+ Service Legacy
Middletown Lions Club Marks 50 Years Of Giving Back
WHAS Crusade For Children Marks More Than 70 Years of Impact
BLUEGRASS BITTERS
MIDDLETOWN BASED BUSINESS IS TURNING PASSION INTO THE PERFECT OLD FASHIONED
QUICK FACTS
• We offer beds that are Medicare and Medicaid certified.
• We offer both inpatient rehab & continued outpatient rehab services.
• All rooms have electric high/ low beds and cable TV.
• The full in-house rehab unit provides PT, OT, ST.
• Admissions can be processed 24/7.
• Nurses are on duty and onsite 24 hours a day.
• Private rooms are available for short-term rehab.
• Newly added semi-private rooms are available for long-term care.
VALHALLA POST ACUTE
As the premier 162-bed skilled nursing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, Valhalla Post Acute provides compassionate and personal skilled care 24 hours a day. We specialize in providing rehabilitation services in our state-of-the-art facility to help our residents regain their independence and return to the highest level of function possible. We have been proudly serving the community for 13 years.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.
Come to see our residents and friendly staff in action. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the unique, sophisticated healthcare environment at Valhalla Post Acute.
tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
DIGITAL
BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185 CONTACT
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
Live Your Best Life Live Your Best Life
Arcadia is a senior living community that feels more like home, where your days are filled with activities that are meaningful to you. Arcadia offers residents an unparalleled living experience, surrounded in comfort, and always supported to their highest level of independence.
SERVICE LEGACY
MIDDLETOWN LIONS CLUB MARKS 50 YEARS OF GIVING BACK
Writer / Bilal Qazi
A stalwart of community service in Louisville is celebrating a major milestone this year. The Middletown Lions Club is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with events and community engagement.
Five decades of outstanding community service have proven to the greater Louisville area that the Lions are dependable and indispensable.
The Middletown Lions Club began with its first meeting in 1976, joining the roster of multiple Lions Clubs that exist in the Jefferson County area today. From the get-go, they have championed the Lions’ charitable philosophy as summarized by the organization’s founder, Melvin Jones:
“You can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.” And the Middletown Lions have been doing a lot for those who need it in Louisville. Their areas of focus include childhood cancer, diabetes,
disaster relief, the environment, youth, hunger, vision and humanitarian efforts.
The Middletown Lions Club is a member of the East Louisville Chamber of Commerce as a nonprofit affinity. They directly and indirectly support a plethora of groups and organizations, including but not limited to Crusade for Children, Dare to Care, Eastern High School, the Salvation Army and Visually Impaired Preschool Services Kentucky. Not only do they volunteer and donate money, but they also jump to help serve local communities devastated by natural disasters.
Vision is an especially important point of focus for the Lions in Louisville and around the world. The Lions tie their commitment to vision to a push made by author and activist Helen Keller when she delivered a speech at the Lions Clubs International Foundation Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1925. In that speech, Keller asked
Lions Club members to be “Knights of the blind” and urged them to invest more in vision loss assistance. Since then, Lions Clubs around the world have considered vision loss a cornerstone of their donations and community involvement.
This is very much the case for the Middletown Lions Club as well. Middletown Lions engage with the community on the issue of vision loss through their vision screenings at the Kentucky State Fair and other local health fairs with the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. The club also contributed to the charitable work done at Camp Crescendo every year. Camp Crescendo was a youth camp serving blind or visually impaired and deaf or hard-of-hearing children. As stated in a club communique, the Middletown Lions also “provide support to the Kentucky School for the Blind, provide vision screening for the workers at the backside of Churchill Downs,
and help provide exams and glasses for those individuals in need.”
The dedication from the Lions Clubs to help combat vision loss in Louisville and Kentucky in general is especially critical since the state has one of the highest concentrations of blindness cases in the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky ranks in the top 10 states for highest levels of visual acuity loss in the United States. About 2.8% of Kentuckians suffer from vision loss, which makes the commitments made by the Middletown Lions Club and its sister clubs ring all the
more loudly and hit all the more deeply.
Since its first meeting in 1976, the Middletown Lions Club has not only grown in membership but also in the scope of its community involvement. As it prepares to celebrate 50 years, a centerpiece will be one of those community events: the Annual Charity Golf Scramble.
The 48th Annual Charity Golf Scramble hosted by the Lions Club has always been a cornerstone of its fundraising efforts, and this year will be no different. The scramble will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at
Weissinger Hills Golf Course. Last year, the Middletown Lions Club raised more than $12,000 to put toward its service projects.
Every year, the Middletown Lions Club chooses a major recipient to be the anchor of its Golf Scramble fundraising efforts. This year, the organization the Middletown Lions Club has chosen is SPARC Hope.
