Paducah working group advances plans for Duke & Duchess Foundation
KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A working group assembled by Mayor George P. Bray and the City of Paducah is moving forward with plans to establish the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, a new charitable organization intended to strengthen community ties and support local initiatives.
Bray said the idea emerged after recognizing the pride recipients take in the Duke and Duchess awards, which have been presented since the 1950s to thousands of honorees across the country and beyond.
“As we became more aware of the large number of Duke and Duchess awardees, the overall pride exhibited by the recipients, and their close ties to our community, an idea was born for a foundation that can make a real and lasting impact,” Bray said in a statement. “This new foundation will be focused on Paducah, McCracken County, and Western Kentucky, our sphere of influence. We are well on our way in creating a charitable organization with the vision of enhancing and improving the quality of life for our community that will allow our Duke and Duchess honorees the opportunity to give back.”
The group has drafted bylaws and articles of incorporation, developed a financial plan, created a survey to verify contact information for past recipients, and begun organizing a social event to officially launch the foundation in early 2026. Members of the working group include Julie Almon, Bray, David Denton, Audra Kyle, Jennifer McIntosh Lasher, Caroline Murphy, Lee Rust, Tabetha Sisk, Pam Spencer, Dan Stayton, Rayla Trigg, and Beverly Underwood. Those not already honored as Dukes or Duchesses have now been named recipients in recognition of their service.
Organizers emphasized the importance of accurate records and are asking all Duke and Duchess honorees to complete the online survey to ensure they receive an invitation to the inaugural 2026 event. Anyone with information about other recipients, such as updated addresses, is encouraged to submit details through the same form.
Once fully established and funded, the foundation will provide grants, with funds held at the Community Foundation of West Kentucky, and offer Dukes and Duchesses a way to remain connected to Paducah while contributing to its future. Donations are being accepted now by mail to the Community Foundation of West Kentucky, with checks designated for the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation.
The tradition dates back to 1953, when Paducah first bestowed the Duke of Paducah award on banjo player and comedian Benjamin Francis “Whitey” Ford, who had adopted the stage name “Duke of Paducah” years earlier. Ford’s recognition helped bring publicity to the city, and in 1986 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
