Categories: CharityCinemaCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Community Foundation Honors Jim and Darlene Johnson

Celebration of local philanthropy at the Community Foundation ceremony.

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News Summary

During a recent ceremony, the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky recognized Jim and Darlene Johnson as the South Central Kentuckians of the Year. The couple was celebrated for their significant philanthropic contributions to the local community. Additionally, Bowling Green State University alumnus Scott Hamilton received the inaugural Scott Hamilton Award for Distinguished Alumni, highlighting his commitment to service. The event also featured a significant expansion of the Thompson Foundation’s scholarship program, pledging $250 million in support to benefit over 6,200 students.

Bowling Green – The Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky honored Jim and Darlene Johnson as the South Central Kentuckians of the Year during a ceremony held on Thursday. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant philanthropic contributions to the local community and surrounding areas.

Darlene Johnson, alongside her husband Jim, received the prestigious recognition for their long-time commitment to the community. Jim Johnson expressed his humility regarding the award, remarking that many others were more deserving and emphasizing the significance of Bowling Green as a source of inspiration for his community service endeavors. He described the area as “the perfect place to live,” reflecting on the opportunities it provides while lacking the overwhelming hustle of larger cities.

This year’s ceremony marks the 14th time the Community Foundation has presented the South Central Kentuckian of the Year award. The organization is celebrating its 13th anniversary and has consistently worked towards enhancing philanthropy across a 10-county region. Jennifer Wethington, the executive director of the Community Foundation, praised Johnson’s ongoing efforts with the Salvation Army as a notable example of community dedication.

During the event, Bowling Green State University alumnus Scott Hamilton was also acknowledged with the inaugural Scott Hamilton Award for Distinguished Alumni. Hamilton received this accolade not solely for his professional achievements but also for his enduring commitment to service and philanthropy. He conveyed a sense of pride in being associated with Bowling Green, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community where he grew up.

In addition to these honors, the Bowling Green Schools Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, recognizing outstanding educators for their contributions to local education. Hamilton, during his acceptance, spoke about his family’s history of education involvement, linking it to his mother’s battle with cancer, which inspired his various charitable initiatives.

Moreover, the Thompson Foundation announced a significant expansion of their scholarship program at Bowling Green State University, pledging up to $250 million in scholarship support. This new commitment could potentially raise their total contributions to scholarships at BGSU to $150 million, benefiting over 6,200 students by the year 2035. The Thompson Working Families Scholarship program has already provided financial assistance to 1,910 students since it was established.

Scholarship recipients under the Thompson program receive $11,000 annually, with requirements to maintain academic progress and fulfill community service hours. Bob and Ellen Thompson, both alumni of BGSU, highlighted the importance of accountability within the scholarship program to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. Their past donations have also contributed to the funding of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, and in recognition of their philanthropic efforts, the couple has received honorary degrees and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the university.

The ceremony exemplified the strength of community spirit in Bowling Green, showcasing the profound impact of local philanthropic efforts. Both Jim and Darlene Johnson, alongside Scott Hamilton and the Thompsons, continue to inspire the community through their dedication to service and their commitment to improving opportunities for future generations.