SPARC Hope is a single-parent resource center. What sets it apart from other similar organizations, however, is its commitment to helping parents through growth and education that goes beyond lump sums
Quality That Takes The Lead.
From foggy windows to custom showers, The Glass Guru of East Louisville delivers craftsmanship that outperforms expectations with fast estimates, local ownership, and clear communication every step of the way — without the runaround.
of money or donations of various items. As stated in a Middletown Lions Club communique, SPARC Hope’s “services help take the bumps out of the road to the American Dream by supporting and directing parents to overcome obstacles.”
Those interested in the Golf Scramble can get involved by either signing up to be a player or donating. There will be a litany of fun activities and prizes in store for those who choose to support the event, including the opportunity to make a stroke by firing a genuine golf ball cannon.
Donors and participants will also be given recognition on the Middletown Lions Club’s website, Facebook page and other publications.
The chair of the event, Bob Tisch, says, “While we know that the past couple of years may have been difficult for you and many others, we realize that our services are needed more than ever before, and we cannot continue these services without your ongoing help/support.”
The Middletown Lions Club continues
to be deeply involved with the Louisville community while celebrating its 50th anniversary through several other events. One well-known example is the Middletown Concerts in the Park series.
This recurring set of public musical events boasts food for the first 500 attendees, including brats, hot dogs, burgers and chips, which are provided by the City of Middletown and served by Middletown Lions Club members.
According to Marketing Committee Chair Lynn Harrelson, the Middletown Lions Club plans to cap off its yearlong 50th anniversary jubilee with a celebratory gathering that will involve important
city officials and offer an opportunity to reminisce over the last five decades. This event will be “a way for us to tell our story and the history of what we do and why we do it.”
Further details will be finalized over the coming months, and anyone who may be interested in this or any other events can look for updates on the Middletown Lions Club website or social media pages.
Louisvillians are also encouraged to become club members or donate their time and finances toward helping the Middletown Lions serve those who need it most.
CHILDREN’S AWARENESS MONTH
SUPPORTING EVERY CHILD IN LOUISVILLE
Writer / Amanda Spalding
Every June, the United States observes Children’s Awareness Month. It is a month dedicated to advocating for, celebrating and supporting children’s wellbeing, safety and development. It originally began as a month to honor children affected by tragedy and has grown into a time dedicated to raising awareness about child safety and the resources children may need to thrive.
UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES
Children can have complex needs, ranging from mental health and behavioral challenges to physical disabilities and trauma. Caring communities recognize that these children often share common barriers, including limited access to appropriate services, stigma, financial limitations and difficulty navigating complex systems. However, several resources can help parents and children navigate these challenges. The first step is recognizing that a child is experiencing challenges that may impact
their ability to thrive. Health care providers can help with the identification process. Pediatricians can provide diagnoses, recommend further medical care and order diagnostic tests. School staff, from preschool through high school, may also help identify challenges.
Early intervention services available through public education systems may include speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral support. These services are typically free under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States, which mandates individualized education programs (IEPs) for eligible children.
SUPPORT SERVICES
There are numerous ways to access support for children facing these challenges.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health services can assist children experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or
behavioral challenges. These services may include therapy and counseling, community mental health centers, teletherapy and crisis support for urgent mental health needs.
EDUCATION SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY
Two specific tools can help children with challenges succeed in school. The first is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Children with diagnosed disabilities before age 22 may qualify for an IEP. This legally binding plan ensures that the child receives necessary accommodations, such as extra time on tests, assistive technology or a modified curriculum.
The second tool is the 504 Plan. This plan is designed for children who do not meet the criteria for an IEP but still need educational support, such as specific seating arrangements, scheduled breaks, noisereducing headsets or accommodations for medical needs.
Serving all your Southern favorites with the creativity and technique that only James Beard Award-winning and Michelinrecommended Chef John Currence can bring to the table
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) may be able to provide empowering support to help families effectively advocate for educational services.
THERAPEUTIC AND ADAPTIVE SERVICES
These services include physical therapy (strengthening and mobility), occupational therapy (daily living skills and sensory integration), and speech-language pathology (communication disorders, swallowing difficulties and language delays). Organizations such as the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) may be able to help families identify appropriate tools.
RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS
These programs include adaptive sports that celebrate inclusion and progress, inclusive camps that address diverse needs, and peer support groups.
FAMILY AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Supporting a child means supporting the entire family — and caregivers need support as well. These services may include respite care and support groups, such as those offered by The Arc and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Families may also need financial assistance programs. Medicaid waivers, Supplemental Security Income and nonprofit grants may be available.
LEGAL AND ADVOCACY RESOURCES
Legal and advocacy resources can help families navigate systems of care and ensure that the rights and protections provided to children are upheld.
