Louisville, KY – February 27, 2025 – In a moving and powerful gathering at the Rotary Club of Louisville’s weekly lunch meeting, Dawne Gee, the beloved WAVE-3 anchor and community leader, shared heartbreaking stories about childhood hunger, homelessness, and juvenile crime in Louisville. The event, attended by local business leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs like Di Tran, was a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by children in the city—many of whom go to school not just for education, but simply to eat.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Louisville
Held at The Galt House Hotel, the Rotary Club of Louisville’s weekly luncheon serves as a platform for thought leaders and changemakers to address pressing community issues. Today’s meeting was one of the most impactful yet, as Dawne Gee brought both tears and inspiration to the room with her heartfelt speech about the crisis of childhood hunger.
The Rotary Club of Louisville, one of the oldest and largest Rotary clubs in the country, has long been committed to service above self. The organization’s dedication to fighting food insecurity, supporting youth, and fostering community solutions made it the perfect setting for Gee’s message. A special thank you to the Rotary Club for hosting this powerful discussion and providing a space for leaders to come together to listen, learn, and take action.
Hunger in Louisville: The Story That Brought the Room to Tears
Dawne Gee spoke of children who struggle to find their way to school, not just for an education, but because it is the only place they can get a meal. She shared a gut-wrenching story of a child who, in desperation, resorted to eating paper to curb the pain of hunger.
The room fell silent. Many in the audience, including Di Tran, were visibly moved as Gee painted a vivid picture of how poverty, hunger, and family separation create unimaginable hardships for young children in Louisville.
She emphasized that the problem is not just about food—but about broken systems, struggling families, and a society that has not done enough to protect its most vulnerable.
A Connection to Homelessness and Crime
For Di Tran, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community leader, Gee’s message struck a personal chord. For years, he has encountered homelessness firsthand—inside and outside the buildings he owns.
One story stood out in his mind—a morning when he walked into one of his properties, only to see a homeless person flee, leaving behind a dirty diaper. That moment shattered his perception of homelessness as an issue only affecting adults. It was children too. Babies. Entire families with nowhere to go.
And yet, Gee highlighted another tragedy—the rise in juvenile crime. Many children under the age of 13 are being manipulated into criminal activity, used by gangs and criminals who know they won’t be prosecuted.
“Children don’t choose hunger. They don’t choose homelessness. And they don’t choose crime. They are victims of a system that has failed them,” Gee said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Her raw honesty left many in the audience reflecting on how to be part of the solution.
A Simple Solution: Peanut Butter & Actionable Change
One of the most surprising takeaways from the speech was the power of peanut butter.
Gee explained that peanut butter is one of the most effective foods to fight hunger because:
✅ It is high in protein and nutrients.
✅ It does not require refrigeration, making it easy to distribute.
✅ It is filling and provides lasting energy for children in need.
Such a simple item—yet it can change a child’s life. This practical approach to food insecurity is a reminder that even the smallest contributions can make a huge impact.
A Standing Ovation for a Powerful Message
By the time Gee finished speaking, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. As she wiped away her own tears, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation—Di Tran included.
The Rotary Club of Louisville, with its commitment to service and action, proved once again why it remains a pillar of leadership in the city. By hosting today’s event, they provided a platform for real conversations about hunger, homelessness, and crime in our community.
A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Louisville for bringing these issues to the forefront, for always standing in service of others, and for providing a space where solutions can be found.
For many in attendance, this was more than just a luncheon. It was a wake-up call. It was a challenge. It was a moment of truth.
As Dawne Gee and Di Tran both left the event, one thing was clear—this conversation cannot end here. It must turn into action. Because in a city filled with opportunity, no child should ever go to bed hungry.
And with leaders like Dawne Gee, Di Tran, and the Rotary Club of Louisville pushing for change, that future is within reach.