Patriotic display serves children of community

May 9, 2019 | 3:12 am

Updated May 8, 2019 | 11:22 pm

Now in its seventh year, the Kiwanis-inspired flag program has helped raise over $20,000 for the children and youth of Daviess County. | Photo by AP Imagery

From the week prior to Memorial Day until the week after July 4, the perimeter of the Daviess County Courthouse lawn is lined with 3-foot by 5-foot American flags. While many may enjoy the patriotic statement the display offers, the flags actually serve as a fundraiser that has raised over $20,000 for the youth in Daviess County over the past six years.

Now in its seventh year, the Kiwanis Club of Owensboro’s “Walk of Honor” campaign helps to raise money for the nonprofit organization while offering people in the community the opportunity to donate a flag in a significant person’s honor.

“We started it as a way to raise money for our club since we are a non-profit civic organization,” said Kiwanis Club President Sarah Hulsey. “It’s a way to honor people in our community, specifically veterans and law enforcement. Some people choose to honor loved ones they’ve lost and children do it for their teachers. This is a win-win for the community.”

The proceeds raised from this event will assist many community organizations including Wendell Foster Center, Girls Inc., Key Club, Builders Club, Buddy Ball, Salvation Army, Junior Achievement and Dream Riders. One upcoming project includes the installation of a musical play area at the Daviess County Public Library.

“Kiwanis is all about serving the children and youth of Daviess County and empowering them in any way we can,” Hulsey said of the volunteer-based organization.

One of the many ways Kiwanis follows through with that mission is through the Kiwanis Aktion Club, which is a program that assists adults with disabilities in performing community service.

After all of the flag orders have been placed and the flags have been deemed to be in proper condition, the Aktion Club will assist in placing the 10-foot metal flag poles into the courthouse ground May 23 at 5:30 p.m. as part of their community service project.

“We have had a really positive response from the community — but we have not sold out [yet],” Hulsey said. “ We really try to encourage people to get orders in by May 21. If we are not sold out by then, we will still take orders until we’ve sold all of them.”

Each donation includes a laminated card on the flag that can be filled out in memory or appreciation of someone special. One flag costs a suggested donation of $40, two flags are $70 and three flags are $90.

The flags will be displayed at the Daviess County Courthouse from May 23 until July 11.

Flags can be ordered by completing the Walk of Honor form or by calling (270)685-7211

May 9, 2019 | 3:12 am

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