Navigating systems of care requires knowledge of rights and protections. Special education law centers and advocacy nonprofits assist parents in understanding their rights under IDEA, the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504. Agencies such as the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) champion policy change and help families challenge discrimination. Health care navigators are specialists who help families understand insurance coverage, appeal denials and access community programs.
For families just beginning this journey, the steps can feel overwhelming. Here is a simple guide to get started:
• Listen and observe: Notice changes in behavior, school performance, social engagement and emotional regulation.
• Seek professional screening: Talk with pediatricians, educators or mental health professionals early.
• Document everything: Keep records of evaluations, therapy notes and school communications.
OWNERS TODD & ALICIA
• Build a support network: Reach out to other families, advocacy groups and community resources.
• Stay informed: Laws, programs and therapies evolve — knowledge is power.
• Ask for help: No family should navigate these challenges alone.
Several resources in the Louisville metro area can provide assistance and may also accept volunteers. These include, but are not limited to:
• The Home of the Innocents, located at 1100 E. Market St., Louisville, KY, (502) 596-1000. This organization provides behavioral health services, foster care and skilled nursing care designed to address complex medical needs.
• Family & Children’s Place, located at 525 Zane St., Louisville, KY, (502) 8933900. This organization assists families in preventing and stopping child abuse.
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect may be made through their website.
• Agencies supporting children’s nutrition, education and youth programs include Blessings in a Backpack, Americana Community Center and Thriving Kids, part of Metro United Way.
One additional source of support is the school guidance counselor. Counselors can work with parents, children and educators
to identify concerns and develop strategies to address them. They can also assist with obtaining an IEP or a 504 Plan.
Every child’s potential is vast. When families and communities commit to understanding, supporting and advocating for children with challenges, barriers become stepping stones. Children facing difficulties are not defined by their obstacles; they are shaped by resilience, connection and the generosity of those who walk beside them.
BLUEGRASS BITTERS
TURNING PASSION INTO THE PERFECT OLD FASHIONED
Like many, Shawn and Kathy Herbig enjoy an evening of visiting with friends over drinks. They go to an event, and there’s likely a cash bar available.
Shawn even remembers the days when parents would rub a bit of bourbon on their toddlers’ gums, and whether that’s
Writer / Melissa Gibson
considered acceptable today, it’s the way it was, and he says he’s been a bourbon sipper since he was a little tyke.
Of course, these days, it’s less medicinal and more relaxation and quality.
What would be better to celebrate National Bourbon Day on June 14 than a simple cocktail — the old fashioned.
An old fashioned has only three ingredients: whiskey (rye or bourbon), bitters and a sweetening agent, but Herbig says Kentucky bourbon can’t be beat.
After numerous social gatherings and having friends over for drinks and dinner, Herbig started toying
with creating something unique for friends and family.
“I wanted to make the best old fashioned for my wife and our friends to enjoy. I started looking at the ingredients and what happens if you use another sugar? Let’s play with this and see what these little micro-changes can do,” Herbig says. “It started out as just a hobby or passion project six or seven years ago, but I noticed the only thing you could get from Kentucky was the bourbon. Everything else in the glass was from out of state, and I was wondering why we aren’t complimenting our great Kentucky bourbon with flavoring agents right here.”
Over time, his recipes were refined and he became consistent, testing out his latest iteration on “willing guinea pigs” at the
couple’s latest get-together.
“They started telling us we should commercialize this and start a business. I have owned a research and data analytics firm (IQS Research) since I was 28, so I’m not afraid of entrepreneurship. My wife is a CPA, and when I sat down with her to look at this, surprisingly, she was all in,” Herbig says. “She said we can afford it; you love this, we’re having fun, and if it fails, it’s okay. Let’s see where it goes.”
Moving forward, Herbig says, it became serendipitous.
He reached out to Louisville-based Flavorman, experts in beverage development and analytical testing for the beverage industry, and the two began working together.
Bluegrass Bitters was established in June 2024, and they began selling products in September 2025.
In just the past few months, they’ve already sold to people in 23 different states, and the Black Walnut Bitters was featured on Whiskey Advocate’s 2025 annual gift guide.
Bluegrass Bitters offers a Smoky Simple
Syrup, 5-Spice Orange Bitter, Black Walnut, and their latest on the market, the Infused Cherry.
“We’ve leaned into our Kentucky heritage, and I think a lot of people appreciate that.
We’re incredibly intentional with highquality ingredients and outstanding flavor profiles,” Herbig says. “It’s just a good product.”
While Herbig won’t divulge his complete recipe, he says finding the perfect balance in the way the bitters play with the bourbon, recognizing the complexity of the drink and simply adding small elements to enhance the flavor is nothing short of scientific.
