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About the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc.
Rooted in a proud local tradition, the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. was established in 2025 to carry forward a legacy of honor, service, and generosity. The foundation unites Duke and Duchess honorees in a shared commitment to support Paducah and the surrounding Western Kentucky region through charitable initiatives and grant funding. By transforming tradition into action, the organization seeks to strengthen communities, foster civic engagement, and provide meaningful support to nonprofit organizations. As a recognized 501(c)(3), the foundation is building a sustainable framework for long-term impact.
Trustees are Julie Almon, Mayor George Bray, J.W. Cleary, Lyne Dickey, Sarah Stewart Holland, Audra Kyle, Jennifer McIntosh Lasher, Caroline Murphy, Tabetha Sisk, Sonny Smith, Pam Spencer, and Rayla Trigg. Additional members are David Denton (Chair Emeritus) and Ian Puckett (Ex Officio).
In 2026, the Foundation received its 501(c)(3) designation.
Follow the Foundation on Facebook.
Donate to the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc.
To donate to the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc., visit Community Foundation of West Kentucky 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 & Duchess of Paducah Foundation in the memo line.
Launch Celebration on June 11, 2026
The trustees of the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. invite Duke and Duchess recipients and community supporters to attend the Foundation’s launch celebration. Over the past year, Mayor George P. Bray, in partnership with the City of Paducah and a group of engaged citizens, has developed the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing charitable support for the community.
The launch celebration will be Thursday, June 11 from 4 until 6 p.m. at The 1857 Hotel Event Center, 210 Kentucky Avenue. Attendees will learn about the Foundation’s development and mission, hear about prominent Duke and Duchess recipients, and discover donation opportunities to support the organization. Guests also will enjoy music by The River Dust Duo, appetizers provided by Fresh Foodies, and networking with fellow Dukes and Duchesses and community supporters.
There is no charge to attend the event; however, attendees are asked to register at Launch Celebration Pre-Registration by June 5.
“In my role as Paducah’s Mayor, I have the honor of presenting Duke and Duchess awards to individuals who find ways — big and small — to impact our community,” said Mayor Bray, Foundation President. “I have discovered that Duke and Duchess recipients take great pride in this recognition and in their connection to Paducah. This Foundation was created to honor our Dukes and Duchesses, provide opportunities for them to network and stay engaged in the community, and contribute financially to its long-term success. We are building the foundation to become a leading charitable organization that provides grants and creates a lasting, meaningful impact in Paducah, McCracken County, and Western Kentucky. If you have ever been made a Duke or Duchess of Paducah or have a connection to a Duke or Duchess, we hope you will join us at this event.”
“These past few months have been exciting as the Duke & Duchess of Paducah Foundation, Inc. has evolved from Mayor Bray’s concept into a charitable organization ready to be launched publicly,” said Rayla Trigg, Foundation Chair. “During that time, we have been putting the foundational pieces in place. Now, our focus is on becoming a leading charitable organization in the region. We aren’t shy — we will be asking for the community’s support as we work toward raising $500,000. Once those funds are secured, we will begin providing grants to assist local agencies. I can feel the excitement building.”
Register for Launch Celebration
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.
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 help verify contact information, the Foundation is asking all recipients to complete a Short Survey.
