The Pioneers Incorporated Named Benefactor of the Year by HCC Foundation, KCTCS

The Pioneers Incorporated was recently recognized for their generous philanthropic and voluntary support to Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) during the 12th annual Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Presidents Gala and Benefactors Awards Dinner that was held Saturday, November 19 at 7 p.m. in the Bluegrass Ballroom of The Lexington Center, downtown Lexington.

The Pioneers organization has established an endowment with the Hopkinsville Community College Foundation, Inc. for the purpose of supporting post-secondary educational opportunities for underrepresented members of the Christian County Community.

The Pioneers Incorporated was organized in December of 1952 following a Holiday social event that was so delightfully successful that its organizers decided to stay together and form a permanent organization and work for the best interest of the community in the areas of politics, education, employment and industrial development. The name PIONEERS was chosen denoting a firm commitment to opening new doors and paving new roads. The Pioneers were incorporated March 25, 1953, and its membership consists of African American men.

The Pioneers are described in the Articles of Incorporation as "A Civic Organization for The Purpose of Promoting, Advancing, and Stimulating Social, Cultural and Civic Interest in Hopkinsville." These goals are accomplished through active participation, support, advocacy, and involvement in events and issues of interest in our community that promote justice, personal achievement, equality and a better quality of life.

Attending the event from The Pioneers Incorporated was Past President Art Pendleton. More than 600 state and local dignitaries from across the Commonwealth also attended the event.