Ledbetter, Jones honored at annual Bales Humanitarian event in Jeffersonville

Clark County

Related Photos

Honoree Charles "Chuck" Ledbetter Sr. listens from his seat as he is introduced to speak at the annual Bales' Humanitarian Gala at Kye's in Jeffersonville on Thursday evening. Richard "Dick" Jones was also recognized as a humanitarian honoree at the Clark County American Red Cross fundraiser. Staff photo by Christopher Fryer
Honoree Richard "Dick" Jones speaks during the annual Bales' Humanitarian Gala at Kye's in Jeffersonville on Thursday evening. Charles "Chuck" Ledbetter Sr. was also recognized as a humanitarian honoree at the Clark County American Red Cross fundraiser. Staff photo by Christopher Fryer
Guests eat dinner during the annual Bales' Humanitarian Gala at Kye's in Jeffersonville on Thursday evening. Charles "Chuck" Ledbetter Sr. and Richard "Dick" Jones were recognized as humanitarian honorees at the Clark County American Red Cross fundraiser. Staff photo by Christopher Fryer

Discussion

August 24, 2012

Ledbetter, Jones honored at annual Bales Humanitarian event in Jeffersonville

By AMANDA BEAM newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Fri Aug 24, 2012, 07:21 PM EDT

JEFFERSONVILLE — More than 350 people gathered to pay tribute to two local legends Thursday night at the 15th Annual Clark County Bales’ Humanitarian of the Year Gala.

Charlestown resident Chuck Ledbetter Sr. and Jeffersonville native Richard “Dick” Jones joined 38 previous recipients who have relentlessly and unselfishly helped their community in myriads of ways. The event, which raised $60,000, will benefit the American Red Cross.

“All the contributions raised from the event will go into the General Disaster Fund. For example when we had the March 2nd disasters, we were already using disaster funds for that while we were raising funds in the community. So, [the General Disaster Fund] is ready for that next disaster,” said Scott Carr, chairman of the Clark County Red Cross Board of Directors.

Television personality Barry Bernson and former Jeffersonville Mayor Dale Orem served as the Masters of Ceremony for the event. Included in the night’s festivities were both live and silent auctions, dinner catered by Masterson’s and a diamond ring raffle. The Hazel and Walter T. Bales Foundation, Norman Kratz and John Woehrle were among the numerous organizations, businesses and individuals who sponsored the 2012 event.

“[There are] economic realities we are all continuing to face; donations from agencies like the Red Cross continue to be challenged. And so, it is from the bottom of all of our hearts that we express our gratitude for your generosity tonight and to remember that tomorrow a disaster could affect you or someone close to you and so we ask for your support,” Bernson said.

While raising funds for the American Red Cross, friends and family also gave testament throughout the night to the many acts of kindness that Jones and Ledbetter have contributed to Clark County.

For more than 25 years, Jones has served Southern Indiana as an elected official, public servant, and community volunteer. Currently serving as Clark County Recorder, he’s known for giving his assistance to anyone who needs help, whether they are lost in the courthouse or need help resolving an issue.

Likewise, Jones has volunteered at about every charitable and community event imaginable. From fire department turkey dinners to middle school career days, he’s spanned the gamut of altruistic activities. Through the years, he has also helped out by coaching at St. Augustine School, as well as the YMCA’s youth basketball program and the Jeff Youth Football League.

“I am humbled and undeserving of this award. My life’s journey from Watt Street to this podium could not be possible without the guidance and love given to me by parents, Bob and Ruby Jones, my in-laws, Charlie and Naomi Gehlbach, my wife Joann and my family including my aunts, uncles and cousins, my teachers and coaches in high school,” Jones said in his acceptance speech.

Ledbetter has also devoted his life to helping others. Always active in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ledbetter ministers and takes sacrament to the sick and elderly in the community. He has even been made a chaplain of a Charlestown's senior citizen’s group.

In 2008, he chaired the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Sesquicentennial Committee and has subsequently authored two books about the history of the church. In addition, Ledbetter serves his community on the Charlestown Beautification Committee. For years, he would also broadcast different Charlestown High School sporting events to the town. Even now he shares his broadcasting know-how by deejaying the annual Founder’s Day Dance.

“Thanks to the Clark County American Red Cross for considering me worthy of the Bales’ Humanitarian Award. I am deeply honored to be among one of the many other great recipients of the past,” Ledbetter said. “In receiving this prestigious award, I believe it’s pretty neat when you’re recognized for the gifts that God has given you.”

As in previous years, Kye’s in Jeffersonville hosted the gala. In recognition of her continuing service to the Clark County Red Cross, the owner of the facility, Kye Hoehn, received the Jack Leuthart Lifetime Achievement Award. The relatively new honor celebrates the life of Red Cross volunteer extraordinaire Jack Leuthart, who unexpectedly died in 2011.