LEXINGTON/PAINTSVILLE – (Nov. 7, 2024) Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) selected Mark and Kathy Barrens as their 2024 Philanthropists of the Year during the National Philanthropy Day celebration hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The Barrenses were recognized for their support of CAP’s mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.
“Mark and Kathy are incredible CAP friends. They believe in the mission and are generous with their time, talent, and treasure,” said Guy Adams, CAP president/CEO. “In addition, they are second-generation supporters, with parents who supported CAP's mission as far back as 50 years ago.”
The couple have supported CAP for more than 15 years. Mark has been on the Board of Directors since 2007 and has served as the chair of the Audit and Business Affairs Committees for most of that time. His mother, Elizabeth Barrens, was a faithful donor to CAP for more than 30 years. It was one of her frequent contributions that reconnected Mark with Adams, who was a friend from elementary school. Mark is the president of Halmar Corporation, a business started by his father in 1950.
Kathy’s father, Don Madden of the University of Kentucky, worked with CAP’s founder, Rev. Ralph W. Beiting, during the organization’s beginnings, creating an infrastructure for financing early construction projects. Kathy is chief financial officer of a financial services company, now owned by a private equity firm.
“Mark and Kathy are exceptional in their steadfast support of CAP,” Adams said. “Because of the generosity of our faithful friends and supporters, CAP is able to continue meeting the most basic needs of children, their families, and seniors in Appalachia.”
National Philanthropy Day celebrates the extraordinary change that fundraising and philanthropy have helped to create in our world. As part of National Philanthropy Day, individuals and organizations, like Mark and Kathy Barrens, are honored for their outstanding charitable work in their local communities.
