Elizabeth Kinch Generosity Award
About This Award
Each year the Derby Community Foundation will recognize an individual for his/her generosity in the Derby area by awarding the Elizabeth Kinch Generosity Award. The award recipient will be honored at the Foundation’s annual gala. The Generosity Award recipient will receive a gift basket provided by the Derby Recreation Commission and the opportunity to award a $500 grant to the charity of his/her choice.
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Kinch was instrumental in the creation of the Derby Community Foundation and was generous in all aspects of her life, so the Derby Community Foundation chose to memorialize her generous spirt through the Elizabeth Kinch Generosity Award. Elizabeth’s longtime friend, Becky Loosen, said it best in an article that appeared in the Derby Informer:
“The one word that I think describes Elizabeth is that she was generous. She was generous with her time, she was generous with her financial assets, she was generous with her love, and that included her family, her friends and certainly the community of Derby. I would like for her to be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of the community and being a role model for what it means to give back to the community.”
Current Honoree
Rick & Barbara Hemphill
2023 Generosity Award Recipients
Rick and Barb Hemphill are longtime Derby residents and business owners who have demonstrated consistent support for so many worthy endeavors, including financial and sponsorship support of the Derby Community Foundation, Derby Historical Society, and Kansas Food Bank. Avid Shocker Basketball Fans, Rick has served on the Wichita State University Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization Board of Directors. He also served on the Community Foundation Grant Committee for 6 years. Barb is a member of the Derby Rotary Club. For many years, the Hemphill’s have quietly provided support for education, food security, job training and countless other areas. They demonstrate their generosity through selfless acts of kindness and their dedication to improving the lives of others.