“Our parents were always shining examples of their love for the Lord, each other and their family. They were very special and loved. The First Baptist Church of Beckley and the Beckley Gideon Camp had a very special place in their hearts.” — Susan Belcher | Daughter of Earl & Bonnie Earl and Bonnie Whitener were devoted members of Beckley First Baptist Church for decades, contributing their time, talents, and leadership to numerous ministries. Earl served as church moderator for over 30 years, taught the Men’s Bible class for half a century, and held countless leadership roles. Bonnie, actively participated in church activities for more than 70 years, offering encouragement and guidance to all she encountered. Beyond the commitment to their church, Earl and Bonnie were actively involved with the Beckley Gideon Camp of Gideon's International. Earl served in various leadership positions and spoke at more than 400 churches on behalf of the Gideons. Bonnie held multiple offices within the Gideon Camp and personally distributed Bibles to graduating nurses. “We are so thankful for the Whitener Family and their support of The Beckley Gideon Camp! Earl and Bonnie Whitener were Gideons in the Beckley Camp for over 65 years. They were devoted to our mission of printing and distributing bibles in our local communities. Because of their faithfulness, many will have the opportunity to receive God’s Word and discover the saving grace of Jesus Christ!” — Jay Quesenberry | Past President & current Church Assignment Chairmen, Beckley Gideon Camp Anyone interested in donating to the Whitener Family Fund can mail contributions, with “Whitener Family” in the memo, to Beckley Area Foundation, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Donations can also be made online by clicking the button below. For those interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a bequest, please call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
0 Comments
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible sponsors and teams who stepped up and registered for our pickleball tournament in support of the Susan Landis Youth Philanthropy program! Your generosity and enthusiasm not only made this event possible, but also played a role in empowering the next generation of young leaders to create meaningful change in our community. Thank you for your unwavering support, your dedication to making a difference, and for bringing your A-game! Together, we are serving up hope and opportunities for our youth.
Full list of sponsors:
Make an Impact in Raleigh County: Apply to SLYP Today!
BAF encourages upcoming high school juniors in Raleigh County to submit an application to join our Susan Landis Youth Philanthropist (SLYP) program! SLYP provides opportunities for youth to experience the three pillars of philanthropy: Volunteering one's time and talents, raising money for the community and awarding money to worthy charities. Applications are due April 28th! Creating Solutions for Stronger Communities: $740,897.65 Distributed by BAF Designated Funds3/12/2025  Pictured: BAF Board President, Jereme Evans and some of our grant recipients from Raleigh County. Organizations represented in photo: Appalachian Bible College, AWAY, Beckley Stratton Middle School, Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer Fire Dept., Hospice of Southern WV, Raleigh County Commission on Aging, Raleigh County Community Action Association, Raleigh County Historical Society & Temple Beth El. Since the first designated fund was established in 1986, BAF has had the honor of helping donors support the organizations they are most passionate about. A designated fund is established by a donor to benefit a specific charity, or program for a charity. To date, over eight million dollars has been distributed from designated funds!  Pictured: BAF Executive Director, Dena Cushman, YMCA of SWV CEO, Jay Rist, and BAF Board President, Jereme Evans. “The annual designated distribution checks make a big difference for non-profits like the Y. From operations to capital improvements to youth scholarships, the monies received from our funds truly help us meet our mission of positively impacting the communities we serve here in Southern West Virginia.” — Jay Rist | CEO, YMCA of SWV
BAF distributed $740,897.65 to 86 organizations from designated funds for the 2025 distribution cycle. The grant awards are as follows:
 Anyone interested in donating to a designated fund may mail contributions with the name of the fund in the memo to BAF, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801 or visit bafwv.org to donate online. If you are interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
New Scholarship Fund Established to Support Fayette and Raleigh County Students Attending WVU Tech3/4/2025
“As the most affordable four-year university in Southern WV, WVU Tech is committed to providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable,” said Dr. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech. “The generosity of the Wava Jean Wiley Robbins family makes higher education more accessible for students from Fayette and Raleigh Counties, and we are proud to help these ambitious graduating seniors achieve the victories that await them.” Wava was a former hospitality waitress, and in her leisure time, she enjoyed bowling at Pinheads Bowling Alley, where she developed many friendships and was beloved by all. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren. Wava always desired to support ambitious people who work hard to achieve their dreams. “March 21, 1981, the day I met Wava at Three Gables, a place where many local romances began. I remember a friend she was with came over and asked me to join them. I was shy and reluctant at first, but after a second request, I joined Wava and her friend at their table. Small talk began, and we had a fascinating conversation. It took me a few days to gather the courage to call her for a second date. Surprisingly, she said yes, and off we went on our journey together— a journey that spanned 43 years,” said Gary, her husband. “We both believed that when you find that special one, you make it work no matter what the circumstance is, and that’s exactly what we did. I feel so blessed to have had her by my side all these years. I will think of her daily and miss her terribly. I thank all of you who kept her in your prayers and for being her friend. She loved each of you dearly.” Anyone interested in donating to the WAVA Scholarship Fund can mail contributions, with “WAVA” in the memo, to Beckley Area Foundation, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Donations can also be made online by clicking the button below. For those interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, please call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
