Bill Text: VA HR268 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Kim Keene.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-04 - Bill text as passed House (HR268ER) [HR268 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR268-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Kim Keene, an accomplished artist and businesswoman and courageous cancer survivor, has made a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with cancer and their families by founding the organization Paint Pink, Inc., in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Kim Keene is a native of Portsmouth who graduated from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy before earning a degree in fine arts from Virginia Wesleyan University in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Kim Keene spent several years honing her artistic talents, particularly while living along the water, first while owning and operating a frame shop in Manteo, North Carolina, and later while living in Croatia; and
WHEREAS, Kim Keene returned to Hampton Roads in 2014 and a year later opened the Starving Artist Cafe in Norfolk, which started as an art gallery and evolved over time to also function as a cafe and local community hub; and
WHEREAS, Kim Keene's artwork has graced the walls of numerous distinguished galleries and spaces in the Hampton Roads area and beyond, including the d'Art Center in Norfolk, the Hilton hotel in downtown Norfolk, the Beach Art House in Norfolk, The Gallery at Godwin in Suffolk, the Lemon Tree Gallery in Cape Charles, and Gallery 50 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and
WHEREAS, inspired by her experience battling breast cancer, Kim Keene raised more than $12,000 for the American Cancer Society by participating in the organization's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in 2022; and
WHEREAS, with a keen awareness of the challenges cancer patients face, in 2023 Kim Keene founded Paint Pink, an organization that provides services and goods not covered by medical insurance, such as the payment of bills, personal care items, estate planning, yard work, house cleaning, meal delivery, and more, relieving financial stress and enabling individuals to better focus on their healing and recovery; and
WHEREAS, Paint Pink has raised funds through various activities, including art shows, golf tournaments, pickleball tournaments, and cocktail parties, bringing the community together for an important and worthy cause; and
WHEREAS, through her passion, resolve, and determination, Kim Keene has made a difference in countless people's lives and is an inspiration to all Virginians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Kim Keene hereby be commended for founding Paint Pink, Inc., and for supporting cancer patients throughout the Hampton Roads Region; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kim Keene as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her dedication and service and best wishes for her success in the pursuit of her goals.
