Volunteers are the epicenter of activities and events for Monroe County. As with many small, rural communities there are no paid chamber directors or event organizers. Festivals, fund-raisers, Relay for Life, Extension programs, and other events and educational opportunities in our county are accomplished through the work of volunteers. According to volunteer administration models, recognition is a key component in recruiting and retaining volunteers. The Red Dress Gala was developed in 2016 as a community volunteer recognition event organized by the Monroe County Historical Society and the Tompkinsville – Monroe County Chamber of Commerce with the Monroe County Agent for 4-H Youth Development serving as co-chair. The objectives of the program were to formally recognize community volunteers in a public venue, to educate our citizens about the volunteer impact, needs, and opportunities available in our county, and to make volunteers feel appreciated for their work both collectively and individually.

In 2018, the Gala brought together twenty-six different civic organizations who honored thirty-four community volunteers for service to their respective organizations. 140 people were in attendance for the event which highlighted the impact made by volunteers in Monroe County. The event not only showcased the volunteer accomplishments, but educated attendees about the activities of the organizations participating, the impact of volunteer efforts in our community, and helped in developing a sense of pride and personal accomplishment for volunteer service. Perhaps most importantly, the event brought together leaders of twenty-six civic organizations together in one room with local decision makers, thereby further strengthening the relationship and creating a new network between decision makers and community leaders.