Membership is not required to establish a Kentucky Colonel Branch or to be listed in the Kentucky Colonels Handbook
Originally established in September of 1933 by Charles C. Pettijohn and Anna Bell Ward in New York City with an office in Lexington, Kentucky with the approval of Governor Ruby Laffoon to help raise funds for the state during the Great Depression. Their main objective was to promote the Kentucky Derby when most people in Kentucky were impacted by the depression.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Service
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC), also known as "Kentucky Colonels," stands as a beacon of collective philanthropy, uniting thousands of Kentucky Colonel commission recipients worldwide in their mission to support Kentuckians in need. In 2020 alone, the organization raised over $2.9 million, providing vital grants to 177 non-profit organizations across the state.
Empowering Kentucky Communities
The HOKC's impact extends far beyond its financial contributions. By supporting a diverse range of organizations, the HOKC touches millions of lives each year, fostering positive change and empowering communities throughout Kentucky.
Preserving the Tradition, Not the Commission
While the HOKC champions the spirit of the Kentucky Colonel, it's important to note that the organization doesn't issue commissions. That power rests solely with the Kentucky Governor, a tradition dating back to Isaac Shelby's administration in 1792. Nominations for the Kentucky Colonel title can be submitted through the Governor's office in Frankfort.
A Rich History of Service
The HOKC's roots trace back to the 1930s when the idea of a social group for Kentucky Colonels gained traction. With Governor Ruby Laffoon's blessing, the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels was formed in New York City in 1933. The organization's initial purpose was to unite Kentucky Colonels at the Kentucky Derby each May.
Evolution and Growth
Over the years, the HOKC has evolved into a powerful force for good. It has garnered recognition from esteemed organizations like the Better Business Bureau, Dun & Bradstreet, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar by Candid, solidifying its reputation as a trusted philanthropic entity.
Today, the HOKC boasts a vibrant community of active members and volunteers, all dedicated to upholding the Kentucky Colonel legacy through charitable giving and special events. Annual gatherings, like the Kentucky Derby celebrations and the Kentucky Colonels Barbecue, foster camaraderie and celebrate the unique culture of the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Colonels Brand
The HOKC's influence extends beyond its philanthropic endeavors. The organization's name and associated trademarks have become synonymous with the Kentucky Colonel identity. It's important to remember, however, that the HOKC does not produce Kentucky Colonels or influence the commission process.
A Symbol of Honor and Responsibility
Becoming a Kentucky Colonel is an honor bestowed by the Governor, recognizing individuals for their notable contributions and character. Once commissioned, recipients are automatically granted honorary lifetime membership in the HOKC. Active membership, however, requires annual donations and participation in the organization's charitable activities.
Join the Tradition
If you've been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, consider becoming an active member of the HOKC. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the organization's philanthropic efforts, participate in its vibrant events, and connect with fellow Colonels who share your commitment to serving the Commonwealth.
Together, we can continue the legacy of the Kentucky Colonel, making a lasting impact on the lives of Kentuckians for generations to come.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels also known as "Kentucky Colonels" or "HOKC" is a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization engaged in collective philanthropy for Kentuckians on the behalf of thousands of who have received a Kentucky Colonel commission from around the world. In 2020 the organization raised over 2.9 million dollars to provide small grants to 177 non-profit organizations in Kentucky. The organization makes an impact on millions of lives each year through all the organizations it serves.[2]
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels does not actually commission Kentucky Colonels. Instead, that power remains with the current Kentucky governor, as it has since Isaac Shelby's administration starting in 1792. Currently there is an application filed with the governor's office in Frankfort that allows people to submit nominations for a person to become a Kentucky Colonel.[3]
In the 1930s, the conversation around the colonel title moved towards an interest in creating a social group for Kentucky colonels, and on September 26, 1933, with the blessing of the governor, [T]he Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels was formed in New York City with Miss Anna Bell Ward and General Charles C. Pettijohn. The purpose of the new organization according to the General, was "to bring together at the Kentucky Derby each May in Louisville all persons holding Kentucky colonels and other honorary military commissions".[1] Pettijohn announced that Governor Laffoon of Kentucky would serve as Commander in Chief; Admiral Louis McHenry Howe in Washington was in-charge of water activities; Colonel Will Rogers was commander of all colonels west of the Mississippi; Colonel Irvin S. Cobb in-charge of all colonels east of the Mississippi; Colonel Felix Feist of Los Angeles was commander in-charge of all western waters and waterways; Colonel Morton Downey of Chicago and New York was named commander of the Great Lakes; and Colonel James A. Farley of Washington was in-charge of communications.[1]
