In a sterile intensive care room surrounded by little more than the people and equipment that saved her life, Christie Kinsey couldn’t imagine that 26 years later she would watch her granddaughter, and a table of friends help carry on a philanthropic legacy born from that very experience.
About six months after bacterial meningitis nearly took her life and forced her to learn to walk again, Kinsey, a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual, was sparked by an idea in Redbook magazine. She marched back to Cabell Huntington Hospital on a mission to return the favor and breathe some fresh life into a dull space. She was redirected to Michele Conley and the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation. Soon after the Women’s Philanthropy Society (WPS) was born.
This year, the first Saturday of March, its forever date, marked the 25th WPS luncheon. It was extra special because noticeably present were new generations of women, including her 15-year-old granddaughter. “Everyone can be a philanthropist,” Kinsey said. “I hope we’ve instilled that.”
Her vision was that if each woman commits to donating a little, together it becomes a lot. The strength is in the collective. Kinsey said the first year was touch and go. They were unprepared for the number of women that attended, but willing hearts were connected. That same vision remains, so Kinsey has never considered stopping.
The event has grown, and ladies of all ages continue to step up and get involved. It still connects and inspires by highlighting the achievements and generosity of like-minded women in the community.
If you know her, you’re not surprised by Kinsey’s relentless commitment to the greater good. She is not driven by the outcome or recognition but rather the desire to give back. She also helped start the Women’s Caucus for Leadership, which encourages and promotes women to leadership roles, and she started Pammy’s Fund in honor of her late sister. That fund helps women get access to medical testing beyond mammograms. She’s thrilled to see so many others contribute.
“I’ve been very, very blessed,” Kinsey said. “I’ve been able to have a 44-year career that I’m passionate about with a company that I don’t have to defend, and I’ve made a good living. But I strongly believe that it’s important to give back to your community.”
Kinsey has surrounded herself with people that inspire her by the way they work, serve, and give to others. That can-do, get-it-done spirit is contagious.
“I have a wonderful circle of people who have just lifted me up,” she said. “And our Lord has enabled me to be involved. To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Kinsey’s impact ripples far beyond what she knows, and she’s humbled at the thought. She chooses instead to offer encouragement to others. “If someone benefits, I’m thankful,” she said. “I’m grateful to help the place that saved my life – from the doctors to the janitor who cleaned my room every day. People can accomplish anything. Just go for it. Fuel your passion.”