City National Bank Donates $15,000 to Beckley Area Foundation in Memory of Tracy Warren Hylton II1/31/2025  City National Bank Officers James Shupe and Steve Ballard present a check for $15,000.00, to Jereme Evans, Board President, Melanie Stewart, Scholarship Coordinator, and Dena Cushman, Executive Director, of Beckley Area Foundation. City National Bank recently presented a check for $15,000 to the Beckley Area Foundation in memory of Tracy Warren Hylton II, who passed away on January 11, 2025. “Warren Hylton was a long-time board member of City Holding Company and an accomplished businessperson who owned over 30 companies. This contribution will benefit the Hylton Family Scholarship Fund, which was established by the Hylton family in 2013,” said James Shupe, Regional Manager at City National Bank. Warren Hylton attended Mullens High School and Greenbrier Military Academy before enrolling at Beckley College. His academic journey continued at Marshall University, where he studied engineering and business management. Patty Hylton graduated from Shady Spring High School, attended Beckley College, and Bluefield State. She earned a master’s degree from Marshall University and worked for 18 years at Beckley College. Tracy Warren Hylton II served in the Armored Cavalry of the National Guard and learned farming, hunting, and fishing from his grandfather. He became involved in mining at an early age under the tutelage of his father, Tracy Hylton. Warren was also active in politics, especially in his father’s state senate races. He established a number of mining, excavating, and other business ventures based in Raleigh County. Recognizing the importance of accessible higher education for local youth, the Hylton family started a permanently endowed scholarship at Mountain State University. After the closure of MSU, they moved the fund to the Beckley Area Foundation (BAF), where it continues to generate income for need- and merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are available to college-bound students from coal-producing counties in southern West Virginia and are designated for those pursuing degrees at the University of Charleston – Beckley campus. “We are deeply grateful to City National Bank for their generous donation to the Hylton Family Scholarship Fund,” said Melanie Stewart, Scholarship Coordinator at BAF. “With increased funding, this endowed fund can provide greater financial assistance to students attending the University of Charleston – Beckley campus.” Anyone interested in donating to the Hylton Family Scholarship Fund can mail contributions, with “Hylton Family Scholarship Fund” in the memo, to Beckley Area Foundation, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Donations can also be made online by clicking the button below. For those interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, please call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
“Over the past 60+ years, Shady Spring High School has provided a quality education to members of the Oakes family. We are deeply grateful to the school and its outstanding teachers for their contributions to our success.” — Ernie Oakes, Son of Clinton & Louise Oakes Clinton Oakes was born on May 24, 1919, in a log cabin on Ellison Ridge, WV. He was the second of 12 children, and in the 1920s, attending high school was not an option. Clinton completed his formal education at the end of elementary school. Louise Akers Oakes was born on October 8, 1923, in a log cabin just outside Dunns, WV. Like Clinton, she only completed elementary school. Although they attended different one-room elementary schools, Clinton and Louise eventually met and were married on August 5, 1941. They spent their entire lives in the three-county area of Summers, Mercer, and Raleigh in southern West Virginia. Clinton began his married life working in local sawmills and later transitioned to coal mining in the early 1950s. Tragically, he was killed in a coal mining accident at the age of 55 on August 5, 1974, in a mine in Josephine, West Virginia. Louise remained a homemaker throughout her life and passed away at the age of 82 on March 2, 2006. Their marriage produced three children, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, along with their ten spouses. Thanks in large part to the examples set by Clinton and Louise in their hard work and commitment to living by the golden rule, the family has achieved remarkable success. So, what has this family accomplished? Their descendants and spouses have made significant contributions to society in various fields, including homemakers, coal miners, schoolteachers, military retirees, computer scientists, airport managers, federal mine inspectors, state and federal law enforcement officers, aerospace engineers, industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, business entrepreneurs, computer cryptology specialists, and retail store managers. Family members have attended and/or graduated from Concord University, Marshall University, West Virginia University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Montana Universities. From two individuals who were not able to complete high school, 16 of their descendants have graduated from both the old and new Shady Spring High School. Clinton and Louise's family has been truly blessed. Their descendants are deeply grateful for the strong foundation they provided to us. They honor Clinton and Louise daily through their thoughts and actions. Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Clinton & Louise Oakes” in the memo to BAF, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
"Kids don't differentiate about whether there is upheaval in the world,” said Dawn A. Dayton, Toy Fund Member and former Managing Editor of The Register-Herald. "They just know it's Christmas and they hope that Santa won't pass them over." "Mac's helps to keep that hope alive," Dayton said. This year, Mac's Toy Fund has awarded $29,500 in grants to 14 local charities for Christmas toys, clothes, and items to help families in need. Grants are as follows:
As part of the tradition that began in 1930, Thanksgiving weekend serves as the kickoff of Mac's fundraising campaign. For 94 years, people from Beckley, southern WV and around the region have donated to the fund, which helps provide a happier holiday season for hundreds of children. Pete Torrico, Mac’s Toy Fund Member said, “Even though we do not have the annual party at the convention center, Mac’s is still taking care of the children in Raleigh County by making contributions to 14 organizations to help with Christmas parties in Raleigh County. Additionally, $1,500 is being donated to the Kid's Classic and $1,000 to Operation Backpack.” Despite changes over the last couple of years, Mac's is still dependent on the generosity of donors who make the fund part of their own holiday traditions.
