Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines honored during fundraiser for Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County’s former Sheriff Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines was honored last night at a fundraiser in his name to help raise money for the Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch.

“It was a fun thing. I really enjoyed it,” said Gaines.

The Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch, a free camp for a number of local kids who may not have a chance to go to camp otherwise.

The event was held at Hillvue Heights Church and many local officials were in attendance.

The fundraiser featured food and entertainment and even a lighthearted roast of ‘Peanuts.’

Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said he wanted to host this event a while ago, but because of COVID, it got postponed until this year.

“It was all basically centered around you know tipping a hat to him and raising some funds for the Boys and Girls Camp that the sheriffs are very deeply involved in so that ranch has just been very important to this community and many other communities across the Commonwealth, so it was a great way to raise funds for that and show our appreciation to sheriff Gaines,” said Hightower.

Gaines had a huge part in the Ranch during his 41 years serving as sheriff.

“We got it going in ‘78 and I’ve been helping every year. I’ve probably sent away 1,100 kids to the ranch. They don’t have to pay nothing. We just have to take them on Sunday and bring them back on Friday, everything is free. The boys go one week, and the girls go to the next,” said Gaines.

Gaines said during the event he was thinking about how incredible it was to see so many people show up for him.

“Everybody in that room I’ve probably touched them or their family in the 41 years, and that makes me feel good when they showed up and then now it’s over, me and Marilyn are going to be sitting up on this hill enjoying ourselves,” said Gaines.

The total funds raised were over $40,000 according to the sheriff’s office.