'Bourbon' fundraiser launched to help town hit by tornado

Northern Indiana town was struck by a EF-1 tornado. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union

Bourbon, Indiana — After an EF-1 tornado tore through his hometown of Bourbon, Indiana, Hoosier entrepreneur Nate Spangle (who now lives in Indy) is turning grief into action — with a barrel of whiskey. He’s calling it “Bourbon 4 Bourbon,” a spirited fundraiser to help his hometown rebuild.  

Bourbon is a small town of about 1,600 people, located about 40 minutes south of South Bend.

“Bourbon is the kind of town that shows up for you — whether it’s a flat tire or family tragedy,” said Spangle. “When I saw the damage, I knew I couldn’t just sit on the sidelines. This is about giving back to the people and place that shaped me.”

The founder of Get Indiana and host of “Get IN," Spangle saw the storm’s devastation and knew he had to do something to help the tight-knit community he knows and loves. Spangle intends to make an impact by teaming up with Rare Saint Whiskey to launch Bourbon 4 Bourbon. Spangle has hand-selected a limited-release single barrel of Rare Saint Bourbon, with the goal of raising $20,000 by April 30, 2025, to benefit the Bourbon, Indiana community.

Here is how people can help: 

Donate $100 – Receive a limited-edition bottle of Rare Saint Bourbon (one of only 200 bottles available).

Donate $500 – Nate will personally hand-deliver two bottles of Rare Saint Bourbon anywhere in Indiana.

Donate $1,000 – Receive a case (six bottles) of Rare Saint Bourbon, hand-delivered by Nate, along with a personalized thank-you video.

Donate $2,500 – Enjoy a private dinner with Nate at St. Elmo Steak House and receive a case (six bottles) of Rare Saint Bourbon.

Note: Bourbon gifts are limited to donors 21 or older in Indiana. Delivery and dinner scheduling subject to availability and must follow Indiana alcohol laws. Funds raised will directly support families with emergency housing, essential supplies and home repairs through trusted local partners.

To make a donation, visit https://www.patronicity.com/project/bourbon_4_bourbon#!/.

“This town gave me everything. The heart of Bourbon has always been its people. Right now, they need us. If we can rally together — even from miles away — we can help our neighbors start to rebuild their lives,” said Spangle.

— Susan Decker

Susan Decker Media