Charity Auction for a rare One-of-One Case Knife featuring Joe Fowler’s Signature to benefit United Way of Central Kentucky

United Way of Central Kentucky is proud to collaborate with Red Hill Cutlery in Radcliff on an initiative honoring a person dear to all of our hearts: our former President and CEO Joe Fowler. During their Case XX Timeless Traditions Tour event on Saturday, June 14, Red Hill Cutlery will be auctioning a special Case, one-of-one Mediterranean Blue Bone United Way Trapper knife with Joe’s signature on the blade. The knife was made to honor the work of United Way and Joe’s legacy in the community.

Joe, who served as our President & CEO from 2020 to 2023, passed away last December. Before he led UWCK, he spent many years volunteering with us while serving as VP of Operations/Technology for Soudal Accumetric in Elizabethtown. Joe joined UWCK during a time of major transition and led us through the challenges of the pandemic with a steady presence and commitment. From launching our Community Garden to starting the Front Porch program, he found creative ways to keep people connected when it mattered most. His leadership helped shape a stronger, more inclusive organization and community.

“After Joe retired to focus on health issues, we kept in touch, and Joe, when able, kept showing up for me, supporting me, and cheering me on, in good and bad,”said UWCK President and CEO Christa Shouse. “He talked about coming back to work with us when he got well, and I really believed we were going to see that day. Unfortunately, that isn’t how this story goes. Joe will always be important in my life, and I still talk to him in my head – in prayer. He was a good friend and I love him more than a few words are able to convey. Mostly, I am thankful that we were placed in each other’s lives.”

The one-of-a-kind pocket knife was custom ordered by Red Hill Cutlery co-owner Josh Basham in collaboration with Christa and Joe’s wife of 25 years, Ramona. All proceeds from the knife auction will benefit UWCK.

“I can see Joe’s smile of approval in my mind,” Christa said. “It’s because of him and the work of United Way that it is happening. Further proof that we never know what an impact we can have on others in such a positive way.”

The Case XX Timeless Traditions Tour event is set to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 14 at Red Hill Cutlery, located at 92 Bourbon Trail in Radcliff. To learn more about the event, click here.