“I’m not trying to fix the bourbon. It’s not broken. It’s the other ingredients — all natural with no artificial flavors or colors — that make the difference. Two years ago, I wasn’t thinking about the chemistry of an orange peel, but it changes how we enjoy the drink,” Herbig says. “New bourbon drinkers are surprised by the pleasant flavors, and experienced bourbon drinkers can taste the complexity in the drink.”
Herbig is sharing his passion with others, too.
In 2026, they partnered with Bourbon Women Kentucky to offer events in which he walks guests through products and drink combinations.
He’s also looking at ways to reach bourbon drinkers at home.
“When you’re hosting, a lot of people are kind of nervous. You want it to be a good event for people you care about, and you want everyone to enjoy the evening,” Herbig says. “I’d love to eventually have a set of video tutorials that kind of break down that host role.”
He knows the need is there because each monthly newsletter sent out receives a variety of questions from men and women, and Herbig does his best to answer.
“I just recently had someone say she just served beer most of the time because she’s intimidated at the bar. I’d like to do something on how to stock your bar;
what you need and what isn’t necessary,” Herbig says. “There are no dumb questions, and when I think about the bourbon culture, I think there’s a responsibility to be welcoming. We want to be friendly and serve drinks, but we also want to be respectful of people’s knowledge and preferences.”
Most importantly, Herbig wants hosts to feel comfortable and confident in their role.
“If we’re having a party and we have a few die-hard bourbon drinkers mixed with some people who just dabble in it, I take it as a personal challenge. If I can’t give you a cocktail you genuinely enjoy, that’s a failure on my part,” Herbig says. “We want to make you the hero. We want to elevate your experience and set you up to mix cocktails that are as easy and predictable as possible.”
Herbig is still working on new flavor profiles and anticipates rolling out new products over the next few years.
“We have other profiles I believe will be out in 2027. We’re working on one with coffee beans, and it’s crazy when you’re thinking about timing, texture; do you chop or grind the beans? We’re sweating the details all the time so you can make simple decisions to put in the glass,” Herbig says.
Some bitters companies create products for any drink, but Herbig is focused on the famous Kentucky bourbon and believes he’ll end up with around 10 different expressions of flavors available.
“We take this very seriously, and 2026 and 2027 are going to be amazing. This is our first full calendar year, and we have some cool partnerships developing. We’re just super excited to be here.”
Visit bluegrassbitters.net or follow Bluegrass Bitters on Facebook for more information.
GIVING HOPE
WHAS CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN MARKS MORE THAN 70 YEARS OF IMPACT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
In 1952, televisions were just becoming a household fixture, and a group of Louisville parents who had children with cerebral palsy worked with a national organization to launch a new fundraising mechanism in their hometown — a local telethon.
The fundraiser was successful. However, after raising $115,000 and $170,000 respectively for two years, leaders in Louisville were disappointed in the amount of funds that went toward expenses and the national organization.
They wanted to make it local and to give 100% of funds raised back to children in their own communities.
By 1954, volunteers formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and WHAS — at the time, a
television, radio and newspaper media company — got behind the cause. The effort to support children with identified health care, educational or emotional wellness needs was born in WHAS Crusade for Children.
“In the last 73 years, the umbrella of which Crusade for Children covers has grown and expanded. It began for children with cerebral palsy, but polio was still prevalent, and then there were children in schools that may learn differently than others, and the needs just continued to expand each year,” Dawn Lee, CEO for WHAS Crusade for Children, says.
A group of local ministers came together weekly on the WHAS radio show to host “The Moral Side of the News,” pulling a
current news story and discussing it from a moral perspective.
The decision was made for those ministers to serve as a board to manage funding and grant decisions, keeping WHAS and local volunteers out of the equation.
“The Moral Side of the News” hosts still serve as the decision-making board today.
“The decision to leave the ministers in charge of finances truly kept the nonprofit in the hands of the community. Crusade for Children belongs to the community, and I think people feel like they can be a part of it in that way,” Lee says.
The board also interviews each and every one of the approximately 250 applications
Miracle Dancers perform at 2025 WHAS Crusade for Children Variety Show
each year, giving applicants a chance to share their passion and desire for their own organization.
In 1986, the WHAS television, newspaper and radio company sold off separately, creating new ownership of each entity, but each continued supporting the nonprofit.
Each year, a massive telethon was held at Memorial Auditorium with famous and local entertainment. Well-known names got behind the cause, such as Alan Thicke, Diahann Carroll, Florence Henderson and many others.
The funds went toward programs at Central State Hospital, later to become the Children’s Unit, and a rehabilitation center later known as Rauch Rehabilitation Center. Churches, schools, child advocacy nonprofits, day cares, health care organizations and many others have been awarded grants in the thousands of dollars over the decades.
