Two Paducah Men to Serve on Philanthropy Committee

By Carrie Pond

Paducah, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has appointed two Paducah men to the newly-created Commission on Philanthropy. Billy Harper of Harper Industries and the Community Foundation of West Kentucky's Tony Watkins were selected for the committee Monday. The philanthropic sector in Kentucky, which includes 850 foundations, collectively gives away over 120 million dollars each year. Commission members will work with these foundations, encouraging them to adopt common goals and programs that could have a long-term impact on state issues. The committee will first focus on early childhood education and children's health issues.