Hopkinsville native Tommy Wade, who recently retired as a college basketball coach, will give the keynote address for a dinner on Oct. 11 commemorating the political legacy of the late Edward T. “Ned” Breathitt, a Democrat who served as Kentucky’s governor from 1963-67.
The Pennyrile Democratic Woman’s Club is hosting the Ned Breathitt Dinner and Silent Auction, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Pioneers Complex, 904 N. Main St.
RELATED: Gov. Edward T. Breathitt statue dedicated in Hopkinsville, where he began his law career
Wade recently made a major gift that funds a complete overhaul of the gymnasium at the local Boys and Girls Club on Walnut Street. The project, in memory of his parents, Hopkinsville merchants Tom and Wanda Wade, includes a new wooden floor, bleachers, scoreboards, sideline chairs and video system. A dedication of the newly renovated gym is planned on Aug. 4
Carl Yahnig, who was Wade’s coach in high school, will introduce him at the Breathitt event.
Also, Linda Breathitt, of Lexington, will attend and present an award given to a local Democrat whose advocacy for civil rights follows the legacy of her father’s work in Frankfort.
Breathitt signed the state’s Civil Rights Act into law on Jan. 27. 1966, making Kentucky the first Southern state to adopt legislation prohibiting racial and other forms of discrimination.
Tickets for the dinner are $40. The meal will include pulled pork, barbecue chicken, vegetables, dessert and iced tea. Contact Pam Dossett, 270-839-3303, or other members of the Pennyrile Democrat Woman’s Club to purchase tickets or to make table reservations. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the night of the Breathitt dinner.