Anchorage Middletown Fire Captain Beau Schuster, wife Amy Schuster, Chief Pat Walsh, and son Max Schuster who was helped by WHAS Crusade for Children
Fire department chiefs began challenging other fire departments, and today, more than 200 departments in Kentucky and Southern Indiana participate in a friendly but very competitive competition and bring in more than half of the funds raised by Crusade for Children each year.
In 2025, WHAS Crusade for Children raised $5.89 million, which resulted in grants to 234 organizations.
Over the years, the format of the annual telethon has changed. Fundraising has changed, too.
“It used to be that people would stop by on that Saturday or Sunday to drop off their donations and deliver funds raised by their
This year, on Saturday, June 6, the WHAS Crusade for Children annual telethon will be held at Paristown Hall. They’ll be on air starting at 1:30 p.m., and then on June 7, they’ll move to the television station downtown until 7 p.m. that Sunday evening.
“On Saturday, kids will stop by with their lemonade stand money, the Down Syndrome of Louisville’s Boogie Down Crew will perform, The Miracle Dancers will perform — it’s a variety show with local talent and a ton of fun,” Lee says. “We still have our phone operators come out and answer phone donations, but we also have Venmo, and the fire departments each have their own QR code so people can donate electronically and it goes toward their department’s total.”
Looking back, over the past few years, the Trager Family Jewish Community Center opened the ADA-accessible Blieden Family Playground in the St. Matthews area, thanks
to a grant from Crusade for Children.
Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS Capt. Beau Schuster’s son Max was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Not only did he see signs for equipment in the hospital purchased by WHAS Crusade for Children, but he also received therapy utilizing equipment purchased by the Crusade.
The list goes on and on, but Lee says it’s impossible to choose just one impactful moment over the years. There are thousands of playgrounds and thousands of young men and women WHAS Crusade for Children has supported over the years, and that’s what makes the organization special.
“I think when we see the connections in our own community, it really spurs on the support. Our goal is to return this money back to the community in which it was raised, so you often see Crusade stories, and for each one, you can multiply that by 200,000,” Lee says.
The annual event is quickly approaching, and Lee anticipates another year of amazing things happening for children in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Regardless of political background, religious affiliation, socioeconomic background or ethnicity, each year, people come together to volunteer and raise funds for their community.
“It’s such a unique event. When I started working here 18 years ago, they told me the telethon is like a big family reunion. You might not have seen each other for a year, but you pick up right where you left off, and it’s just an amazing day,” Lee says. “The community is rooting for us, and it’s like a miracle that happens every June.”
Visit whascrusade.org for more information.
PURE POWER SOLAR
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
Nicholas Hartnett wanted to improve the customer experience when purchasing solar products. He’s done just that as the owner of Pure Power Solar in Louisville. Pure Power Solar offers full control of solar installation from start to finish, setting them apart from competitors and simplifying the process for consumers.
“Over the last decade, there’s been a lot of issues in the solar industry with these fly-by-night companies and out-of-town sales representatives that oversell and underdeliver,” Hartnett says. “In that model, there’s no accountable party for what the customer invested in. Our goal was to improve customer experience, and in order to do so, we needed everything in-house. It was slow growth initially because we had to have the know-how and the ability to bring in enough sales to support our full-time crew. It’s really grown organically.”
Since 2017, Pure Power Solar has installed systems on a variety of properties, from smaller houses to larger residential homes and commercial locations. There are two main types of systems they install. Solar installation revolves around long-term savings by allowing customers to prepay for electric needs at a much lower rate, while battery backups give peace of mind to homeowners that if their electricity goes out, they will not be without power for an extended time.
“THE SOLAR SYSTEMS WE INSTALL ARE SOLELY ABOUT MINIMIZING THE LONG-TERM EXPENSE OF ELECTRICITY AND GIVING PEOPLE A WAY AROUND THAT EVER-INCREASING ELECTRIC BILL.”
—NICHOLAS HARTNETT
“The solar systems we install are solely about minimizing the long-term expense of electricity and giving people a way around that ever-increasing electric bill,” Hartnett says. “About 50 percent of the systems we install are solar with battery backup, which means if the grid goes down, the system kicks over and still powers your house.”
Pure Power Solar serves all of Louisville and the surrounding area. Projects take about six to eight weeks from start to finish, and Pure Power Solar also completes maintenance of units installed by other companies.
“There are a ton of people who bought a system from a company that sounded great and wasn’t,” Hartnett says. “Now they’re out of business, so there’s no one to help them or troubleshoot their systems. We take on those older systems and work out service agreements with customers so they’re not stuck in the bad situation the previous company left them in.”
Hartnett says it’s important to continue serving the people in his hometown and providing the best experience possible to all of his customers.
“We plan to do this forever in Louisville, and we had to do this in a way that makes that easier over time,” Hartnett says. “Whether people are looking for a system or already have one and need help, we’ve set ourselves up as the most trustworthy and reputable option in the area.”
