On December 17, Madisonville Community College and the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts paid tribute to the memory and good deeds of Mrs. Juanita Badgett, a long-time Hopkins County arts patron who died in early 2004.

The college hosted a reception immediately prior to a performance of "A Scottish Christmas with the Bonnie Rideout Band". Juanita's husband, Russell Jr, and college President Dr. Judy Rhoads hosted the event -- which was attended by many of Juanita's friends and family members, along with college leadership and members of the college Foundation.

During the evening, Mr. Badgett announced his intention of providing a $175,000 gift to Fulfilling the Promise, specifically to establish the Juanita W. Badgett Performing Arts Endowment.

Mrs. Badgett was remembered fondly by everyone there, and was saluted for her five decades of support for local arts MCC and community pay tribute to Juanita Badgett programming.

She and Russell donated a Baldwin grand piano to the Center in 1993, and they were also active in the college's "Partners in Progress" Campaign. Mr. Badgett's pledge is the third largest MCC has received during "Fulfilling the Promise."