Small associations in Louisville and several Kentucky Colonels social clubs that were started years earlier as far away as Dallas, Chicago and other parts of the country were all invited to become part of the new organization. The following year in 1934, Governor Ruby Laffoon and Admiral Pettijohn held their first event for the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels with a Derby Eve dinner party on May 4. At the banquet sponsored by the Governor, officers were elected by those who attended including Mae West, Eddie Cantor, Thomas D. Taggart and the charter organization that formed in New York months earlier.[4] The following year Mrs. Mary Nisbett Laffoon while in New York met with General Pettijohn and the second in command to make arrangements for 750-1000 Kentucky colonels and admirals to attend the Derby Eve celebration.[5]
The organization has been listed and credibly evaluated by the Better Business Bureau, Dun & Bradstreet, Charity Navigator and GuideStar by Candid, as well as local Kentucky based organizations that oversee charity efforts. Since they began in 1933 the HOKC has established itself as a well-known organization renowned for its charitable giving and events, including annual barbeques and Derby parties.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) is the largest and most well-known organization of Kentucky colonels, so well-known that their name, wordmarks, trademarks and service marks, the "Kentucky Colonels" has become synonymous with their identity.[6]
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels was first established during the depression in 1933 by Governor Ruby Laffoon to raise tax-revenues and attract attention to the state, it was founded based on the recommendation of Governor Flem Sampson in 1931 and the enthusiasm of colonels to establish an order and brotherhood. Governor Laffoon awarded over 10,000 commissions between 1932-1935, he established the organization originally as a state order of merit with an office at the capital. After being criticized politically and challenged legally by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, Beverly Vincent who cancelled 17,000 colonel commissions in 1936; the practice was reinstated by James Wise serving as the acting governor under Governor Happy Chandler exactly one month later. Since 1936 "Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels" has been dependent on each of Kentucky's governors to make new colonels. In 1957 they incorporated the organization as a nonprofit dedicated to building playgrounds, curating history, awarding scholarships and providing relief to Kentuckians in need.[7]
The Governor of Kentucky serves symbolically as the "Commander-in-Chief" of the Honorable Order, and its board of trustees recognized as its 'Generals' who serve on a volunteer basis.[8] The mission of the organization is to aid and promote the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its citizens.[9] The organization raises money to support Kentucky charities, educational organizations, and to conduct other good works that will help the citizens of Kentucky. The organization's charitable efforts have also sometimes extended past the borders of the Commonwealth, such as contributing to natural disaster relief in neighboring states. By 1979, annual donations exceeded $500,000, and by 1992, they exceeded $1 million.[10] In 2020 the organization made grants to 265 organizations in the state in excess of 2.9 million dollars.[2][11]
An early example of the charitable activities organized by the Honorable Order was relief efforts for the Ohio River flood of 1937, which had a devastating effect on northern Kentucky and other states along the Ohio River. Colonels Fred Astaire, Eddie Cantor, and Irving Mills were especially instrumental in fund-raising for this project.[12] In addition to its direct charity work known as its Good Works Program, the HOKC organizes special events such as a Homecoming Weekend and events celebrating the Kentucky Derby, and sells Kentucky colonel-themed commemorative merchandise such as apparel and drinkware bearing its Kentucky Colonel Shield logo and the Great Seal of the HOKC.[13] HOKC special events often celebrate features of Kentucky culture, such as bourbon whiskey, horse farms, horse racing, and the local museums, restaurants and tourism attractions, as well as promoting the benevolent Good Works Program.[14]
In 2008, a spokesman for the HOKC said the organization currently had 103,700 members that it considered "active" in their organization, and that they included people from every state and 62 foreign countries, with 40–45% of them being women and only one third of them being within Kentucky. Colonels are not required to officially join the HOKC, and he further said "We don't have a clue as to how many Colonels are out there."[15]
After a person receives a commission from the governor they automatically become an honorary lifetime member of organization. Recipients of the Kentucky Colonel Commission are invited to donate and participate in the HOKC's charitable efforts throughout the state to be considered an active member.[8] The organization organizes local events in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby which is held every year in Louisville. In 2020 the Executive Director, Col. Sherry Crose stated the organization had 30,000 active members and volunteers.[16]
Members of the organization that donate each year receive a membership card and if they live in Kentucky can apply for vanity license plates for their motor vehicle; they are also invited to participate in annual events like the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Colonels Barbecue which is held each year in the Fall.[3] The organization's international headquarters in Louisville where the board of trustees meet and Kentucky colonels can visit.
