Vol 23/Issue 3
greater owensboro chamber of commerce
MARCH
CHAMBER MATTERS 2025
Rooster Booster, Sponsored by Wendell Foster featuring Disability Awareness Panel The Chamber will host its Rooster Booster breakfast this Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center (501 West Second Street). The program is sponsored by Wendell Foster and will feature a Disability Awareness Panel with Eli Bennett (Sibling), Megan Hickman (Client), Roger Humphrey, MD (Parent), and Charity Pinkston PT, DPT, ATP (Service Provider).
Reserve your spot now at www.chamber.owensboro.com or by calling the Chamber office at (270) 926-1860 by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. COST IN ADVANCE: $15.50 for Chamber Members and $25.50 for non-members. COST AT THE DOOR: $20.50 for Chamber Members and $25.50 for non-members.
Speaker Panel
ELI BENNETT SIBLING
Wendell Foster has been a staple of the Owensboro community for nearly 80 years. Spanning six city blocks and providing 69,000 services to children and adults each year, our mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their dreams and potential. Services include on-site and community-based residential housing and supportive programs, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, assistive technology, a transportation program, day services, community programs, and more. With over 350 “Difference Makers” on our staff, Wendell Foster is proud to be one of the largest employers in the Daviess County area. Wendell Foster is committed to expanding its services to meet the needs of the community. In 2024, the organization completed its fundraising campaign for a new Aquatic Therapy Center. Aquatic Therapy is an essential treatment for people with disabilities, and has many benefits, including pain relief and increased mobility. Wendell Foster’s existing therapy pool is nearly 40 years old and has several maintenance limitations that prevent crucial aquatic therapy appointments from taking place. With the help of generous donors, grant funders, and an appropriation of funds from the Kentucky General Assembly, construction began on the project in December 2024 with completion expected in the spring of this year. The new Aquatic Therapy Center, located in the Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility, will be a state-of-the-art, sustainable space, providing aquatic therapy for people with disabilities for years to come. Wendell Foster is excited to welcome volunteers to our Community Companion program. This program was recently revamped, and allows community members to spend one-on-one time with Wendell Foster residents. The Community Companion program pairs residents with individuals who share their interests and hobbies. Community Companions visit campus once a week to spend one-on-one time with their new friends- playing games, reading books, or just relaxing together! This experience is meaningful not only for Wendell Foster residents, but for our volunteers as well. If you want to build a friendship with a Wendell Foster resident, please contact Hailey Neal, Volunteer Coordinator, at hailey.neal@wendellfoster.org. We invite the entire community to participate in the sixth annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health! We hope you will join us at the starting line on March 22nd, 2025 for Owensboro’s Best Running Race. This race has a little something for everyone, whether you’re running the Half, walking the 5K, joining our team of 400 volunteers, or simply cheering on our participants as they sprint, stroll, or step across the finish line. To register for the race or sign up for a volunteer opportunity, visit runsignup.com/wendellfoster. Wendell Foster is thankful for each volunteer and supporter who helps fulfill our mission. Say “Yes!” to becoming a Wendell Foster Difference Maker by volunteering or scheduling a tour of campus! To get involved, please contact the Community Engagement Department at 270-852-1458.
MEGAN HICKMAN CLIENT
ROGER HUMPHREY, MD PARENT
CHARITY PINKSTON PT, DPT, ATP SERVICE PROVIDER