IN A small Kentucky town where everyone knows everyone, one woman is making a difference in ways most people will never realize. Deborah Hirsch, founder and president of the Sadie Nauy Charitable Foundation, has dedicated herself to uplifting her community and beyond, giving away more than half a million dollars to charitable causes. But for Hirsch, it’s not about the recognition. It’s about the impact.
“We give all over,” Hirsch explained. “Since we’ve come to this community, we’ve given a tremendous amount of money. I don’t know the exact amount, but it’s in the hundreds of thousands as well.”
Her foundation’s generosity has reached countless lives, from children receiving books at school to city grants funding essential services.
“We have twice bought every child in the Adairville school system a book from the Scholastic book sale,” Hirsch shared. “I remember those sales from when I was a kid, and I know how much they mean.”
Beyond education, the foundation has provided grants for public service equipment, including trucks, snowplows, and improved lighting in the town square.
“We help the police department [and] the fire department — we do a lot of things. And most of what we do, we don’t publicize. We don’t toot our own horn,” Hirsch said humbly. “We give because it’s the right thing to do.”
But Hirsch and her business partner Barbara Mathieson’s impact extends beyond donations. She’s also revitalizing Adairville with the opening of the Dueling Pistol Saloon, a gaming hall and restaurant that generates funds for charity.
“The Sadie Nauy Charitable Foundation owns the Dueling Pistol Saloon,” she explained. “We chose the name because Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickinson had a duel here. Jackson won, and Dickinson is buried in the Russellville Cemetery.”
Through this venture, Hirsch ensures that every dollar raised stays local. “The gaming hall is licensed by the Commonwealth for charitable gaming,” she said. “Every penny we receive stays in the surrounding area. We are required by law to give 100% of it away. No one gets paid.”
Her dedication to giving back is deeply rooted in a personal mission to uplift small communities. Originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey, Hirsch never expected to plant roots in Kentucky.
“I came here 20 years ago and opened a restaurant in Russellville. The mayor at the time asked me to help Adairville grow, and eventually, I said ‘yes.’” she recalled. “This little town needs help. We’ve bought quite a few properties, and we intend to develop each one over time.”
Hirsch and her team at the foundation don’t just invest in infrastructure — they take care of the little things that make a big difference. “If someone’s water gets turned off, we go turn it back on,” she said simply. “We support all the little kids’ teams — football, baseball, softball. If the square needs landscaping, we provide the funds.”
Despite her generosity, Hirsch doesn’t seek acknowledgment. “We usually try to do it as anonymously as possible,” she said. “We’re just here to help. We want this community to grow.” GN