For more information on Pure Power Solar, call 502-650-0353 or visit them online at purepowersolar.net.
CONNECT
GIFT OF FAMILY
LOCAL ORGANIZATION HELPS FAMILIES OVERCOME ADOPTION COSTS
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Couples across the globe find themselves looking into adoption for a variety of reasons, but when they see costs ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 and more, it’s discouraging, if not downright impossible, for many.
Gift of Adoption is the answer for those who need help getting through the financial barrier to complete their family.
There are approximately 15,000 children in the U.S. waiting to be adopted right now and 153 million worldwide.
Less than 2% of those who consider adoption actually complete it, citing the high cost of adoption as the primary barrier.
When Gene and Lucy Wyka were blessed with the resources to afford the financial
aspect of three adoptions, they decided to pay it forward, creating The Gift of Adoption Fund in 1996.
They soon changed their fund from a private structure to a public charity, enabling affiliate organizations, or chapters, to form locations across the country. There are 30 chapters in the U.S. today, and those living in an area with no chapter can still reach out to the national organization for assistance.
“In 2020, local volunteers founded the Kentucky chapter, and since then, we’ve awarded nearly $200,000 to help complete more than 50 adoptions,” says Jules Tisera, president of the board for the Kentucky chapter. “Before that, grants were funded by neighboring chapters or the national organization, so more than $23.9 million has been awarded, reaching 7,000 children
since the nonprofit’s inception.”
Once the couple is working with a licensed agency for domestic or international adoption and they’ve received an approved home study, they can apply for a grant through Gift of Adoption to help mitigate the cost of legal fees, travel expenses and more.
“A home study determines the family is emotionally, physically and financially equipped to parent, but it doesn’t mean they can cover all the adoption costs,” Tisera says. “You do have to be financially stable, but oftentimes, an opportunity comes along faster than expected. The family thinks they have 18 months to save up, and they get a call that a child is ready to be picked up tomorrow.”
Tisera says they often hear from couples who want to adopt a biological sibling in order to keep siblings together, or sometimes the money is set aside and the family experiences a natural disaster and things have changed quickly.
“Another special circumstance is children in a vulnerable situation. The child is not in the same state; maybe they’re in the NICU and will be there for several weeks. The
cost of travel and lodging is an unexpected expense,” Tisera says.
The Kentucky chapter receives approximately 25 qualified applications each year.
An application committee reviews each one and, if selected, awards approximately $5,000 to the family. As an organization, they hope to increase that amount over
GOUT
INGROWN NAILS
SURGERY
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
FUNGAL TOENAILS
DIABETIC SHOES
ORTHOPEDIC SHOES
GAIT ANALYSIS
3D RUN ANALYSIS
3D WALK ANALYSIS
FALL PREVENTION
the next three years, but as a nonprofit, fundraising and support are the only ways to make it possible.
Tisera used to serve on the committee and remembers the heartbreaking stories she’s read over the years.
“I would read them over a weekend and sit there and cry. These are people at the end of their rope, desperately wanting a family,” Tisera says. “While we don’t require ongoing relationships, many families volunteer milestones and updates with us. Some have even joined our board. I think for myself and other volunteers, it’s these stories. Every time we hear a child is finally home because of one of our grants, it reminds us why this work is so important. It’s heartwarming and fulfilling to see a child home with a safe, loving and permanent family.”
Dee McCain of Louisville adopted Wynn in 2025 in the U.S.
“Wynn is just a happy baby and so sweet. For my son, adoption means he is wanted, cherished and deeply loved — not for who anyone hoped he would be, but for exactly who he is,” McCain says. “It means he has a place where his story matters, where his presence has purpose and where his life is celebrated every single day. Adoption gives him roots to grow from and wings to grow into.”
Alexander and Molly Love of Erlanger adopted Eliza, also from the U.S., last year.
“Eliza is very peaceful, sweet and social,” the Loves say. “She feels safe and loved, and it is so obvious to us. She would have gone into foster care without an adoption plan. This grant significantly relieves the financial burden so we can focus more on Eliza.”
Gift of Adoption Kentucky’s annual signature fundraiser is Gallop for the Gift.
From 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 6, sponsors
and supporters can join the organization at the Olmsted in Louisville and enjoy a silent auction, dinner and drinks, and inspiring stories of families like the McCains and the Loves who received a Gift of Adoption grant.
They also have the popular Bourbon Chase as part of the silent auction. Twenty donated bottles of bourbon are up for raffle and awarded by chance.
All of the proceeds go directly to fund adoption assistance grants.
