On Nov. 18, Door of Hope Pregnancy Care Center receives a $15,588 donation from The Pickin’ Life Project, one-fourth of the funds raised during October’s “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” pro-life musical fundraiser. All $62,352 raised at the music fest was donated to life-affirming pregnancy care centers in western Kentucky. Other recipients were Pathway of Hope in Greenville, Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Hopkinsville and H.O.P.E. Clinics of Benton and Eddyville. COURTESY OF PICKIN’ LIFE
Dawson Springs bluegrass fest breaks new record with life-affirming fundraising efforts
BY JEFF SMITH, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
The Pickin’ Life Project hosted its annual “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” charity event on Oct. 11, featuring live music from five bands. The event was both a celebration and a call to action for life.
Attendees were treated to a dynamic lineup of bluegrass, country, gospel and rock/blues bands. The festival featured standout performances by Cutter and Cash and the Kentucky Grass, South Union Bluegrass Band, Grand Harmony, Chris Rogers and the Kentucky Troubadours, and Eddie and Alonzo Pennington. Knights of Columbus councils offered food, featuring Doctor Donley’s lemon shakeups. A popular raffle produced 15 winners, including UK-Louisville football tickets and a $1,000 grand prize.
This year, the event raised $62,352, a new record. The Pickin’ Life Project worked with 10 Knights of Columbus councils and one 4th Degree Assembly in the Owensboro diocese, as well as with the State Council to organize the event. The exceptional results allowed the organizers to donate $15,588 each to four life-affirming pregnancy care centers in western Kentucky. The K of C Supreme Office will donate an additional $12,400 through its Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program – which makes the total benefit in 2025 almost $75,000.
At its heart, “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear – Pickin’ Life” is more than a music festival – it is a tool to help build a culture of life in western Kentucky. Every dollar raised during the event’s 12 years, $345,057, has gone to Alpha PCC (Hopkinsville), Door of Hope (Madisonville), H.O.P.E. Clinic (Benton and Eddyville) and newly added Pathway of Hope (Greenville). Each of these life-affirming pregnancy care centers provides essential healthcare, including 4-D ultrasound imagery, parenting education, counseling and material resources in a faith-based setting at no cost to women and men facing crisis pregnancies. Studies show that at least 88% of abortion-minded women who see their baby and hear its heartbeat through an ultrasound choose life. Also, this year Alpha PCC provided abortion pill reversal treatments that saved four babies, including a set of twins!
With the momentum of this year’s record-breaking fundraiser, organizers are making plans for next year’s event, aiming to reach even more families. “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” has become a cherished annual tradition, blending the joy of music with the meaningful work of supporting life for the most vulnerable members of the community. By coming together through song and a passion for life, western Kentucky communities prove that even small towns can have big impacts. To find out more about “Bluegrass on (Lake) Beshear” and the Pickin’ Life Project foundation, visit www.bluegrassonbeshear.com.
Originally printed in the January 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
