What does it mean to love? Is it the emotional highs and lows of a crush? The deep affection shared between a husband and wife? The unconditional care for a child? Or perhaps a devotion rooted in faith? For Maegan Hance, love takes many forms. As a dedicated mother and accomplished business owner, she thrives in her roles — but her true passion lies in helping disadvantaged children.
After all, she lived as one herself.
Wealth, fame, and a large estate — if one grew up in Warren County, these attributes most likely failed to describe their childhood — and certainly stopped short of reflecting Hance, who says she grew up with very little and could have benefitted from receiving an organization’s assistance.
As an adult, she now focuses on ensuring others get that help — thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green.
The organization supports disadvantaged chil-dren in Warren County by partnering with over 60 groups to raise funds. It focuses on community initia-tives and child-centered projects aimed at fostering growth and empowerment. One notable effort was the creation of the Sensory Music Garden at Basil Griffin Park, a musical playground designed to be accessible to all children and residents in the Bowl-ing Green community. This garden marked the club’s 100th-anniversary service project. The club also donates to nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Club, Casa, United Way, the Salvation Army, Kids on the Block, and many more. Hance just so happens to serve as the club’s president. In the early 2000s, the Edmonson County native moved to Bowling Green at 19 years old to work and chose never to leave. She gave birth to her only son, Hudson Paxton, in 2015. Despite a humble begin-ning, the single mother found success in business, becoming the founder of Warren County Inflatables and co-owner of Triple Crown Auto Glass, where she works when she is not spending time with her son, usually taking him to the baseball field, basketball court, or trips outside the city.
Though Hance had a busy schedule, she wanted to empower the poor, feed the hungry, serve the disabled, and educate the uneducated, so the Kiwanis Club became the perfect home for her in 2016.
“It’s really important to me that we are taking care of our future leaders,” Hance said.
Commencing in 1923, the volunteer-run organization granted $665,000 between 2014 and 2024, helping kids thrive in their community with the support of about 130 volunteer members as of 2024.
Fundraiser events include the Bowling Green Mardi Gras Madness, featuring parades, merchant vendors, and a kids’ zone.
In the summer, Kiwanis goes sky high with the Bowling Green Thunderfest, offering live music, food, and games, culminating with the Thunderfest Fireworks Show. The club loves to feed families with their Christmas basket program as well.
The All-American Soap Box Derby shines as a personal favorite for Hance — where all kids race, including children with disabilities.
With the required help, they speed down the track, participating in a tournament-style competition to determine the best of the best — except there are no losers, only winners, as all experience fun during the summer event.
During the derby, kids often tell her, “This is the best day ever.” She knows their statements are not exaggerations because they tend to remember the volunteers months later.
The Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green leaves a lasting impact as members live out the club’s mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time. Their efforts add to the global organization of Kiwanis International, which expanded into 85 countries and geographic territories after starting in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915. Children benefit mentally, physically, and emotionally through Kiwanis’ service projects and donations.
Their motto: Serving the children of the world.
Hance and the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club also care for the young adults by awarding annual scholarships to support those pursuing a higher education. In 2024, the club gave $9,000 in scholarships to six young adults attending Western Kentucky University and Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College.
Hance would tell anyone that her true motivation for serving runs through her faith and son. Her work even benefits Hudson, who began attending many of the Kiwanis events with his mother at 2 years old. She seeks to instill a devotion to service in him.
“It’s honestly, truly one of the most amazing organizations I’ve ever been involved in, and I’m so thankful to be able to raise my son in this community and to teach him about volunteering and community outreach and what a need there is in this area for our children.” GN
