Southeast Kentucky Chamber Presents $75,500 to Shriners

PIKEVILLE, KY — June 19, 2025 — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber proudly presented Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 2 with a check for $75,500 on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The presentation took place at the Garfield House in downtown Pikeville, with representatives from the Shriners and Southeast Kentucky Chamber representatives in attendance. The proceeds will be donated to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington.

Funds were raised during the 2025 Hillbilly Days festival, one of the region’s largest and most beloved events, through the sale of vendor spaces. Each year, Hillbilly Days draws tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Pikeville and supports a great cause in the process. This year’s event saw strong attendance and continued enthusiasm from the community and vendors alike.

For more than 45 years, the Southeast Kentucky Chamber has served as the festival’s financial agent, working closely with the Shriners to manage vendor coordination and ensure the success of the event. According to Southeast Kentucky Chamber President & CEO, Jordan Gibson, over $3.5 million has been raised locally for the Shriners Children’s Hospital since the inception of Hillbilly Days. This longstanding partnership reflects a shared commitment to philanthropy and improving the lives of children across the region.

Founded in 1977 by Shriners “Shady” Grady Kinney and Howard “Dirty Ears” Stratton, Hillbilly Days began as a small parade in downtown Pikeville in 1976 and has since grown into a three-day celebration of Appalachian heritage. Today, Hillbilly Days is recognized as the largest festival in Eastern Kentucky and the second largest in the Commonwealth, behind the Derby Festival held during Kentucky Derby weekend.

Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington provides specialized pediatric care to children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Donations like those raised through Hillbilly Days help fund life-changing treatments, surgeries, and therapies for children in need throughout the region.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 400 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.

To learn more about the Southeast Kentucky Chamber and upcoming ribbon cuttings, visit www.sekchamber.com or follow us on social media @SEKChamber.