Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc.

10/30/2026

The Trustees of the Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. want to thank everyone who joined us for yesterday’s Fall Mixer! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate the newest members of the Duke and Duchess family, and launch our Founding Investor Campaign.

A special thank-you to CFSB for graciously hosting the event and Denton Law Firm for providing the refreshments. We appreciate everyone who helped make it such a great success!

The Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions are received and administered through a fund held at the Community Foundation of West Kentucky.

Donate: https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/

10/30/2026

We enjoyed a wonderful gathering of Dukes & Duchesses during our Fall Mixer. The evening’s event was sponsored by Denton Law Firm and hosted at CFSB Southside Community Room.

Paducah Mayor George Bray recognized 13 new Duke & Duchess honorees during the evening’s event.

10/29/2026

Your investment in the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. can create lasting change. Help us reach the $500,000 endowment goal as we work together to strengthen our community through charitable initiatives and grant funding.

For nearly 75 years, the Duke & Duchess of Paducah award has celebrated civic leadership and service. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future.

The Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributions are received and administered through a fund held at the Community Foundation of West Kentucky.

Donate: https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/

10/20/2026

You’re invited! The Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. invites Duke and Duchess recipients, community supporters, and friends to its Fall Mixer and unveiling of the Founding Investor Campaign.

Join us Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the CFSB Community Room, 2550 Irvin Cobb Drive, to learn more about the Foundation’s mission, meet new members of the Duke and Duchess family, and discover how you can help build a lasting legacy of charitable support for the Paducah community.

Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and networking with community leaders and fellow supporters.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is requested at

Join us to celebrate the Foundation's mission, welcome new Duke and Duchesses to the family, and unveil the Founding Investor campaign.

10/13/2026

Dukes and Duchesses are honored for a variety of reasons, each reflecting a spirit of service and generosity. In 2021, Terry Jones received a Duke Award in recognition of his humble yet meaningful service in providing free haircuts to students and senior citizens. His kindness reminds us that making someone feel attractive is about more than appearance—it is about restoring confidence and helping others feel valued.

For nearly 75 years, the City of Paducah has provided Duke and Duchess awards to celebrate civic leadership and service. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. To donate, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky at https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/.

10/08/2026

The Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. invites Duke and Duchess recipients, community supporters, and friends to its Fall Mixer and unveiling of the Founding Investor Campaign.

Join us Thursday, October 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the CFSB Community Room, 2550 Irvin Cobb Drive, to learn more about the Foundation’s mission, meet new members of the Duke and Duchess family, and discover how you can help build a lasting legacy of charitable support for the Paducah community.

Enjoy refreshments, conversation, and networking with community leaders and fellow supporters.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003090660086?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/05/2026

Did you know that portions of the epic western film, How the West Was Won, was filmed in and around Paducah? In 1964, one of the main cast members, the legendary Debbie Reynolds, received a Duchess of Paducah award.

For nearly 75 years, the City of Paducah has provided Duke and Duchess awards to celebrate civic leadership and service and for bringing positive recognition to our community. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. To donate, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky at https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/.

09/28/2026

On August 27, 2019, the City of Paducah hosted several members of the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Mayor Brandi Harless presented Commander Sgt. Maj. Anthony McAdoo with a Duke of Paducah in recognition of the service of the “Lifeliners,” as members of the brigade are known. During their visit to Paducah, the soldiers learned about the educational and career opportunities available in the community, as well as Paducah’s quality of life.

For nearly 75 years, the City of Paducah has provided Duke and Duchess awards to celebrate civic leadership and service. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. To donate, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky at https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/.

09/22/2026

This historic image shows Mildred Grubbs, a duchess of Paducah. Grubbs was honored by Mayor Robert Cherry for working in a store downtown and being a protector of the store’s merchandise. She is credited with catching 500 shoplifters in a period of 12 years.

For nearly 75 years, the City of Paducah has provided Duke and Duchess awards to celebrate civic leadership and service. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. To donate, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky at https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/.

09/14/2026

A proud Paducah tradition, looking toward the future.

This historic image from the 1950s captures a presentation of Duke awards during the growth of Western Kentucky’s chemical plants—a period that helped shape our region’s economy.

Today, we see another chapter of growth developing around the Department of Energy site.

For nearly 75 years, the Duke & Duchess of Paducah award has celebrated civic leadership and service. The newly established Duke & Duchess Foundation builds on that legacy by bringing honorees and supporters together to invest in our community, strengthen local organizations, and expand opportunity.

Honoring our past. Investing in our future. To donate, visit the Community Foundation of West Kentucky at https://cfwestky.org/donors/donate/