Swim With Purpose Receives Donation from Bourbon on the Banks Festival for KSU Aquatic Facility Restoration
Frankfort, KY — March 5, 2025 — Swim With Purpose (SWP), a charitable fundraiser founded to raise $1M to support the restoration of the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University’s (KSU) William Exum Center, recently received a generous $5,000 donation from Bourbon on the Banks Festival. With SWP matching all contributions, this donation results in a total of $10,000 toward funding the design and construction phases of the project, helping to accelerate its completion.
Watch Fox 56 News Interview: Non-profit works to revitalize Kentucky State University Swimming Pool
Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks Festival said, “Bourbon on the Banks Festival takes great pride in giving back to our community and to great causes.” The 2025 festival is set to begin on Sat. Oct. 4.
Some of the other organizations receiving donations from Bourbon on the Banks Festival include Access Soup Kitchen & Men’s Shelter, The Bourbon Women Education Foundation, Frankfort High Band, Freddie Johnson Scholarship fund and many more. According to Bourbon on the Banks Festival, the contributions reflect its unwavering commitment to supporting and enriching the Frankfort community.
Sam Taylor, Chairman and Co-Founder of Swim With Purpose, expressed gratitude for the festival’s support, stating, “We are honored to be included among the many worthy charitable organizations that Bourbon on the Banks Festival supports. Last October, we participated in three fantastic events during the festival, including Bourbon Street on Broadway—a wonderful community gathering featuring activities for children while parents learned about local charities.”
He added, “This generous donation brings us closer to our $1 million goal to reintroduce swimming—and all its benefits, including health, recreation, competition, and therapy—to the Frankfort community. We will need additional funding to make this happen. We are hopeful that the state, county and city will see the importance of restoring the only indoor swimming facility for KSU and the Franklin County community.”
Join other community leaders in standing together to show the critical importance of bringing swimming back to KSU. Read the letter to Governor Andy Beshear and show support with a signature at www.swimwithpurpose.org.
About Swim With Purpose
Swim With Purpose is a charitable fund managed by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) which allows donations to be tax deductible. Founded by AV industry executive and passionate swimmer Sam Taylor, and endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation, SWP aims to revitalize the indoor pool at the Exum Center for the benefit of students, faculty, and the broader community. The initiative will facilitate programs that foster inclusivity and healthy living. To support Swim With Purpose, please visit: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/-swim-with-purpose.
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Inc.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, KY. Dedicated to promoting Kentucky’s bourbon culture while supporting charitable causes, the organization brings together bourbon lovers, community advocates, and cultural leaders each year for its premier Bourbon on the Banks Festival.