Mountain Movers

Christian Appalachian Project proudly recognizes board member Robert J. Ramsay, Ph.D. of Lexington as its 2014 National Philanthropy Day honoree.

National Philanthropy Day, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and celebrated in hundreds of communities across America, honors philanthropists and volunteers “who really make a difference.”

Dr. Ramsay joined the board of directors of Christian Appalachian Project in 2002. As chair of the finance committee and member of the audit committee, he has helped shape CAP’s investment policy and ensured best practice financial procedures and controls. He also shaped policies that led to an era of healthy financial reserves. In addition to these contributions, Dr. Ramsay has been a hands-on servant in housing repair projects in rural Appalachia.

“Bob is a board member of the highest caliber – always faithful, always engaged, always involved in the most challenging aspects of effective governance,” said CAP President Guy Adams. “He’s also one of the most genuine, humble, and compassionate people I’ve ever known.”

Dr. Ramsay is the Arthur Andersen Professor of Accountancy at the University of Kentucky. A CPA, he also serves as president of Christ the King Council of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and is a member of Diocese of Lexington Building Commission and Finance Council. • --Paul Ransdell

One common trait that is found in philanthropic individuals is their determination in being a good steward of the financial resources that God has entrusted in their care. A perfect example is Virginia Daetz of Redwood City, CA. Virginia, her son Doug, his wife Gisela are in the process of making a trip from CA to Kentucky so she can see how her contributions are being used. By the way, Virginia is 100 years old.

Virginia Daetz was born in Virginia and moved to California in the 1960’s. She is active in her church and is quick to share her faith with those whom she meets. Her eyesight is poor, but she has a reading machine that allows her to enlarge the font of her bible and other documents that she wants to read. She also gets her daily newspaper just to read the headline for each article. She says it helps her to stay connected and know what is happening in the world and her community.

I was blessed with the opportunity to visit with Virginia in her home and she hasn’t forgotten about southern hospitality. She had cookies and fruit waiting on a tray for me. She has a warm smile and a kind voice. There are times, as I travel throughout the country meeting friends of CAP, when my southern accent makes it difficult for others to understand me. Virginia said it made her feel at home to hear someone speak slowly because the folks in CA talk so fast.

We look forward to Virginia’s visit so she can see the fruit of her many gifts. Because of her faithful support of CAP, more people have hope in Appalachia. • --Larry Pelfrey