Registration Now Open for 19th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk

Free September 26 event will feature STEM mobile classroom, family activities and community-wide effort to help neighbors in need

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Registration is now open for the 19th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk, benefiting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Evansville. The annual community event will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Evansville State Hospital Grounds.

The Friends of the Poor Walk brings together families, businesses, churches, schools and community members for a morning of fellowship and fun while raising funds to help neighbors experiencing poverty and financial hardship throughout southwestern Indiana.

Participation in the Walk is free and open to the public, and advance registration is now available. Participants are encouraged to register individually, form a team, invite friends and family, and help raise funds in support of the Society’s local mission.

“This Walk is one of my favorite opportunities for our community to come together around a very simple idea: our neighbors should not have to face hardship alone,” said Dr. Ashley Newell, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Evansville. “Whether someone raises hundreds of dollars, brings their family out to walk with us, or simply helps spread the word, they become part of the work we are doing every day to fight hunger, prevent homelessness and restore dignity.”

More Than a Walk

This year’s event is designed to give families even more reasons to come out and spend the morning together.

Before the Walk begins, school-aged children will have the opportunity to explore a STEM-based mobile classroom, offering a hands-on educational experience for young participants. The Evansville Fire Department is also scheduled to join the festivities with a fire truck for children and families to visit.

The event is family-friendly and pet-friendly, and there is no cost to participate.

Organizers hope the morning will also give parents an opportunity to introduce children to the importance of service, generosity and caring for their neighbors while enjoying a fun community event together.

Walking for Our Neighbors

Funds raised through the Friends of the Poor Walk remain local and support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s work serving individuals and families in need throughout the Evansville District.

Through its network of parish-based Conferences and Special Works, the Society provides food, clothing, household necessities, rent and utility assistance, and other forms of person-to-person support to neighbors facing hardship.

The Society has set a $45,000 sponsorship goal for this year’s Walk, building on the strong support of local businesses and organizations that have helped make the event an Evansville tradition. Corporate sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and organizations interested in joining the effort.

The 19th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk is presented by Exclusive Title Sponsor Marilyn J. Cox, with the support of the event’s Legacy Sponsors and community partners.

Event Details:

19th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Evansville State Hospital Grounds

Registration: FREE

Before the Walk:

  • Explore a STEM-based mobile classroom for school-aged children
  • Visit with the Evansville Fire Department and see a fire truck up close
  • Gather with families, teams, local organizations and community partners

Family-friendly • Pet-friendly • All are welcome

Community members are encouraged to register now, create or join a team, and begin fundraising ahead of the September 26 event.

For registration, sponsorship information or additional details, visit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Evansville, or contact the District Council office.

About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Evansville, is a Catholic lay organization dedicated to serving neighbors in need through person-to-person assistance, friendship and respect for the dignity of every individual. Through its parish Conferences, Food Pantry, Thrift Store and systemic-change programs, the Society works to address both immediate needs and the underlying challenges of poverty throughout southwestern Indiana.

Media Contact:
Dr. Ashley Newell
Executive Director
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Evansville
(812) 602-5182
anewell@svdpevansville.org