“This will be our seventh annual fundraiser, and we’ve grown quite a bit. We’re moving the event to November to coincide with National Adoption Month,” Tisera says. “We’re really excited to have Miss Kentucky, Ariana Rodriguez, as our keynote speaker. She was a foster child herself, and we’ll also hear from a grant recipient family in Kentucky. We raised more than $80,000 last year — double from the year before.”
It still amazes Tisera, the number of people she’s met who have been touched by adoption.
So many have a personal connection through their own family, friends or neighbors and have seen the true gift that adoption brings to a family.
“We want to continue to get the word out. We’re always looking for board members, but you don’t have to commit to a board position. We always need volunteers for our events throughout the year. We need sponsors and supporters, such as dine-todonate events and others,” Tisera says.
For more information or to fill out your own application for an impending adoption, visit giftofadoption.org/kentucky/. Visit giftofadoption.org/kygallop/ to purchase Gallop for the Gift tickets.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
4, 18, 25
SILENT DISCO KIDS CRUISE
401 W River Rd.
1-2:30 p.m.
Calling all silent disco fans! Whether you’ve experienced the fun before or if you’re new to the silent disco trend, we say just add water for the ultimate family event.
4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28
WILD LIGHTS AT THE LOUISVILLE ZOO 2026
Louisville Zoo
7-10 p.m.
May 15 – July 26, 2026 Thursdays – Sundays only Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly. Route closes at 11:30 p.m.
5-6
PORTLAND FESTIVAL 2026
3329 Northwestern Pkwy.
5-11 p.m., 12-11 p.m.
The Portland Festival returns June 5–6, 2026 for its 52nd year, and this one is shaping up to be our biggest yet.
NOTABLE LOUISVILLE WOMEN AND THE SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT GOLF CART TOUR
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum, 701 Baxter Ave. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Some of the most prolific change in society can be attributed to the leadership of women.
7
WAGGIN’ TAIL ON THE WATERFRONT
Festival Plaza, 231 Witherspoon Ave.
12-4 p.m.
Join us for the Kentucky Humane Society’s Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront – Louisville’s favorite dogfriendly family festival!
8
AMERICA
250
Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 5-8 p.m.
Join us for a free special screening!
11
PHANTOM PLANET AND AUGUSTANA
Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th Street. 8 p.m.
The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.
12, 19, 26 DOWNTOWN DRIVE-IN AT WATERFRONT PARK
Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1271 River Rd..
8-11 p.m.
Downtown Drive-in at Waterfront Park
This event is produced by the Louisville Downtown Partnership. Location: Brown-Forman Amphitheater (1301 River Road)
12
LOUISVILLE BATS VS. IOWA CUBS
Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E Main St.
13
CUBA MIA FEST LOUISVILLE
1-11 p.m.
Location: TurfMutt Great Lawn, Waterfront Park
Time: Gates open at 1:00 PM
13-14
LOUISVILLE WORLD ODDITIES EXPO
Kentucky Exposition Center, 938 Philips Lane. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Welcome to WOE’s 3rd Annual Louisville Expo —prepare yourself for an experience like no other!
13
TREAT TROT
Cherokee Park, 745 Cochran Hill Rd. 7-10 a.m.
Race Day Schedule 5:30-6:45am Packet Pickup 6:55am Kids Dash (Meet at the Start Line and we will walk participants out to the starting area) 7:00am National Anthem and Race Start!
14
DERBY
CITY BAD CATS TOURNAMENT
Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan St.
2-5 p.m.
The Derby City Bad Cats pinball tournament is taking over Logan Street Market - Where flippers fly, high scores get serious, and bragging rights are very much on the line.
“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC: BIGGER & WEIRDER 2026 TOUR
KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza.
7:30 p.m.
All ages welcome!
MIDDLETOWN CONCERT IN THE PARK
Wetherby Park
11803 Old Shelbyville Rd.
The Honkytonk Rewind Band 6 p.m.-8 p.m. No Pets, No Alcohol
SWEET SUCCESS
CINNAHOLIC BRINGS CUSTOM TREATS TO LOUISVILLE
Sean and Dion Roberson liked going to Cinnaholic so much, they decided to open their own. While living in Atlanta, the husband-and-wife duo discovered the bakery known for its “create your own” cinnamon rolls and made it one of their go-to stops. After moving back to Louisville, they knew they had to bring the concept home.
“We are both from Louisville, born and raised,” Sean says. “We discovered Cinnaholic in Atlanta, and it became our number one dessert option. We always had the intention to move back to Louisville eventually. When we did, we wanted to bring this to where we are from so people can experience what we experienced. That was really our motivation. We wanted to bring Cinnaholic back home.”
Cinnaholic is a national franchise started in Berkeley, California, in 2010 that quickly became a local favorite and was even featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” There are now more than 100 Cinnaholic locations spread out across the country, serving fresh-baked products that are 100% vegan while free of dairy, lactose, egg and cholesterol.
