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Jean Clark honored for her philanthropy

A community leader in Monongalia and Preston counties was honored by Philanthropy West Virginia with the 2019 West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy Volunteer Leadership Award.

Jean Clark was recognized for her personal philanthropic giving and leadership in community philanthropy and numerous causes in Preston and Monongalia counties.

For the 13th year, Philanthropy West Virginia presented the Mountain State’s most prestigious philanthropy awards last week at the organization’s 26th Annual Members Meeting & Conference in Parkersburg. The awards program was sponsored by Encova Insurance.

This was a record year for the number of honorees for which awards are given in four categories and two lifetime achievement awards.

Clark was described as a dynamo of energy, ideas and action advancing north-central West Virginia’s greatest opportunity, which is the growth of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia. Clark is the past immediate board chair of Your Community Foundation and serves as a volunteer leader in numerous roles to advance the organization’s impact in north-central West Virginia. She is also active with the Bruceton Lions Club.

“Great energy, humble service and generous support represent West Virginia’s true spirit of philanthropy. We’re honored to recognize six deserving leaders and organizations this year,” said Paul Daugherty, president and CEO of Philanthropy West Virginia.”

The other honorees:

Critical Impact Award: For transforming the vision and focus of Huntington’s future, the Foundation for the Tri-State Community & the Huntington America’s Best Communities Collaborative Team.

Lifetime Volunteer Leadership Award: C.J. Kaiser for his longtime commitment to the Upper Ohio Valley community.

Inaugural Corporate Responsibility Leader Award: Dominion Energy and Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.\

Staff Leadership Award: Tamara Mullins, executive director of the Nicholas County Community Foundation.

Lifetime Staff Leadership Award: Sheri Ryder, Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation senior program officer.

“The Mountain State’s continuous spirit of philanthropy is ever-growing. These six honorees exemplify the best of West Virginia and inspire others to achieve greater philanthropic impact in our communities,” Daugherty said.

This is the first year the Susan S. Landis Spirit of Philanthropy Endowment at the Beckley Area Foundation will make mini-grants ($250) in honor of the award recipients to their favorite local charities. Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia will receive one of those grants.