable individuals who serve both our country and our neighborhoods. “At ECHO, we work tirelessly to support and advocate for Veterans and the most vulnerable in our community. The Patriot Gala is a night to honor those who have served—and those whocontinue to serve—whether in uniform or through their unwavering commitment to housing,
healing, and hope. It’s a celebration of service, sacrifice, and the partnerships that make our
mission possible.”
— Savannah Whicker, CEO, ECHO Housing & Community Development
The event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, including House Sponsors, Veterans
Overwatch and Fifth Third Bank, whose commitment to supporting Veterans and first responders
aligns with ECHO’s mission.The Patriot Gala is open to all who wish to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s and
community’s heroes.
There are multiple ways to participate in the Patriot Gala:
• Purchase a table of 6 or individual tickets to attend this unforgettable event.
• Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and organizations that want to
showcase their community support.
• Donate items and/or experiences to help create a dynamic and meaningful guest experience.
Examples of needed items can be found on event website linked below.
• Nominate a Hero – Help us honor those who have served or protected our community by
submitting a nomination for our Awards Ceremony. Award nominations are due by September
1, 2025. Nomination form can be found on event website linked below.
For details, ticket sales, sponsorship information, the nomination form or a way to donate to the raffle,
visit:
Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in a stronger, more
compassionate future