The menu includes a variety of frostings and toppings, all made with the highest-quality ingredients. Customers can design their own
special cinnamon roll or choose from one of the selected signature rolls, which include Cookie Monster, Campfire S’mores, Caramel Apple Pie and the classic Old Skool Roll.
Sean says Cookie Monster, which features cream cheese frosting topped with homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate chips and chocolate sauce, is his personal favorite, with many new customers opting for the more traditional Old Skool Roll on their first visit.
“For most people, if it’s their first time coming in, the menu can get overwhelming seeing all the customizations and options,” Sean says. “Ultimately, they land on the Old Skool, which is just your basic cinnamon roll. Besides that, if someone wants something with toppings, they go with the Cookie Monster. It’s pretty rich, and it’s my favorite. I can see why people love it.”
Sean and Dion’s location is the first Cinnaholic in Kentucky and is in the heart of St. Matthews at 4204 Shelbyville Road near Hubbards Lane. Cinnaholic will also feature Sean’s other business venture, West Lou Coffee, with brownies, cookies and more also available.
“The St. Matthews area made sense because we are familiar with Shelbyville Road and the mall,” Sean says. “There’s a lot of people who live in that area and shop and eat. We wanted our first business to be in an area that is a destination for people who live in and
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
Dion Roberson
Sean Roberson
around Louisville.”
The store had its grand opening in August, offering guests discounted $2 rolls, and has grown rapidly from there.
“Our grand opening was pretty wild,” Dion says. “We had a lot of things going on and some roadblocks we were able to work through. I want to give a shoutout to our customer base for coming out. They were all so supportive and nice during that time and allowed us grace as we ramped up with a brand-new team and concept. There was a lot that went into those first few weeks, and we still have had great reception. Now we have our regular customers who come for dietary needs. They either are vegan or plant-based or just can’t have dairy or lactose. It’s really been good to have this concept here for folks to enjoy regardless of their dietary restrictions.”
Cinnaholic wants its reach to go beyond its store. They also cater special events, and Dion says she hopes to grow that part of the business.
“We’ve done a few corporate events and weddings,” Dion says. “We try to make that experience exceptional for whatever the reason is. We work with our customers on what their needs are. We have options to deliver or do setup. We would love the opportunity to cater and spread the product to as many people as possible.”
Sean says he also sees an opportunity to visit customers who may have a harder time getting to the current physical location.
“We traveled to a few events last year, and it was eye-opening how many people showed up for us,” Sean says. “A lot of these people can’t get to St. Matthews as easily and are happy to see us and purchase items. It made me think we need to invest in a mobile way to get to more people.”
TUESDAY:
TRIVIA: 7-9PM
WEDNESDAY: MUSIC BINGO: 7-9PM
THURSDAY: .99
The couple says it took about a year for the concept to fully get off the ground, and they’ve already learned a great deal about the process and each other. Both want all of their customers to have a great experience when visiting.
“This should be a very fun establishment,” Dion says. “That’s probably been the biggest learning curve for me. While we are running a business, we need to ensure we’re having fun with the process so it’s a great experience for the customer from when they walk into the front door to when they leave.”
“We’re treating our customers how we like to be treated, and it’s showing up,” Sean says. “People are writing good reviews because we are making sure they are getting what they’re asking for. We can go above and beyond with giving them a smile and a greeting and knowing our frequent customers. If you just be yourself and are a good person, you can give great service to someone and they’ll come back.”
Cinnaholic is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on Cinnaholic, check out cinnaholic.com or call 502-365-4119.
Welcome to Gustavo’s Mexican Grill—more than a dining venue, it’s a heartwarming community. Our unique edge? Personal touch. Often, you’ll find Gustavo himself welcoming you. At Gustavo’s, we’re a family-oriented environment where you’re not just a customer but a valued part of our extended family. Join us for an authentic, delicious and fun dining experience.
“I’m a family person and we want everyone to feel like they’re part of our family.”
—Gustavo Reyes
COREY BOSTON
corey@townepost.com
(502) 407-0185
gamechanging experts
Rodolfo Zamora, MD Orthopedic Surgeon
Get back in the game of life faster.
The UofL Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine teams are the go-to experts for advanced, tailored treatment plans with less recovery time. In fact, we lead the state in robotic surgical procedures that can minimize pain and improve quality of life in record time. We are renowned for high-level care and customized surgeries that treat everything from shoulders to toes, including spines. And as the official health care provider for UofL Athletics, we provide that same VIP care to every patient. With access to specialists all in one place, it’s a win-win-win for the fastest journey to recovery.
UofLHealth.org or call 502-588-0300.
THAT’S THE POWER OF U
Official Health Care Provider of the Louisville Cardinals