On April 2nd, an EF-1 tornado struck the small rural town of Bourbon, Indiana, leaving deep scars on the lives of its approximately 1,600 residents. Beyond the destroyed homes and uprooted trees, a profound shadow of unease fell upon the residents, who had always taken pride in their strong sense of community.
Watching the pain of his hometown from afar, an Indianapolis entrepreneur stepped up to offer unique recovery support. Nate Spangle (38), the founder of the local community connection platform ‘Get Indiana’ and host of the podcast “Get IN,” saw the devastating scenes of his hometown through his smartphone screen.
"Bourbon is one of those places where if you had a flat tire, or if your family had a tragedy, people would show up and help," Spangle recalled.
Preliminary reports indicate that the tornado swept through the outskirts of Bourbon, damaging 30 homes and displacing 11 families.
For Spangle, who cherishes childhood memories of the smell of oil from his grandfather’s auto repair shop and the scent of the cornfields after rain, ignoring his hometown's suffering was impossible. "Seeing the damage, I couldn't just stand by. I felt I had to give back to the people and the place that raised me," he said.
His solution was ‘Bourbon 4 Bourbon,’ a whiskey-based fundraising campaign. Collaborating with Indianapolis-based distillery Rare Saint Whiskey, he aims to sell 200 limited-edition single-barrel bourbon bottles and raise $20,000 by April 30th to support displaced residents with emergency housing, essential supplies, and home repair costs.
A Blend of Rare Spirits and Ingenious Strategy
The campaign, hosted on the crowdfunding platform Patronicity, offers unique rewards based on donation amounts – a clever combination of Indiana’s warm hospitality and its liquor laws.
Donors who contribute $100 will receive a bottle of Rare Saint's limited-edition bourbon. A $500 donation earns the supporter two bottles of bourbon personally delivered by Spangle anywhere in Indiana. Those who donate $1,000 will receive six bottles of bourbon along with a personalized thank-you video. The highest tier, a $2,500 donation, includes a special dinner with Spangle at the renowned St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, along with a case of bourbon.
However, all alcohol-related rewards are limited to individuals aged 21 and over residing in Indiana.
"This fundraiser is about more than just donations; it's about creating connections with people," Spangle emphasized. "By personally delivering the bourbon to donors, I want them to feel like they are part of Bourbon's story."
"The Heart of the Town Has Always Been Its People"
Located 40 minutes south of South Bend, Bourbon’s name, ironically, doesn't come from the spirit but from settlers who arrived in the 1830s from Bourbon County, Kentucky, longing for their home.
Today, Bourbon's identity rests on its weathered barns, its general store, and the tight-knit community spirit that shines brightest in times of crisis.
Spangle's fundraising effort, in collaboration with the Bourbon Volunteer Fire Department and the Marshall County United Way, aims to alleviate the burden on this community. The funds raised will directly support displaced residents with hotel stays, building material purchases, and grocery gift cards.
"The heart of Bourbon has always been its people," Spangle urged. "Now is the time they need our help the most."
A Delicate Blend of Grief and Action
This project holds deep personal significance for Spangle. The son of a factory worker and a school cafeteria manager, he believes Bourbon’s spirit of “helping hands and togetherness” significantly shaped his career as a community advocate.
His platform, ‘Get Indiana,’ founded in 2019, highlights small businesses and grassroots change-makers across the state.
However, the whiskey that shares his hometown's name has also played a meaningful role in his life's journey. Spangle recalls his teenage years, watching his grandfather sip Old Forester whiskey after fixing tractors.
"That amber color, that warmth… it was comfort," Spangle said. "I wanted this fundraiser to evoke that same feeling – something familiar, steady, and that brings people together."
The ‘Bourbon 4 Bourbon’ campaign has already raised over $4,000 from dozens of supporters.
Challenges Ahead
Significant challenges remain in the recovery efforts. Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is tied up in bureaucratic review, leaving residents reliant on non-profits and fundraising efforts like Spangle’s ‘Bourbon 4 Bourbon.’
Spangle recognizes the long road ahead. He is working with volunteer construction companies to secure donated labor and is planning a benefit concert for the summer. His podcast will soon feature stories from Bourbon residents.
"This small town gave me everything," Spangle affirmed. "Even though I'm far away, if we all come together, we can help our neighbors get back on their feet."
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