As always, donations are tax-deductible. Monetary contributions can be sent throughout the year, particularly leading up to the Christmas season, by mailing them to 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Please make the check out to Beckley Area Foundation and write “Mac’s Toy Fund” in the memo or donate online at bafwv.org.  Beckley Area Foundation began the Students First program in 1996, to provide funding support for creative and innovative instructional projects. This grant opportunity supports Raleigh County classroom teachers, Pre-K through 12th grade in public and private schools. The BAF Board of Directors reviewed the committee grant recommendations for final approval and awarded $35,546.34 to 57 projects, supporting 45 teachers at 17 schools.
"On behalf of the BAF review committee, we would like to say congratulations to all the grant recipients this year. It’s exciting to see the energy, engagement and creative thinking these teachers are going to bring to their classrooms to inspire their students’ love of learning. We would also like to thank all those who applied, and we look forward to seeing even more teachers apply next year." — Michelle Leftwich | Students First Chair & BAF Board Member
This year's Students First program was one of the most competitive BAF has seen since pre-covid. BAF received 113 applications totaling more than $70,000. A committee comprised of current and retired educators, community volunteers and BAF board members reviewed applications utilizing a 'blind methodology'. This methodology does not present the applicant's name or school during the review process. Thank you to the volunteers who helped BAF review and recommend awards. Full list of funded projects:
BAF is very thankful to the Carter Family Foundation for their continued partnership of this program.
Anyone interested in growing the pool of unrestricted funds that are used to address emerging needs and special projects, including the Students First Program, can make donations in any amount to any unrestricted fund. Mail contributions to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801, or donate by clicking the button below. If you are interested in starting an unrestricted fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected]. We live in a very caring place. Many individuals volunteer and give monetary donations to the charitable organizations and programs in our area. By leaving a legacy through a gift in your will or estate, you can continue to help organizations make a difference in our community. To celebrate Wills Week 2024, Beckley Area Foundation would like to highlight a lifetime supporter and donor to BAF, Joyce Broyles, who passed away this year on April 10, 2024.
Joyce provided BAF with the following quote in 2021: “I am blessed to have been involved with Beckley Area Foundation since the beginning, when they were established in 1985. BAF does good work in the community, and they continue to grow each year.” “I'm just so proud... I believe strongly in BAF, which is why I’ve left everything I have to them, including my estate. I did everything I could to help get BAF started, and I will continue to support them.” She always supported local businesses and BAF while living in Beckley, WV. Joyce started 8 different funds at BAF, and she also left her estate to the foundation. Many of the funds benefit organizations that serve animals and education.
Below, you can see which funds have been started by Joyce and Dr. Randall Broyles:
Anyone interested in donating to any of Joyce’s funds may mail contributions with the name of the fund in the memo to BAF, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in leaving BAF in your will, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email i[email protected].  A new fund for the Raleigh County Veterans Museum was established by an anonymous donor who was a career veteran of the Navy. The purpose of this fund will be to provide annual income for the organization to be used at their discretion. The Raleigh County Veterans Museum will soon have more room for their extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia as they relocate to the old State Police Barracks in Beckley. The new Veteran’s Museum will have new displays, a theater, and it will still have the 20-foot-long model West Virginia battleship! “This fund is in support of the Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum. In January 2024 the museum acquired a new facility to relocate. This facility is substantially larger and better equipped, which has allowed for the transformation of the museum. The new museum will not only continue to provide an exceptional display of military equipment and artifacts but will now also include displays associated with first responders such as Police, Fire and EMT.” “The challenge will be great but once completed, the Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum will be a destination place for visitors from all over. Bringing this concept to fruition will require funding and many hours of volunteering.” “Please consider donating to this fund and helping us preserve this history while honoring the memories and artifacts of our nation’s heroes. Thank you for your support.” — Ron Hedrick | President, Raleigh County Veterans Museum The American Legion and Raleigh County Veteran's Museum thank you in advance for your support and the honor you have bestowed by donating to such a worthy cause. God Bless Our Soldiers!
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Raleigh County Veterans Museum Fund” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected]. |
Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
