Don Franklin Automotive Matches Memorial Fund Donations

The dealership group is matching community donations to support the family of a fallen Kentucky state trooper.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Philanthropy

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The Don Franklin Family of Dealerships is matching donations up to $20,000 for a memorial fund supporting Trooper Hayden Phillips' family. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Don Franklin Family of Dealerships has pledged to match donations to the Operation 369 Memorial Fund, which benefits the family of Trooper Hayden Phillips. The company will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $20,000.

Why it matters

This initiative provides direct financial support to the widow and children of Trooper Phillips following his death in the line of duty. It utilizes the dealership network to streamline charitable giving across the state.

Don Franklin is providing a 100% match on all donations made to the Operation 369 Memorial Fund, with the company capping its total contribution at $20,000.

The players

Don Franklin Family of Dealerships

This automotive group operates multiple dealership locations throughout Kentucky.

Hayden Phillips

He was a Kentucky State Police trooper who died in the line of duty.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Foundation

This organization manages the Operation 369 Memorial Fund to support families of fallen officers.

The details

Residents can participate by contributing funds online or by visiting any Don Franklin location, including the dealership at 2211 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green. The fund was created by the Kentucky State Police Trooper Foundation to assist the survivors of Trooper Hayden Phillips.

Timeline

  1. Trooper Hayden Phillips died in the line of duty on September 28, 2026.

  2. The Don Franklin Family of Dealerships announced its support for the memorial fund on October 19, 2026.

Market Landscape

The donation matching program reflects a broader trend of regional business entities leveraging their infrastructure to support local charitable causes. By utilizing their dealership network, the company integrates community philanthropic efforts into their standard retail operations.

Local residents can double the impact of their personal contributions by donating through the dealership network. These funds go directly toward the financial support of the widow and children of the late trooper.

The takeaway

Supporting families of fallen first responders remains a high priority for community organizations across the state. Residents interested in contributing should confirm donation methods directly through official foundation channels.

Further reading

For more information on charitable efforts in the region, see Kentucky Philanthropy.