Kentucky Farm to Fork Dinner to Support Foster Families

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell will host the third annual Commissioner’s Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, August 19, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

The event will raise money to help foster children and families experience the Kentucky State Fair and other agricultural tourism activities through Kentucky Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Kentucky Exposition Foundation.

Funds from the dinner will support experiences such as Kentucky State Fair activities, including food and rides, West Kentucky 4-H Camp, fall festivals, and other agriculture-focused events. Since the program began in 2024, nearly 1,000 foster children and families across Kentucky have benefited.

"There's no better way to kick off the Kentucky State Fair than by bringing people together around a table filled with Kentucky Proud products while supporting children and families across the Commonwealth," Commissioner Shell said.

"Kentucky CASA gives vulnerable children a voice when they need it most. We're proud to help advance that mission and create opportunities for the families they serve."

The dinner will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 19, one day before the Kentucky State Fair opens. This year’s featured speaker is Renee Shaw, a longtime Kentucky Educational Television journalist who recently retired after nearly 30 years with the network.

“One of the things that makes Kentucky special is the way our communities rally around children and families in need,” Shaw said.

"I'm honored to be part of an evening that celebrates Kentucky agriculture while helping create meaningful opportunities and lasting memories for foster children across the Commonwealth”

CASA volunteers advocate for children involved in Kentucky’s court system because of abuse or neglect, helping ensure their voices and best interests remain central during legal proceedings.

“The Kentucky CASA Network is excited to once again partner with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell for the third annual Farm to Fork Dinner to kick off the Kentucky State Fair,” said Andrea Bruns, State Director/CEO of The Kentucky CASA Network.

“This dinner is an opportunity to share CASA's mission with the agriculture community and raise funds for foster youth. Funds raised go toward the CASA mission as well as funds directly to support foster youth engagement in agriculture tourism and enrichment opportunities statewide.”

The dinner is part of the Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Program. Individual tickets cost $100, while tables for eight are available for $800.

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-commissioners-farm-to-fork-benefit-dinner-tickets-1991221136020.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon