The Charity League, Inc. of Paducah is a vital, active and integral part of our community. It was organized in March 1932 with 16 members for the purpose of starting a lending library. The Charity League now has more than 40 active members and more than 200 associate members.

In the early years, the Charity League hosted numerous events to provide support to local charities including the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and what is now known as Easter Seals West Kentucky. Dog and horse shows, art exhibits, the President’s Birthday Ball, and a summer féte on the lawn of the E.B. Fergerson home were just a few of the fundraisers produced by the League.

The Charity League is located at 1921 Broadway in a home generously donated by League member Mrs. Gus T. Smith. This home holds precious memories of years past, including popular weekly luncheons open to the public. According to League records, this home became one of Paducah’s most popular entertainment places. Current League members work diligently to preserve this special home and create memories for future League members.

Today, the primary interest of the Charity League is to raise money for Easter Seals West Kentucky with projects including Snowball, Bargain Fair, and Thyme to Entertain cookbook sales. The success of these fundraisers has enabled The Charity League to provide funds to additional community charities that support the children of our area.

The Charity League also presents The Follies as a part of its fundraising repertoire. The Follies was created din 1952 when a successful production enabled The Charity League to give its first grant-in-aid for the construction of Easter Seals West Kentucky Center for Handicapped Children and Adults. Easter Seals West Kentucky remains the sole recipient of The Follies proceeds.