The effort to rebuild the historic Nowland Avenue bridge will take a major fund-raising step forward at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, when Pathways Over Pogue’s and Reconnecting to our Waterways stage a virtual kickoff at https://zoom.us/j/95337705871.
Organizers said the event is “free and should be relatively painless, but even if it’s not, it will be over soon, and it’s for a worthy cause – to repair a historic landmark and help get the long awaited Pogue’s Run Trail finished.
During this time, like everyone, POP is struggling – even to attract people to this free virtual event, organizers continued. “So have compassion for POP organizers so we don’t fall totally flat on our faces by having no one show up. Show up.”
In 2018, Pathways Over Pogue’s and partners raised $140,000 to design the repair of the historic Nowland Avenue bridge. Now that the design is done, POP is ready to move on to the actual repair, once they raise the $500,000 needed.
The Nowland Avenue Bridge is the oldest remaining bridge in Indianapolis by renowned engineer Daniel Luten and an early example of his innovative patented Luten Arch. It’s a historic landmark that has been neglected and deteriorating for decades. It’s also holding up completion of the long-awaited Pogue’s Run Trail which will cross directly over it, and be a boon for Near Eastside residents and businesses, POP leaders said.
The virtual event will include the premiere of a quirky video about the bridge campaign starring Near Eastside activists Jerry Shepherd, Jim Leich, Tina Jones, Laurie Klinger and KanKan’s Tom and Ed Battista. Participants can test their knowledge about flora and fauna along Pogue’s Run with a virtual quiz by ROW’s Julie Rhodes and Kelly Brown.
The event will also feature an explanation of how the funds will be used.
Those who you donate $10 or more at https://popindy.org/donations/ by June 16 will receive a shot at one of five raffle prizes from Homespun, King Dough Pizza, Rooster’s Kitchen, City Way Animal Clinic – Mass Ave, and Centerpoint Brewing. (See https://popindy.org/news-and-events/ for details)
Half of what is earned for each raffle will go to a COVID-19-related cause, including:
– SOAR, which helps homeless and those in crisis care for their animals For more info: https://www.soarinitiative.com
– Indy Independent Relief Fund – supporting service industry workers such as bartenders, waitresses, cooks, etc. through a food distribution network. For more info: http://www.indyirf.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Vm2Fpr6lvn6DlmtgpA_GNIBITB-xaTYyC7drMrP0aix16j3MXNeh27OM.
– Rooster’s Food Insecurity Meal Sponsorship (1 meal for every $5 sponsored). For more info: http://www.roostersindy.com/market/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Roosters-Kitchen-Feed-it-forward-program.pdf
– Care packages and treats for frontline workers
Help two causes with one donation of $10 or more. Vote with your pocketbook for the cause you care about and get a shot at excellent raffle prizes from local businesses.
POP leaders are asking for help in getting the word out about the event: Share on Facebook or other resources such as a church network.
Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/910354866147494/
PHOTO ABOVE: The badly deteriorated Nowland Avenue bridge.
