Kim Abbett is a mother of four, an engineer, a volunteer, and an active member in her community. Kim joined Park City Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund in 2017, after moving to Park City from Indiana in 2016.
“I love Women’s Giving Fund because it’s women giving to women and children,” Kim said. “The nonprofits that make it to the finals are all amazing, and they’re making huge differences. The community is so small that you see what a big difference it makes.”
Raising Volunteers
Kim has made a point to raise her three daughters — aged 20,18, and 16 — and 14-year-old son, to be active members of their community, with an emphasis on volunteering from a young age. As they got older, she involved her daughters in the National Charity League (NCL), which brings together mothers and daughters through philanthropy. Her son also recently joined Young Men’s Service League, which is similar to NCL but for boys.
“Volunteering makes them better community members and helps them understand where people are coming from, what their needs are, and who they are,” Kim said. “And it helps them understand that the world’s a really big place.”
Each of her children has been on volunteer trips abroad. That same daughter decided to volunteer while she’s at her college, which Kim is proud of. “I think that’s the goal, for the kids as adults to choose to help their communities on their own,” Kim said.
The Power of Education & Philanthropy
Kim loves the community, the people, and the atmosphere in Park City. She is the co-chair of the board for Park City Education Foundation. Locally she contributes to many nonprofits, and some of her favorites along with the Education Foundation are Summit Community Gardens + EATS, Recycle Utah, Nuzzles and Co., Christian Center of Park City, Park City Film, and the Egyptian Theatre.
Her kids, who do ski racing, are involved with Youth Sports Alliance.
Kim’s biggest passion is education. “I think education is a path forward for people to change their lives,” she said.
Kim always enjoyed learning, especially math, science, and languages. She has her PhD in chemical engineering. Once her kids are grown up, she would love to use her degree to volunteer in other countries with engineering projects such as providing clean water.
Connecting Female Leaders
Kim involved herself in Women’s Giving Fund by volunteering to host the annual holiday party for members in December 2024. She loves how Women’s Giving Fund connects women, and said she’s met people through it she wouldn’t have otherwise.
“Everybody’s got the same ideas and goals. So, it’s neat to be in a room with all these people who feel the same way,” Kim said.
She also said it’s good for her daughters to witness the power of women coming together, like they did when their home was full of members for the holiday party in December. “I did tell the girls before the party that these are leaders, these are amazing women who are doing amazing things in their fields,” Kim said.
If you are a woman+ interested in Women’s Giving Fund, visit our website to learn more about how to become a member here: Women’s Giving Fund – Park City Community Foundation .