BECKLEY AREA FOUNDATION - LOCAL GIVING. LASTING LEGACIES.
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  • Home
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New Scholarship Honors Lifelong Mullens Residents Virginia & Woodrow Cook

5/12/2025

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Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Virginia & Woodrow Cook Scholarship Fund, created by their daughter, Barbara Bean, in honor of their legacy.
“My husband, Ralph Bean, has dedicated much of his career to economic development in West Virginia,” said Barbara Bean. “We believe nothing is more vital to that mission than an educated citizenry.”
This scholarship pays tribute to Barbara’s parents, lifelong residents of Mullens and Wyoming County, who were deeply committed to education and community service.
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Woodrow Cook (pictured) graduated from Concord College in 1934 with a two-year degree. He served in England during World War II, achieving the rank of Major in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he returned to Mullens, where he built a career as a businessman and actively contributed to his community.
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A dedicated public servant, Woodrow was a member of the Lions Club, served as Mayor of Mullens for eight years, and spent seventeen years on the Wyoming County Commission. Notably, during his tenure as Mayor, he accompanied a young Senator John F. Kennedy through the area during Kennedy’s presidential campaign in West Virginia.

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Virginia Cook graduated from West Virginia University in 1939 and dedicated thirty-three years to teaching home economics at Mullens High School. She inspired students through her work as a sponsor of the Future Homemakers of America and led adult sewing classes for the community. Her love for flower gardening led her to establish a fund at BAF to support beautification efforts in Mullens.
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Virginia’s reflections on life in Wyoming County were published in the Spring 2005 issue of West Virginia Goldenseal magazine in an article titled "89 Years in the Coalfields, A Satisfying Life in Wyoming County."

Both Virginia and Woodrow were active members of Mullens Presbyterian Church, serving as elders and youth advisors. Woodrow taught the adult Bible class for over forty years, and together they organized community-wide Christmas and Easter programs, fostering unity among local congregations.

They instilled in their children the belief that serving one’s community is a responsibility—one that helps create a better place to live and raise a family.

Through this scholarship, their commitment to education and community service will continue to inspire future generations of Wyoming East High School graduates.

Anyone interested in donating to the Virginia & Woodrow Cook Scholarship Fund can mail contributions, with “Cook Scholarship” 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].
Support the Cook Scholarship Fund
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BAF Awards Record-Breaking $349,438 in Community Grants

5/7/2025

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Beckley Area Foundation (BAF) recently hosted a grant luncheon to celebrate the recipients of its Community Grant Program. This year, BAF awarded an unprecedented $349,438 in grants—its highest total yet from this program.

The Community Grant Program provides discretionary funding to charitable organizations serving Raleigh County in key areas such as animal services, the arts, education, health & human services, public recreation, and youth development.
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BAF administers 85 unrestricted funds that collectively award over $400,000 annually to charitable initiatives benefiting Raleigh County. Over the years, these funds have distributed more than $5.5 million to support local projects.
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During the luncheon, Regina Thomas (pictured), Executive Director of AWAY (formerly known as Women’s Resource Center), delivered an inspiring speech about how her organization fosters community-strengthening solutions and how BAF’s ongoing support has been instrumental in their mission.
The grant selection process was carefully managed by a dedicated committee of 15 volunteers representing a cross-section of the community. They spent hours reviewing, scoring, and discussing each grant proposal before making recommendations to BAF’s Board of Directors, which provided final approval.

BAF was joined at the event by representatives from local organizations, who were recognized for their projects and grant awards. In total, 48 organizations received funding.
2025 Community Grant Recipients:
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Active Southern WV - Life Saving Equipment & Training for Volunteers
American Red Cross: Central Appalachia Region - Disaster Cycle Services
AWAY (Women's Resource Center) - The Rehoming Survivors Project
Beaver Volunteer Fire Department - First Responder Equipment
Beckley Art Group - Around the World
Beckley Artistic Endeavors - WV Collective Production Support
Beckley Concert Association - 2025/2026 Concert Season
Beckley Dream Center - Technology & Equipment Upgrade
Beckley Health Right - Restorative Dental Project 2025
Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center - Connecting to Emergency Services
Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer Fire Department - AED Capability Expansion
Brian's Safehouse - The Art of Becoming a Productive Citizen
Catholic Charities WV - Basic Needs Assistance
Coalfield Elite Youth Wrestling - Mat Protection Updates/Add Ons
Crab Orchard Baptist Church N.O.W. Program - Hygiene Poverty: Serving Humans
Ghent Area Volunteer Fire Department - Paratech Rescue Airlifting Bags
Helping Hands Community Resource Center - 2025 Food Distribution
Hospice of Southern WV - A Seat at Our Table
Humane Society of Raleigh County - 2025 Cat Colony Program
Just For Kids Child Advocacy Center - Enhancing Child Advocacy
Lillian James Learning Center - Water Cooler Purchase
Marshall University Foundation - Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Operation Underdog - Lend a Paw
Patty’s Blessings - Patty’s Meals on Wheels
Quota Club of Beckley - Empty Bowls
Raleigh County 4-H Youth Camp - New Electric Range
Raleigh County All Stars - Ice Maker for the Camp
Raleigh County Board of Education - STREAMing or Many-Colored Days
Raleigh County Commission on Aging - Replacement of Recumbent Stepper
Raleigh County Community Action Association - Life Packs
Raleigh County Prevention Coalition - Youth Substance Use Prevention
Raleigh County Public Library - Summer Reading – Level Up at Your Library
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office - 2025 AED Project
Salvation Army - Summer Youth Camp: Music Program
Sophia Police Department - Laptop Computer Upgrade
Southern Appalachian Labor School - Protecting the Family Home
Southern WV Preparedness Partnership - Heads Up Part TWO
Summit Kollective - Camp Elevate
Town of Sophia Volunteer Fire Department - Pagers
Trap Hill Area Little League - New Fields Bleacher Project
United Methodist Temple, F.O.L.K. Ministry - Feed Our Local Kids Program
United Methodist Temple, S.A.W. Ministry - Service & Witness Program
United Way of Southern WW - Read Across Raleigh County
WVU Foundation - Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program
WV Professional Dance Company - Serving Raleigh County with Arts
Woodrow Wilson High School - Flying Eagle Robotics
Woodrow Wilson High School - Theatre Department’s 2026 Musical
YMCA of Southern WV - Access for Diversabilities
BAF extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make this event a success:
  • BAF's Donors: Your vision of supporting organizations today while leaving a lasting legacy for the future is truly inspiring. BAF is honored to facilitate charitable giving that strengthens our community.
  • Local Organizations: Your contributions are vital to Raleigh County’s success. The impact you make is immeasurable, and BAF is proud to support your efforts.
  • Volunteers, Committee Members & Board Members: Your time and dedication ensure the success of BAF’s grant programs. We are deeply grateful for your service.
  • Karen Akers: Thank you for capturing the spirit of this event through your photography, as you have done so many times before.
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Anyone interested in donating to our unrestricted funds may mail contributions with “Stronger Communities” 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 an unrestricted fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
Support BAF's Unrestricted Funds
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BAF Receives National Recognition

