Hundreds came out on Dec. 5 in holiday finery to Our Lady of Lourdes for the Second Annual “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” fundraiser for The PourHouse. By the end of the evening, $13,300 had been raised through raffles, silent auctions, mystery present sales, wine pulls, ticket sales, and a lively live auction.
Volunteers and the high-energy event team worked for days to bring everything together in the gym at Our Lady of Lourdes. Martine Lock and Dylan Roahrig were emcees, and the band Midtown Mad Men laid down a retro beat that everyone could dance to. Adult beverages flowed, thanks to Manley’s Irish Mutt’s crack squad of bartenders. And throughout the whole event, the main message was that The PourHouse, which helps people who are experiencing homelessness on the streets of Indianapolis, is doing important work.
How important? Just the day before, The PourHouse Welcome Home Team moved seven people into their own affordable apartments. The gentlemen received a home starter basket with everything they will need — cleaning supplies, housewares, furniture — to help make their transition a success. Twice a week, Executive Director Andrea De Mink and a group of volunteers meet and greet people living in the street, offering assistance, food, and friendship. They have created a unique military dog tag style ID system that provides a link between individuals living on the streets and emergency services. (Visit www.pourhouse.org for more information about what they do and how they do it.)
Ethel Winslow/Weekly View
Emma Overman and her painting, which was auctioned off to benefit the PourHouse.
Artists Emma Overman and Chris Harden donated their works for the live auction, and works fetched good prices. In addition, dinner at artist Rita Spalding’s home (she’s cooking), a mandala by Jamie Locke, and several other items brought in more money for the organization.
Thank you to all the hard working volunteers, businesses, and individuals who make this annual event possible. Looking forward to next year!
