Erica Danielle Riley, a beloved mother and community member, tragically passed away on Aug. 19 following a domestic incident outside of the Hardin County Justice Center in downtown Elizabethtown. Erica, who is survived by her two children, was an employee of Baptist Health Medical Group and enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and hiking.
To support Erica’s family following her tragic passing, a trust fund has been established. Give 270 is proudly matching all crowdfunding contributions toward the fund up to $5,000.
On Oct. 5, downtown Elizabethtown-based establishments the Original Impellizzeri’s Pizza, J.R. Neighbors and the Cavern Club will be hosting a benefit event, Step Up Against Domestic Violence, with portions of proceeds going toward the trust fund. The event will include live music from local artists, including 2 Outta 3, Kevin Jaggers and Kevin & Lauren from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Grafenburg at the Cavern Club at 8 p.m. A silent auction will also be held in correlation with the event, which will be hosted from Oct. 5 through 10.
To support the trust fund for Erica Riley:
1. Visit one of the three locations on Oct. 5 and enjoy a meal or cocktail.
Beginning this Black Friday at 8 am ET, Give 270 is partnering with John O’s to give you exclusive access to the inaugural release from Old Rick Barrel Company.This 17-Year Canadian Rye Whiskey is the label’s very 1st barrel.
Only 150 bottles will be available to reserve for purchase, so make sure you act fast!
To reserve yours, complete the form below and bottle(s) will be held in your name for purchase and pick-up at the location you choose.
Offered at $249.99 + tax, a portion of proceeds will benefit Give 270.
Restore Walking Trail at Valley View Education Center
Installed in 2014 in honor of community leader Nelson Kelley, this walking trail has benefitted students at Elizabethtown Independent Schools’ Panther Place Afterschool Program and the nearby Haycraft Neighborhood. Erosion has taken a toll on the trail, and with a donation of $10,000 could be restored and maintained as part of Elizabethtown’s growing network of outdoor recreation opportunities. Volunteers would be mobilized to complete construction with the expertise of trail planners and funding for supplies.
Born Learning Academies use proven tips, tools and resources to help families take a more active role in preparing their children ages 0-5 for kindergarten. Through a series of six free workshops held in local schools, a Born Learning Academy provides families and caregivers with practical, user-friendly ideas to turn everyday activities into learning moments. Programs include a family-friendly meal, prizes, and fun hands-on activities. Each workshop is led by trained professionals—usually teachers, principals or other education staff—and focuses on topics including Building Your Child’s Language Skills, Nutrition and Health, How Children Learn, and Routines and Learning on the Go. There are no income restrictions to qualify for the program, as we believe all children should have the opportunity to develop school-readiness skills regardless of their family circumstances. A gift of $7,500 will allow LaRue County to operate a Born Learning Academy for a year.
Provide Coaching and Job Readiness Training to Remove Employment Barriers
Did you know that 40% of working-age adults in Hardin County are unemployed, yet our region is experiencing increasing demand for nonprofit services and a shortage of entry-level workers? United Way of Central Kentucky is bringing our community together to bridge the gap between those in need and the hundreds of job opportunities available in our region. Our Way to Work program takes poverty personally with a research based, one-on-one approach for moving families to self-sufficiency through employment. Change does not happen alone, and poverty is expensive as it hinders the growth of our local economy while employers face a shortage of reliable entry-level workers. In addition to this cost, research shows that job seekers who are chronically unemployed or underemployed face multiple barriers which may include health, childcare, and transportation challenges. Through our collaborative network, Way to Work will connect local businesses to prospective employees who have completed a background check, drug test, Job Readiness Workshop, and are receiving wraparound support from partner agencies. An investment of $10,000 will provide 2 Way to Work Members with personalized coaching and coordinated services for a year. Together we can find a better way to address the complex issue of poverty.
Provide Transportation to Mission Hope for Kids Afterschool Program
Mission Hope for Kids partners with parents and educators to identify at-risk children who would benefit from additional academic, emotional and spiritual support after school hours. Adult and youth mentors provide homework help, literacy programs, computer labs, nutritious meals and faith enrichment to 185 Hardin County students. Research by the Afterschool Alliance shows that 45% of all participants involved in afterschool programs improved their reading grades and 41% improved their math grades. At-risk children face unique and complex challenges like hunger, stressed social environments, negative peer pressure and limited access to resources. Transportation is often a barrier for families given the lack of public transportation in Hardin County. To ensure that transportation never hinders a student’s ability to attend, Mission Hope volunteers provide transportation to and from the program. An investment of $10,000 will be combined with that of private donations to purchase a new 15-passenger van.
The Eric and Joe Show, presented in 2020, raised $8,500 for the Baptist Health Foundation Hardin. Because of the pandemic, last year’s Eric and Joe Show, which is traditionally presented live on stage, was filmed and played at Crowne Pointe Theatre in large-scale movie format. The modified format allowed for multiple viewings during a 10-day showing as well as reduced audience size.
Thank you to everyone who supported the show and these two crazy guys.
Give 270 is so proud to be able to make education opportunities available to area students.. Watch the video to learn more about how Beer, Books, and Dolly Parton all go together. Special thanks to Hardin County Schools and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for this opportunity for kids planning to attend Creekside Elementary. Thank you United Way of Central Kentucky for helping us identify this opportunity!
