Census Bureau awarded Phyllis Knight Award
Memorial award honors legend and goes to civic donors
An amazing year for the WHAS Crusade for Children has Crusade President & CEO Dawn Lee passing out awards.
“The WHAS Crusade for Children is proud to present the Phyllis Knight Award to the U. S. Census Bureau branch here in Indiana.”
The employees at the Census Bureau posted the largest increase for area businesses and organizations. They were up sixteen percent from the previous year which brings their total to more than $180,000 and counting.
About the Phyllis Knight Award
Phyllis Knight Award debuts at 2006 Crusade
Television pioneer, longtime Crusade for Children host and former executive director is honored with the “Phyllis Knight Award” during the 53rd annual WHAS Crusade for Children.
She was greeted with an ovation from the capacity crowd in the Kentucky Center’s Bomhard Theater on Saturday night June 3, 2006. Crusade CEO Rebecca Jackson unveiled the award during the Crusade variety show heard and seen across Kentucky and southern Indiana on the Crusade Network.
Phyllis paved the way
Phyllis Knight was the first woman talk show host in the Louisville television market on WHAS-TV. She was the first woman news anchor and first to host a live open heart surgery special program.
She served as host and executive director of the WHAS Crusade for Children throughout most of the 1950’s and 1960’s. During those early telethons in the un-air conditioned Memorial Auditorium, she graced the stage with entertainers like Lee Marvin, Cab Calloway, Steve Lawrence, Doc Severinsen, Captain Kangaroo, Merv Griffin and Pat O’Brien.
“Phyllis paved the way for women as leaders in our community,” said WHAS Crusade for Children CEO Rebecca Jackson. “She’s dedicated to the Crusade and continues to share that spirit today. We are most honored to create this award in her name.”
Honor will be awarded to companies, groups and organizations
Each year, the Knight Award will honor a company, group or organization that donates the highest percentage increase to the Crusade over the previous year.
Traveling trophy
The traveling trophy is kept for one year by the winner then returned Crusade weekend to be awarded to the next company, group or organization. Each winner is engraved on the traveling trophy and each winning company, group or organization receives a permanent plaque to honor the achievement.
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