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From Fender Bender to Family: The Unlikely Start of a Powerful Partnership
Oct. 22, 2024
Chick-fil-A and Evansville Rescue Mission join forces for greater community impact in Indiana
When local Chick-fil-A® Owner-Operator Rich Stierwalt accidentally backed into Tracy Gorman’s car at a baseball game in Indiana, they had no idea the small fender bender would lead to a lasting partnership.
Turns out, they had a lot in common – including that both were passionate about giving back to their communities. Tracy introduced Rich to the nonprofit he runs, Evansville Rescue Mission, and Rich jumped at the chance to get involved. Rich started exploring how his Restaurant could collaborate with the organization to make a bigger impact in Evansville, Indiana. From volunteering to donating extra food, Rich and his Chick-fil-A Cross Pointe team have built a strong 12-year partnership with Evansville Rescue Mission, and now Rich even serves on the board of directors.
Celebrating a Century of Service
As one of the largest nonprofits of its kind, Evansville Rescue Mission has provided meals, housing and other services to those in need for over 100 years. Today, under the leadership of long-standing CEO Tracy, the mission provides over 300,000 meals and 50,000 nightly bed spaces annually.
“Every single day, we have people walk through our doors who are facing extremely difficult challenges,” said Tracy. “Our mission is to meet them where they are and offer a path to hope and renewal.”
A Growing Partnership
Now, what started as a simple friendship between two community-minded individuals has blossomed into a full-fledged partnership – one that goes beyond just food.
“Chick-fil-A has become a partner we can rely on – any time we call, they’re ready to help,” said Tracy. “From providing support during emergency situations to stepping in to serve a meal when our kitchen has been down, Rich and his Restaurant team have become family to us. Knowing they care about our community in the same ways that we do is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
In addition to volunteering their time and donating resources to Evansville Rescue Mission, Stierwalt’s Restaurants have provided over 42,000 meals to the greater Evansville community through
Chick-fil-A Shared Table®, an initiative that empowers Owner-Operators to donate surplus food to local organizations. Owner-Operators to donate surplus food to local organizations.
A New Center for Women and Children: A Beacon of Hope
With support from influential community leaders like Rich, Evansville Rescue Mission has ambitious aspirations for the future.
In March 2025, the nonprofit is set to open a new Center for Women and Children, a 42,000-square-foot facility with complimentary amenities including a fitness center, salon, teaching kitchen, urban garden and more. The center will not only provide shelter, but also empower the women living there with programs and opportunities to build a better future.
In addition, the Center for Women and Children will feature an on-site police center, as well as a daycare to eliminate one of the most significant barriers for mothers experiencing homelessness—childcare—allowing them to pursue education and employment goals.
“In this area alone, 40% of the unhoused population are women and 33% of them are under the age of 18,” said Tracy. “The new Center for Women and Children will allow the mission to meet an astounding 70% of this population’s needs in the Evansville area.”
More Than Just a Partnership
For both Chick-fil-A Cross Pointe and Evansville Rescue Mission, this collaboration is more than just a partnership – it is a testament to a shared commitment to serve others and help create stronger communities.
“To have Chick-fil-A alongside us is an incredible privilege,” Tracy said. “We couldn’t do this work without them.”
You can learn more about Evansville Rescue Mission’s Center for Women and Children or to learn about how you can get involved by visiting them online at EvansvilleRescueMission.org.
Chick-fil-A and Evansville Rescue Mission join forces for greater community impact in Indiana
When local Chick-fil-A® Owner-Operator Rich Stierwalt accidentally backed into Tracy Gorman’s car at a baseball game in Indiana, they had no idea the small fender bender would lead to a lasting partnership.
Turns out, they had a lot in common – including that both were passionate about giving back to their communities. Tracy introduced Rich to the nonprofit he runs, Evansville Rescue Mission, and Rich jumped at the chance to get involved. Rich started exploring how his Restaurant could collaborate with the organization to make a bigger impact in Evansville, Indiana. From volunteering to donating extra food, Rich and his Chick-fil-A Cross Pointe team have built a strong 12-year partnership with Evansville Rescue Mission, and now Rich even serves on the board of directors.
Celebrating a Century of Service
As one of the largest nonprofits of its kind, Evansville Rescue Mission has provided meals, housing and other services to those in need for over 100 years. Today, under the leadership of long-standing CEO Tracy, the mission provides over 300,000 meals and 50,000 nightly bed spaces annually.
“Every single day, we have people walk through our doors who are facing extremely difficult challenges,” said Tracy. “Our mission is to meet them where they are and offer a path to hope and renewal.”
A Growing Partnership
Now, what started as a simple friendship between two community-minded individuals has blossomed into a full-fledged partnership – one that goes beyond just food.
“Chick-fil-A has become a partner we can rely on – any time we call, they’re ready to help,” said Tracy. “From providing support during emergency situations to stepping in to serve a meal when our kitchen has been down, Rich and his Restaurant team have become family to us. Knowing they care about our community in the same ways that we do is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
In addition to volunteering their time and donating resources to Evansville Rescue Mission, Stierwalt’s Restaurants have provided over 42,000 meals to the greater Evansville community through
Chick-fil-A Shared Table®, an initiative that empowers Owner-Operators to donate surplus food to local organizations. Owner-Operators to donate surplus food to local organizations.
A New Center for Women and Children: A Beacon of Hope
With support from influential community leaders like Rich, Evansville Rescue Mission has ambitious aspirations for the future.
In March 2025, the nonprofit is set to open a new Center for Women and Children, a 42,000-square-foot facility with complimentary amenities including a fitness center, salon, teaching kitchen, urban garden and more. The center will not only provide shelter, but also empower the women living there with programs and opportunities to build a better future.
In addition, the Center for Women and Children will feature an on-site police center, as well as a daycare to eliminate one of the most significant barriers for mothers experiencing homelessness—childcare—allowing them to pursue education and employment goals.
“In this area alone, 40% of the unhoused population are women and 33% of them are under the age of 18,” said Tracy. “The new Center for Women and Children will allow the mission to meet an astounding 70% of this population’s needs in the Evansville area.”
More Than Just a Partnership
For both Chick-fil-A Cross Pointe and Evansville Rescue Mission, this collaboration is more than just a partnership – it is a testament to a shared commitment to serve others and help create stronger communities.
“To have Chick-fil-A alongside us is an incredible privilege,” Tracy said. “We couldn’t do this work without them.”
You can learn more about Evansville Rescue Mission’s Center for Women and Children or to learn about how you can get involved by visiting them online at EvansvilleRescueMission.org.
