Nick Trout – ONE FAMILY’S PASSION HELPS ANIMALS IN NEED
Writer / Melissa Gibson
The Trout family has always had a passion for animals in need. They’ve fostered pit bulls, Labs, Cane Corsos, beagles — even a mother pit bull and her nine nursing pups at one point.
It was a lesson in responsibility, love and the knowledge of just how much the Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) does for dogs and cats in search of a forever home.
LMAS serves as an authority in domestic animal welfare in Louisville. They create a safe and humane community for both people and domesticated animals, and they strive to eliminate euthanasia of adoptable animals through education, community engagement, enforcement and leadership efforts.
Ruth Trout’s son Nick said it’s hard to choose a favorite dog breed. He likes them all, and in 2020, as a junior at Oldham County High School, Nick came up with an idea.
Nick has autism and severe anxiety. He had a Halloween party with his friends every year.
“I decided to have a Halloween party for the community and thought, why not raise money for the animal shelter too,” Nick said.
It started out with a Halloween party for Nick’s friends from school and work, with a request for guests to bring donations like paper towels, bleach, blankets, dog toys, etc.
His first party welcomed around 10 friends who gave graciously, and Nick was able to donate two boxes of items to LMAS.
Each year, the party continued to grow, and in 2021, when the family moved to Middletown, they began renting the neighborhood clubhouse in Willow Gate. Nick’s stepfather Justin Middlebrook and friend Ethan Gipson are a big help each year as well.
At Nick’s Halloween Party, costumes are optional but encouraged. There will be free food, nonalcoholic drinks, games and music.
The clubhouse offered even more, including space outside for yard games and a fire pit with indoor seating and plenty of places for friends and families to socialize.
Though the first year started out small, it grew quickly and became an event many look forward to each October.
“Since the first year, Nick has never had less than 50 attendees. There have been years we’ve received 130 RSVPs and more than 80 people at the party,” Ruth said. “I think what makes the party so wonderful is that Nick has always paid for it himself up until two years ago, after a traumatic life event made employment challenging.”
Nick now works a few hours for Martin’s BBQ, and he continues to work on the employment challenge. He also works out at RISE Fitness, an adaptive and inclusive fitness program in Louisville, and he goes to Dreams With Wings twice per week, a nonprofit that empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their strengths, contribute to their community and live a lifetime of purpose.
He has a lot of connections, and although Nick was dealing with employment challenges, that didn’t stop him from reaching out and giving even more people in the community the opportunity to get involved. The results were amazing.
“Last year, for the first time, Nick went to several businesses and asked for donations. Some companies gave directly to LMAS and others started giving him items from their stores: gift cards, gift baskets and more,” Ruth said.
Local businesses, organizations and families continue to show up out of a willingness to support LMAS and a very persistent Nick and his joy for the cause. In 2025, more than $600 was raised and over $1,000 in donated items. Thanks to his efforts and the generosity of the community, they’ve surpassed these numbers before the party begins this fall.
Nick can be persuasive, and his passion is evident. He likes to look for treasure, combing yard sales and antique malls for that special find, and he treated his fundraising efforts with the same enthusiasm.
“I started looking for more ways to raise money, and I got gift cards and cash from lots of places like Meijer and Buffalo Wild Wings. We just left the Louisville Public Media, Kentucky Lottery with a $150 gift basket,” Nick said.
He’s made such an impact in the community, the Friends of LMAS has asked Nick to partner with them in their fundraising efforts.
As the event grows, so do the funds and item donations.
This year, Nick will donate to LMAS and Dreams With Wings — another organization close to his heart.
There will be a list for LMAS and a list for Dreams With Wings to donate items.
A donation is the cost of admission, and every person who attends with a donation receives one ticket. Above and beyond that, every dollar donated equals an additional ticket.
By the end of the night, the Trouts pull each gift card and gift basket’s number, sending guests home with a unique prize.
Nick’s Halloween Party will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 17, 2026, at the Willow Gate
clubhouse.
“I hope this year is better than ever. I’m super grateful for all the people that have supported the party,” Nick said.
Nick could have hosted a holiday party or a summer get-together. He chose Halloween because it’s something he and his friends have always enjoyed.
“I think this year I’m going to wear a mask, but if I had to pick a favorite, I like to get creative, like a zombie fisherman or a zombie race car driver,” Nick said. “I like the candy too.”
Beyond the candy and the costumes, however, Nick is grateful to the community that supports his party and the organizations it benefits.
To support or attend Nick’s Annual Halloween Fundraiser Party, email startrout123@gmail.com or visit the event
