Duke and Duchess recipients asked to complete a short survey to verify contact information in preparation for a social event to kick off the Foundation in 2026.
Over the past several months, Mayor George P. Bray, in partnership with the City of Paducah and a working group of interested citizens, has been advancing the development of the Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation.
“Since the 1950s, Duke and Duchess awards have been presented to thousands of individuals,” said Mayor Bray. “Not long ago, we discovered a filing cabinet at City Hall filled with cards listing recipients, many from the 1970s and early 1980s. We are working to ensure those names are added to our official database.”
Mayor Bray continued, “I have found that Duke and Duchess award recipients take pride in this recognition and in their connection to our community. The idea to establish the Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation was inspired in part by the success of the Kentucky Colonels. This charitable organization will provide grants that will create lasting, meaningful impact in Paducah, McCracken County, and Western Kentucky—our region of influence. It will also give honorees a way to give back and stay engaged.”
Foundation Development
The working group, which includes Mayor Bray, has met regularly over the past few months to develop the Foundation’s bylaws and articles of incorporation with submission this week to the Kentucky Secretary of State. Furthermore, a federal employer ID number (FEIN) has been requested with the official filing for 501(c)(3) status in the upcoming weeks. The Foundation also has established an account through the Community Foundation of West Kentucky to accept donations.
Working group members in alphabetical order are as follows: Julie Almon, Mayor George Bray, David Denton, Audra Kyle, Jennifer McIntosh Lasher, Caroline Murphy, Lee Rust, Tabetha Sisk, Pam Spencer, and Rayla Trigg. Once the Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation receives its 501(c)(3) status, the working group members will become official trustees of the Foundation.
This month, Mayor Bray will be working to expand the size of the board by contacting people who have expressed interest in serving as trustees on the Foundation.
Survey for Duke and Duchess Recipients
Over the past nearly 75 years, thousands of recipients have been named a Duke or Duchess of Paducah. To ensure accurate communication, the Foundation is asking all recipients to complete a short survey. This will help verify contact information as invitations will be sent to Dukes and Duchesses for the inaugural social event in 2026.
Survey for Duke and Duchess Recipients
Donate to the Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation
Donations currently are being accepted for the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation. To contribute, visit Community Foundation to make an online donation or mail a check to Community Foundation of West Kentucky, P.O. Box 7, Paducah, KY 42002. Please make checks payable to Community Foundation of West Kentucky with Duke and Duchess of Paducah Foundation in the memo line.
Online Donation Portal through Community Foundation of West Kentucky
Duke of Paducah History
The first person to use the title Duke of Paducah professionally and receive an award from the City of Paducah was Benjamin Francis Ford, also known as Whitey Ford. A banjo player and comedian, Ford adopted the title in the 1930s after a radio station salesman from Paducah suggested it for publicity.
Ford received the first official Duke of Paducah award from the City of Paducah in 1953. City Commissioner George G. Jacobs, serving alongside Mayor Robert Cherry, created the recognition and presented the inaugural award to Ford after meeting him at a fair in Metropolis. The City hoped the award would bring positive publicity to Paducah.
Ford later achieved national fame and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1986.
###
