Three honored by Women’s Philanthropy Society at 24th Annual Luncheon

The Women’s Philanthropy Society hosted its 24th annual fundraiser for Cabell Huntington Hospital, which honored three local ladies who have made a positive impact on the community. Nearly 300 women across the Tri-State attended the luncheon at Guyan Golf and Country Club on Saturday, March 2.

The Women’s Philanthropy Society presents three awards at its annual luncheon to honor those who exemplify the heart, strength and compassion of women. The Abigail McNeely Youth Services Award is presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has gone above and beyond to give back to an organization or community project. This year’s recipient is Kennedy Fisher.

Kennedy Fisher (left) was named the recipient of the 2024 Abigail McNeely Youth Services Award at the 24th annual Women's Philanthropy Society Luncheon.

Kennedy is a freshman at Cabell Midland High School where she serves as a role model to her fellow students. She has contributed countless hours volunteering and giving back to her community through organizations including the Special Olympics, Ethan’s Toy Box, Steel Memorial Youth Group, Facing Hunger Food Bank and the Barboursville Leo Club. Kennedy has served in various leadership roles such as a 6th grade orientation leader, peer tutor, a member of the National Junior Honors Society, Girls’ Tennis Captain as well as Missions Coordinator for her church youth group. She has received many accolades such as the WV Makes Festival Appalachian Manufacturing Award and the Robert C. Byrd Agriculture and Innovation Awards, both second and first place consecutively. In addition to all of these activities, Kennedy participates in dance, robotics club, PALS, the Huntington Area Regional and Ashland Paramount theatre programs and pickleball club.

The Christie Kinsey Focus Award honors achievements in volunteerism, pioneering in women’s health, community service, professional achievement, and home and family. This year’s award was presented to Margaret Mary Layne.

Margaret Mary Lane was named the recipient of the 2024 Christie Kinsey Focus Award at the 24th annual Women's Philanthropy Society Luncheon.

Margaret Mary is well-known in the Huntington area for her civic and community leadership and professional excellence. She graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in art history from Marshall University before later becoming a nationally certified instructor through the American Council on Exercise. In the early years, Margaret Mary worked as a legal assistant as well as a personal health consultant and instructor specializing in healthy lifestyle changes. She served as Vice President of the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO) before dedicating 17 years to her work with the Huntington Museum of Art, first as the Director of Development and eventually as Executive Director. Margaret Mary now serves as CEO and President of Layne Consulting, Inc, and specializes in economic and community development, operational efficiencies and project management. She has received many honors throughout her career, and was named the 2008 Citizen of the Year by The Herald-Dispatch, the recipient of the 2014 Living the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Award and the recipient of the 2016 WV Governor’s Awards for the Arts, which recognized contributions to the arts in West Virginia.

The Kitty Hage Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose life’s work has been dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The award is designed for someone who has not sought recognition for her deeds but has worked solely to better her community and the quality of life for others. This year’s recipient is Leslie Petteys.

Leslie Petteys was named the recipient of the 2024 Kitty Hage Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th annual Women's Philanthropy Society Luncheon.

Leslie Petteys, PhD, has positively impacted the Huntington community for more than 40 years. After retiring from her career as a piano and chamber music instructor at Marshall University, Leslie has dedicated her life to quietly working behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of many. Her focus has been on the underserved West End and Fairfield communities, the promotion of art and education in the Tri-State and the beautification of Huntington. Described as a “silent superhero,” Leslie is said to be very generous with her time and treasure, helping to organize and fund many notable projects for organizations such as the A.D. Lewis Community Center, the Marshall University Visual Arts Center, and the Huntington Museum of Art, to name a few. She serves on various boards and committees dedicated to art, education, child welfare, the visually impaired and the beauty that surrounds us.

(L-R): Margaret Mary Lane, 2024 Christie Kinsey Focus Award winner; Christie Kinsey, founder of the Women's Philanthropy Society; Leslie Petteys, 2024 Kitty Hage Lifetime Achievement Award winner; and Susan Hage, daughter of the award's namesake, Kitty Hage.

“These amazing women represent what it means to be truly connected and committed to improving the community in which they live,” stated Christie Kinsey, a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Society. “We want to once again thank the Women’s Philanthropy Committee members, the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation and our loyal sponsors who make it possible for every dollar donated to support women’s and children’s services at Cabell Huntington Hospital.”

Since its inception, the Women’s Philanthropy Society has donated more than $430,000 toward women’s services at CHH and children’s services at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital.

For more information, please call Beth Sparks Collins at 304.399.6854 or visit www.mhnfoundations.org.