Old National Bank Foundation has committed $25,000 per year for two years to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of students in Daviess, Gibson, Orange, Posey, and Vanderburgh counties. A check presentation was held on April 30 at Youth First’s downtown Evansville office.

Sara Miller, Old National Bank’s Southern Region Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are proud to partner with Youth First so that kids in our communities receive the services that they need. This $50,000 grant will help fund those efforts and ONB is proud to play a part in that development.”

Youth First partners with school districts to embed social workers in school buildings, where they become specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. Youth First Social Workers build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills.

Research shows these protective factors are the keys to preventing addiction, suicide, violence, and similar outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive impact is driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing social and emotional needs of students.

Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black stated, “Our children are growing up in a complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for substance use, suicide, violence and harmful behaviors,” said Parri O. Black, President & CEO of Youth First, Inc. “Old National Bank Foundation’s continued investment is critical to achieving Youth First’s mission. Working together, we can protect and heal the hearts of more young people and their families in these counties.”

The Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville (PACE) and Indiana University Alumni Association Chapter of Greater Evansville (IUAA) hosted their fifth annual, Red and Black Give Back, food drive competition at the six Schnucks locations in Evansville and Newburgh on Saturday, April 27^th, 2019. The winner of the Red & Black Give Back event was determined by which club collected the most food and raised the most dollars to benefit Tri-State Food Bank. The winner was not only competing for a worthy cause, but bragging rights and their own Old Oaken bucket – all for a great cause. This year’s winner broke the 2-2 tie and took the outright lead in wins over the 5 year history of this event benefitting Tri-State Food Bank.

The 2019 Red & Black Give Back winner was the Indiana University Alumni Association of Greater Evansville, edging out their rivals, Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville, in the most successful event to date. In total, the competition between the IUAA of Greater Evansville and PACE raised just over $7,000 and collected more than 2,100 pounds of food for Tri-State Food Bank. 

“The IU Alumni Association of Greater Evansville is excited to win the 2019 Red & Black Give Back and bring home the Old Oaken Bucket! This is always a great event we are honored to participate in annually but the real winner in this endeavor are all those who are served by Tri-State Food Bank. We’re Hoosiers fighting Hunger. GO IU!” stated Kyle King, Indiana University Alumni Association of Greater Evansville Chapter President.

“The amazing results of the 2019 Red & Black Give Back speak to the gracious and giving community we live, work, and raise our families. Although not victorious this year, we know we’ve played a big role in helping those facing hunger in the Tri-State. Congratulations to the IUAA of Greater Evansville on their win this year. It was a close competition and we look forward to reclaiming the Old Oaken Bucket in 2020!” stated Nate Hahn, Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville President.

All food and monetary donations benefitted Tri-State Food Bank. Established in 1982, Tri-State Food Bank distributes over 8 million pounds of food each year to over 250 feeding programs in 33 counties throughout the Tri-State.

For anyone with questions or looking to get more involved with their local alumni groups, please contact them via social media or e-mail at:

Purdue Alumni Club of Evansville (PACE) – pacevansville@gmail.com , @PACevansville (Facebook)

Indiana University Alumni Association of Greater Evansville – iuaaevansville@gmail.com, @iuaaevansville (Twitter and Facebook)