By Blake Jackson
The 61st Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction at the Kentucky State Fair generated a winning bid of $10 million to benefit Kentucky charities, continuing a long tradition of generosity and community support.
Since 1964, the event has raised nearly $54 million for nonprofits across the state, including $30.5 million in the last three years through the combined efforts of Central Bank and Joe and Kelly Craft. This year, the two top bidders again joined forces to achieve the winning total.
“Mr. Garvice Kincaid started this bank in 1946, and he always said, ‘We're going to give back to the communities and we'll take care of the children, and we're going to fund education,’ and that's what we do,” Central Bank’s President & CEO, Luther Deaton, said.
“God has blessed me with so many good relationships, and Joe (Craft) and I have a great relationship, and it's just an honor to be partner with him and our bank to do this. This event is about more than a winning bid — it’s about making a lasting impact. Our team is proud to give back to charities that strengthen communities and provide hope for Kentuckians across the state.”
With the Crafts absent, Jennifer Barber, Partner-in-Charge of Frost Brown Todd’s Louisville office, placed their winning bid:
“I've been to the ham breakfast many times, and this is a very important event for Kentucky. Kelly and Joe Craft would like to thank Kentucky Farm Bureau for hosting this wonderful event again this year. They hope their charitable contributions will help improve the lives of Kentuckians across the Commonwealth. It's a real honor for me to be here to bid on the ham for them.”
KFB President Eddie Melton praised all bidders, especially Central Bank and the Crafts, noting that the real winners are the charities supported. Melton also highlighted KFB members’ efforts, including awarding 601 scholarships worth $810,150, a new record.
Melton acknowledged initiatives in agricultural education led by Lt. Governor Jacquline Coleman and Ag Commissioner Jonathan Shell and emphasized policy progress with the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative (KFTI) and federal support from Senator Mitch McConnell.
“While we appreciate the support of agriculture in the recent reconciliation bill, let’s finish this work by passing a new farm bill,” Melton said. “Together, the two will update programs and add certainty for farm families as they continue to produce our nation’s food supply. Food security is national security.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Business