Three honored at 26th annual Women’s Philanthropy Society luncheon

The Women’s Philanthropy Society honored three local women for their positive impact on the community during its 26th annual luncheon in support of Marshall Health Network. Nearly 300 women from the Tri-State area attended the luncheon Saturday, March 7, at Marshall Health Network Arena Convention Center.

The Women’s Philanthropy Society presents three awards each year 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 Erin Wood.

Wood is a senior at Chesapeake High School, where she ranks in the top 15 of her class. She is a four-year varsity volleyball player, participates in the Marshall University SCORES competition, and is a member of the National Honor Society. 

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 recipient is Sharon Pressman.

Pressman recently retired as executive director of CONTACT Rape Crisis Center, where she served for 25 years. Beginning as a volunteer, Pressman helped serve thousands of survivors of abuse over the course of her career. When she took over as executive director, the center was on the verge of closing, but Pressman’s leadership strengthened the organization, which now serves survivors in six West Virginia counties.

The Kitty Hage Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those 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 the Pallottine Missionary Sisters.

The Pallottine Missionary Sisters have been serving the community for decades, beginning in 1924 with the creation of St. Mary’s Medical Center. The Sisters ran the hospital until 2018. Upon the sale, the Sisters established the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington to ensure their mission of healing would continue beyond the hospital walls. In seven years, the Pallottine Foundation has awarded $22 million to 284 organizations across the Tri-State. Several Sisters have served on the foundation’s board, including four present members – Sr. Francesca Lowis, Sr. Joanne Obrochta, Sr. Terence Wall and Sr. Daunta Pryzbylek, the current board chair.

“This luncheon celebrates women who bring energy, compassion and purpose to our community every day,” said Christie Kinsey, founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Society. “Their ‘zest for life’ inspires others, and the generosity of everyone involved helps us continue expanding vital services for women and children across Marshall Health Network.”

Proceeds from Saturday’s event will support the Good Samaritan Fund, which provides funding for mammograms and other important health screenings for uninsured and underinsured women; gas cards and hotel stays for those who travel to seek cancer treatment at the Edwards Cancer Institute; and assistance with other necessary medical procedures.

Since its inception, the Women’s Philanthropy Society has donated more than $500,000 towards initiatives supporting women’s and children’s services at Marshall Health Network.

To learn how to support services at Marshall Health Network, visit mhnfoundations.org.