PINEHURST — A local women’s organization paid special tribute Tuesday to a woman and businessperson who valued people and her community. Although this person is gone, her influence and inspiration live on.
The Altrusa International, Inc. of Orange chapter presented its annual “Woman of the Year” award to Glenda Kinder posthumously on Tuesday during its year-end meeting Tuesday at Robert’s Steakhouse in Pinehurst. The award was accepted by her daughters, Lisa Carroll and Kasey Prejean.
Kinder is best known as the owner of the locally renowned business, Glenda’s Bake a Cake, which she owned for the past 35 years prior to her passing earlier this year.
Kinder was described as “caring, endearing, a great baker and an even better businesswoman and treated everyone like family” in her nomination letter, provided by Mindy McKee of Altrusa International, Inc. of Orange and a friend of the Kinder family. Kinder regularly found time to serve the community as she was involved in multiple service organizations, including the Orange Lions Club for the past 15 years. She was also involved with the Tri-County PTA area as a volunteer and president.
Her dedication to people and to the community is what made her a special person to so many, and it was something her children know all too well.
“She was extremely loved,” said Lisa Carroll following the award presentation. “She was very talented and enjoyed what she did. She also enjoyed being able to help others, but she never did it for the recognition.
“She always encouraged her employees to take what they had learned somewhere else and to blossom,” she continued. “She encouraged them to do what they really loved, whether that involved cakes or not.”
Altrusa International was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1917, according to the official website. Members of Altrusa are united through their dedication, to develop and apply leadership abilities, to capitalize on its worldwide member network and to find partners to help us improve its communities.
The Altrusa Woman of the Year award is presented annual to an Orange County resident whose actions exemplify the qualities of an Altruistic woman, according to information provided by President Gale Beckett. A luncheon is held in honor of the recipient and is attended by many of the previous award recipients and members of the organization.
The Orange chapter of Altrusa International has presented the “Woman of the Year” award annually since 1961 with the first recipient being Emma Fountain. Previous recipients include Mary McKenna, 2009; Patty Cloeren, 2010; Gisela Houseman, 2011; Linn Cardner, 2012; Theresa Beauchamp, 2013; and Loretta Hughes, 2014.
The local chapter now provides two $500 scholarships annually – one to a female student at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School and one to a female student at West Orange-Stark High School – through annual fundraising activities, such as the chili sale in November, the club auction in December and a small bake sale held in spring.