We are honored to welcome someone who has dedicated her life to protecting the most vulnerable among us. Many of you know the remarkable work of GreenHouse17, a nationally recognized organization serving survivors of intimate partner abuse across Central Kentucky. What you may not fully appreciate is the visionary leadership behind that work. Darlene Thomas has spent decades turning compassion into action.  Under her leadership, GreenHouse17 has grown from a local shelter into a model of holistic, survivor-centered care – integrating safety, advocacy, therapy, children’s services, and even a working farm that restores dignity and independence through meaningful work and healing.

Darlene’s work reflects the very core of what we strive to embody at The Rotary Club of Lexington – SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Through courage, persistence, and a deep belief in human dignity, she has strengthened families, empowered survivors, and made our community safer and more compassionate.

The Rotary Club of Lexington is recognizing not just the organization she leads, but the extraordinary humanitarian she is. On behalf of this club and the countless lives touched, we are proud to present you with the Rotary Club of Lexington’s Humanitarian of the Year Award.

We began presenting the Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2005. The Award is given to a non-member of our Club and a $1,000 donation is made to the recipient’s organization. The award was established to recognize humanitarian service at its highest level in the central Kentucky area. The nominee must have a generosity of spirit and have selflessly dedicated his or her time to serving others less fortunate while making a significant humanitarian contribution of leadership that benefits the lives of others and the welfare of humanity. I want to thank our Committee Members Bruce Bell, Alisha Chaffin, Dean Hammond, Bobby Owens, and Kevin Weaver for their work on this Award.

Past Winners are:

  • 2005  Terry Hagan
  • 2006  Neal Vaughan
  • 2007  Bill Embry, Jr.
  • 2008  Ginny Ramsey
  • 2009  Phyllis Cronin
  • 2010  Andrew M. Moore III
  • 2011  Samuel G. Barnes
  • 2012  Monica Hall
  • 2018  Gen. Paul Rader (ret.)
  • 2019  Virginia Bell
  • 2020  Rob and Diane Perez

Recent Updates

  • Edwin Gibson Honored with Cliff Dochterman Award

  • Mar. 12 – Robert Mucci, Author, Garvice Kincaid Life and Success

  • Humanitarian Award Presented to Darlene Thomas, Greenhouse17

  • Mar. 5 – Tina Nance, Executive Director, Aviation Museum of Kentucky

  • Rotary Club of Lexington Announces 15th Annual Dancing with the Lexington Stars