July 15, 2025
DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (KT) – Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear is an October bluegrass bash with a purpose: raising funds for nearby pregnancy resource centers. This year, four of those ministries are splitting a record donation.
Jim and Laura Smith, inspired by their parents and spurred to action by visiting a local pregnancy resource center, have been hosting the fundraiser on their lakeside property in Dawson Springs for 11 years.
Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear supports Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Hopkinsville, Door of Hope in Madisonville, and H.O.P.E. Clinic, which has locations in Benton and Eddyville. Pathway of Hope in Greenville was added as a recipient this year.
Money raised through the one-day bluegrass bash totaled $49,514 — smashing the 2023 record of $42,156. The near-$50,000 total in 2024 qualified the Pickin' Life Project — a nonprofit started by the Smiths — to receive $9,900 in matching donations from the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, and their Aid and Support After Pregnancy program. Those funds will push Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear's impact to nearly $60,000.
"Laura and I are thrilled to have eclipsed last year's donation record by almost $8,000," said Jeff Smith. "The generosity of the folks in our small western Kentucky communities allowed us to add another pregnancy care center, Pathway of Hope in Greenville, to our list of beneficiaries this year."
"What an honor and blessing to be included in this amazing event," said Diana Anderson, executive director of Pathway of Hope.
The Greenville Pregnancy Resource Center recently purchased an ultrasound machine and is adding medical services to its existing resources. It received $4,514 from Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear.
"We will be utilizing those funds to grow that part of our ministry and outreach," Anderson added.
"It's hard to express in words the full impact of such a large donation," said Angie Crawford, executive director of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center. "This event is the epitome of a couple with a strong belief in the sanctity of life and the mission of pregnancy care centers who wanted to “do something” to make a difference. Their event creates awareness about pregnancy care centers and goes a long way in helping us make budget each year. It is an absolute blessing!"
Heather Bryant, executive director of Door of Hope, said she was grateful for the Smiths' hard work organizing an event to support the mission of pregnancy resource centers.
"Every year, we look forward to the event and especially the encouragement we receive from the supporters. The generous monetary donation we receive helps us operate our center and provide free resources and services for our clients," she said.
Lisa Holland, executive director of H.O.P.E. Clinic agreed.
"This is a such a blessing to us and so awesome that so many come together and stand up for life. This money helps us with our programs that we offer and with medical supplies that we need in order to serve our clients," Holland said.
Next year's Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear is happening on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
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This story first appeared in Kentucky Today.
