Honoring Community Champions: Celebrating the Distinguished Mountaineers of West Virginia

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Lynn Phillips, the regional representative of Governor Jim Justice, presented two prestigious Distinguished Mountaineer Awards at the Second Annual Jenkins Ford Car Show in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The event, held on September 28th, was a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, underscoring the awardees' dedication to making a difference in their local community and beyond.

Driving Change: Honoring Exceptional Community Leaders

Revving Up for Success: The John Jenkins Story

John Jenkins, the president of Jenkins Automotive in Buckhannon, was recognized for his remarkable community contributions and accomplishments. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1988 when he and his wife, Sheila, purchased the former B&R Ford dealership, renaming it Jenkins Ford. Over the years, the dealership has grown exponentially, with the Buckhannon location currently employing 45 individuals and the Bridgeport location, which they acquired in 2014, employing an additional 70 people.Jenkins' success story is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. Starting at the age of 14, he began his career at Chenoweth Ford, working his way up from a humble wash boy to positions in service, parts, and sales. This early experience laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors, which have not only benefited his own family but have also created numerous job opportunities for the local community.Alongside his professional achievements, Jenkins has also made a significant impact through his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Sheila, have three sons – Joey, Matt, and Andrew – all of whom are actively involved in the family business, carrying on the legacy of Jenkins Automotive. The family's commitment to their community is further exemplified by their five grandchildren, who undoubtedly will continue to shape the future of this thriving enterprise.

Advocating for a Cause: Honoring Annette Fetty Santilli

Annette Fetty Santilli, the community partner for the West Virginia chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), was also recognized with the Distinguished Mountaineer Award. Santilli's dedication to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research was inspired by the loss of her brother, Jim Fetty, who passed away from the disease in 2007.Driven by her personal experience, Santilli has been a tireless advocate, working tirelessly to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. In 2015, she was honored with PanCAN's National Community Advocate of the Year Award and served on the organization's National Advisory Council. Santilli's efforts have extended beyond the state of West Virginia, as she has collaborated with lawmakers to pass bills through Congress, further amplifying the voice of those affected by this devastating illness.Santilli's impact on the community is not limited to her advocacy work. She has also forged a strong partnership with the Jenkins Ford staff, coordinating the annual Jenkins Ford Car Show, which has become a significant fundraising event for pancreatic cancer research. This collaboration is particularly meaningful, as Santilli's brother, Jim, had his first full-time job at Jenkins Ford, where he cherished the relationships he built with the staff.Annette and her husband, Sam, have a daughter, Stephanie, who is currently a junior at West Liberty University, further demonstrating the family's commitment to education and community involvement.The Distinguished Mountaineer Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by Governor Justice, is a testament to the exceptional contributions of both John Jenkins and Annette Fetty Santilli. Their stories inspire us to embrace the power of community, entrepreneurship, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world around us.