For most communities, the coronavirus pandemic caused an immense array of feelings, including fear, anxiety, and depression, in individuals at risk of becoming infected. In order to ensure the safety of one’s self and others, it became necessary that citizens everywhere follow a strict regimen of quarantining at home, wearing a mask in public spaces, and sanitizing everything they could.
These precautions resulted in various difficulties as people were required to adapt and change their daily routines. But when Bill Ford of Paducah was instructed by his doctor to not leave his house unless absolutely necessary while the coronavirus posed a great risk, he made the absolute most out of the time he had to himself.
Local icon Bill Ford is well known throughout the Western Kentucky region as an interior designer and talented illustrator and can be spotted frequenting Paducah’s downtown area as he greatly appreciates the multitude of local businesses and friendly faces it has to offer. It’s this very strong love and admiration of Paducah that inspired Bill to use all the free time he had on his hands while quarantining to give back to those in the community.
When Governor Andy Beshear shut down all non-essential businesses, many local establishments were forced to close temporarily in order to reduce the risk of viral transmissions. This caused many people, including Bill, to miss the locally operated and heartfully curated services of all businesses forced to close. It was then that Bill was approached by Mary Katz, the executive director of The Carson Center, about illustrating a coloring book during the coronavirus.
The coloring book was to incorporate all the attractions of Paducah that community members could return to once restrictions lifted in an effort to lighten people’s spirits. Bill put his creative genius to work and illustrated some beautifully designed works of art for the coloring book, which sold out of print. Out of the copies of the coloring book that Bill purchased himself, he decided to send two copies to Governor Beshear’s children to show the governor how much he truly appreciates his proactivity in keeping Kentuckians safe and protected amidst the coronavirus. Furthermore, all the profits from the book went to Paducah’s Community Kitchen, which has been serving meals to those in need for over 20 years.
While simultaneously working on the quarantine coloring book, Bill was receiving meals and desserts from friends and businesses who didn’t want him to make unnecessary trips to the grocery store. In an effort to thank each individual and group who brought him something, Bill would take a photograph of the gift, print it, and send the photo back to the gift giver in a personalized, illustrated thank you card.
“I like them to know how grateful I am for their kindness. It makes me feel good to know that I can make their day like they’ve made mine when they go out of their way to help me out,” said Bill. “I even illustrated cards for some of the families’ children. I feel that it’s a unique way to show how truly gracious I am for what people have done for me.”
In an addition to illustrating personalized cards for those who have brought him food, Bill illustrates the envelopes in which he pays bills, along with the checks and billing statements inside. On each statement, he writes the phrase “God bless you” in an attempt to let the essential business workers at power companies, water suppliers, and phone providers know that they are greatly appreciated in their servicing of the community at such a chaotic time. He also uses the colors red, white and blue when creating these works of art, which stands as a true symbol of unity in the country as dedicated workers are committed to doing what they can to keep the community going.
Bill was also lucky enough to be able to conduct his incorporated Beaux Tie Day on its annual occurrence of Bill’s birthday on May 7th while still in quarantine. Beaux Tie Day is a day in which community members are encouraged and motivated to donate money to local non-profit organizations. With positivity and perseverance, this year’s Beaux Tie Day was successful.
“I encourage each person that participates in donating on Beaux Tie Day to wear a bow tie so that others in the community know they gave. I would like it so that every town in the entire state of Kentucky celebrates Beaux Tie Day and donates to a local non-profit.,” said Bill. “Bow ties are a happy thing, so I feel that it is good to symbolize them as a sign of donating and putting more back into the community.”
As restrictions due to the coronavirus continue to lift, Bill looks forward to the day when it is safe enough for him to support all of Paducah’s local businesses and see all of the beloved community members in person. Until then, he will continue to show his support while practicing social distancing and utilizing his artistic talents to help the community in many different ways.
