08/18/2026
A Personal Update from The Penny Foundation Inc.
Over the past several months, our Executive Director and dear friend, Kathy Kidd, has been walking through an incredibly difficult and deeply personal season as the health of her beloved husband, Walter Martin Kidd, continued to decline.
It is with very heavy hearts that we share that Walter has passed away.
Walter was much more than Kathy’s husband. He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, friend, and a valued member of The Penny Foundation family. His quiet strength, kindness, faith, and willingness to help others were simply part of who he was.
Walter spent much of his life serving and encouraging others, particularly young people. Through the years, he touched countless lives, and we know that his influence will continue through the people who knew and loved him.
Our hearts are especially with Kathy and Walter’s children, Clay Martin Kidd, Kathleen Kidd Proctor, Elizabeth Kidd Roberts, Rodney Walter Kidd, and Stacy Grams Olson, as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
For those who know Kathy, you know how much of her heart she has poured into The Penny Foundation Inc. and into the dream of creating a safe place for women and children escaping domestic violence. During these last several months, however, she has also been a wife walking beside the man she loved as his health declined. Right now, she and her family need time to grieve, heal, and begin adjusting to a life that suddenly looks very different.
Because so many of you have supported our mission and have asked about what is happening with the Foundation, we also want to be transparent about where things currently stand.
We had been incredibly hopeful about a house we believed could become the future home of The Penny Foundation. Unfortunately, after discussions with the individuals involved, communication unexpectedly stopped and our calls were no longer returned. Ultimately, that opportunity did not move forward.
We are still actively searching for the right home.
At the same time, Walter’s passing has understandably caused us to pause and evaluate our next steps.
Many of you have also been asking about our upcoming Diamonds & Denim Par-TEE Gala. At this time, the September 2026 Gala has been postponed. A future date will be announced once we have had the opportunity to move through this difficult season and determine the best path forward.
The truth is that we are in a season of uncertainty.
We don’t have every answer today about the Foundation’s future, but we do know this: the need that inspired The Penny Foundation has not disappeared. There are still women and children who need safety, resources, support, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Sometimes a mission doesn’t stop—it simply has to find its footing again.
Right now, our priority is surrounding Kathy and her family with love while giving ourselves the time necessary to thoughtfully determine the future of The Penny Foundation Inc.
To everyone who has donated, volunteered, sponsored an event, attended a Gala, shared our mission, prayed for us, encouraged Kathy, or simply believed in what we are trying to build—thank you.
Your support has meant more than you may ever realize.
And to Walter—
Thank you for standing beside Kathy and the Foundation. Thank you for the lives you touched, the example you set, and the kindness you showed so freely.
Rest peacefully, Walter. Your legacy will live on through your family, through the lives you touched, and through all those who were fortunate enough to know you.
Please keep Kathy, the Kidd family, and The Penny Foundation family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the days ahead.
One day at a time. One decision at a time. And always—one life at a time.
— The Penny Foundation Inc.
