Awards presented to Jeffers Bend volunteers

The volunteers were recognized during the annual Benefit for the Bend, which raises money for the environmental center.

Several volunteers for the Jeffers Bend Environmental Center were recognized during the annual Benefit for the Bend fundraising dinner Saturday, June 20, at the Christian County Extension Service on Pembroke Road.

Organizers for the annual event included Pennyrile Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council Inc., the Jeffers Bend Steering Committee and  Christian County Master Gardeners.

Guests at the 2026 Benefit for the Bend dinner on Saturday, June 20, at the Christian County Extension Service. (Photos provided)

Among those lauded with an award were:

  • Terry Sanders — recipient of the D.T. Porter/RC&D Person of the Year
  • Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority and Kenneth Whitford — recipients of the RC&D/Jeffers Bend Community Service Award
  • Arnold and Ruth Lynch — recipients of the RC&D/Jeffers Bend Special Project Award
  • Marilyn Dill — recipient of the Jeffers Bend Chairman’s Award
Nikki Chambers receives an award on behalf of Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority from Jeffers Bend representative Mark Withers.

Benefit for the Bend was established in 2008 to help provide more resources to support Jeffers Bend, a 40-acre nature park and environmental education facility along the North Fork of Little River. Annual events for students and the community include Take Kids Fishing Day, the Hummingbird Festival, the Torchlight Tales and Naturefest. Volunteers organize the events and help maintain gardens and walking trails throughout the year. 

This year’s meal was a pork chop dinner. Guests also bid on dozens of items in a silent auction, which included gift bags, outdoor chairs, toys, homemade baked goods, nothing and jewelry. 

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