United Way of the Pennyrile Surpasses $800,000 Campaign Goal

Community celebration honors donors, volunteers, and partners who helped exceed $715,000 target.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The United Way of the Pennyrile Campaign Awards Celebration on February 10th marked the close of the 2025-2026 campaign, with officials announcing a total of $800,292 raised to support 16 partner agencies serving the Pennyrile region. The campaign exceeded its $715,000 goal through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Why it matters

The United Way campaign is a critical annual fundraising effort that supports a wide range of social services and non-profit organizations in the Pennyrile region. Exceeding the campaign goal demonstrates the community's commitment to addressing local needs and strengthening the area's social safety net.

The details

The celebration event at The Silo Event Center honored top donors, volunteers, and partner organizations. Several businesses and agencies achieved 100% employee participation in their workplace campaigns. The Latham Society, which recognizes donors contributing over $500 annually, included 453 donors who gave a combined $379,250. Division awards were given to top performers in categories like commercial, education, government, industrial, and professional. Special awards were presented, including the Beverly Whitfield Outstanding Volunteer Award and the William Flowers Award for longstanding volunteer leadership.

  • The United Way of the Pennyrile Campaign Awards Celebration took place on February 10, 2026.
  • The 2025-2026 United Way campaign closed with the celebration event.

The players

Martha Steil

Board Chair of the United Way of the Pennyrile.

Melanie Noffsinger

Executive Director of the United Way of the Pennyrile.

Lynn Major

Recipient of the Beverly Whitfield Outstanding Volunteer Award for her leadership of the Rock Steady Boxing program at the Hopkinsville Family YMCA.

Lana Bastin

Past board chair and current Residential Division chair of the United Way of the Pennyrile, honored with the William Flowers Award.

Sue Badgett

Recognized for an extraordinary $75,000 gift, the largest single donation in campaign history, leading to the creation of the Brown-Badgett Legacy level within the Latham Society.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight is a wonderful celebration of the donations, the contributions, the love that everyone has for these agencies. These agencies are such a blessing in our community.”

— Martha Steil, Board Chair

“Because of each of you, our donors, our volunteers, our advocates, and our community partners, possibilities are no longer just ideas. They have become real opportunities for families across the Pennyrile.”

— Melanie Noffsinger, Executive Director

“For nearly 10 years, 85 fighters, 60 volunteers, and 10 coaches have been involved in the program. More than just a fitness program, Rock Steady Boxing at the Hopkinsville YMCA has become a place of fellowship, encouragement, and unwavering support.”

— Cheryl Ellis, YMCA Executive Director

“They fight with so much grit, so much courage, and humor. I have never felt so much love in one place as I did today. And that's what it's all about.”

— Lynn Major

“To whom much is given, much is expected. Hopkinsville will always be home for me.”

— Sue Badgett

What’s next

Nicole Cravens, vice president of commercial banking at Planters Bank and current Professional Division chair, will serve as board chair for 2026-2027.

The takeaway

The United Way of the Pennyrile campaign's record-breaking success demonstrates the power of community collaboration and generosity to support critical social services and non-profit organizations across the region. This achievement highlights the Pennyrile community's commitment to addressing local needs and strengthening the social safety net.