4/30/2025

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Local Organization Accredited with Rigorous Philanthropic Standards
 
​BAF recently received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. Community Foundations National Standards® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
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“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Susie Nelson, board chair of National Standards. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates Beckley Area Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.”
The Community Foundations National Standards® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With over 500 community foundations already accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Jereme Evans, BAF Board President. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely and honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards accreditation says our house is in order. BAF works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, including supporting the arts, environmental projects, expanding youth programs, feeding at-risk populations and much more”.
BAF offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates BAF’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“Grantmaking is a lot like investing,” said Dena Cushman, BAF Executive Director. “We need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. With our National Standards accreditation, you can be assured that we’re doing just that.”
​Community Foundations National Standards® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
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Honoring the Legacy of Earl & Bonnie Whitener: A Bequest to Benefit the Community

4/21/2025

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Beckley Area Foundation is proud to announce a heartfelt gift from the estate of Earl A. Whitener, Jr. and Bonnie Ruth Whitener. Longtime members of the Beckley community, Earl and Bonnie dedicated their lives to faith, family, and service, leaving behind a legacy that will now continue to uplift and benefit future generations. The “Whitener Family Fund” is designated to support the Beckley First Baptist Church and the Beckley Gideon Camp of Gideon's International.
“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.
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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].
Support the Whitener Family Fund
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A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Pickleball Champions!

4/11/2025

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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.
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​Our current Board President, Jereme Evans, and our most recent Board President, Doug Ramsden, teaming up to play in the Pickleball Tournament!

Their team name was...

The Presidents!
Full list of sponsors:
  • Access Health
  • Adventure Printing & Design
  • Beckley Cardiology LLC
  • Black Circle Bistro
  • Chad Mann Insurance and Financial Services, Inc.
  • Cheer Revolution
  • City National Bank Charitable Fund
  • Community Health Systems
  • EXIT Elevation Realty LLC
  • Legend Trucking Inc.
  • Liberty Dental Center, Inc.
  • Marquee Cinemas
  • MCS of West Virginia/Florida
  • Mountaineer Forest Management LLC
  • Ohio-West Virginia Youth Leadership Association
  • On Point Acupuncture, PLLC
  • Reed Byers - Change Agent
  • Rhythms of Grace LLC
  • School Bus Solutions
  • The Haddadin Family
  • The Higgins Family
  • The Ramsden Family 
  • The Spencer Family
  • United Bank
  • Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC
  • WV Heating & Cooling Service, Inc.
  • WV Orthopedic Trauma
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!
Learn More About SLYP
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Creating Solutions for Stronger Communities: $740,897.65 Distributed by BAF Designated Funds

3/12/2025

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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!
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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
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BAF distributed $740,897.65 to 86 organizations from designated funds for the 2025 distribution cycle.

​The grant awards are as follows:
  • American Red Cross – Raleigh County, WV | $3,186
  • Animal Control and Welfare Project | $2,251
  • Appalachian Bible College | $6,713
  • AWAY | $28,737.09
  • BAF Rain Garden Maintenance | $1,080.50
  • Beckley Art Group, Inc. | $2,903
  • Beckley Babe Ruth League, Inc. | $776
  • Beckley Concert Association | $12,885.75
  • Beckley Dream Center | $4,086.90
  • Beckley Little League, Inc. | $3,856
  • Beckley Presbyterian Church | $63,670
  • Beckley-Stratton Middle School | $635
  • Black Diamond Girl Scout Council | $2,176
  • Bluestone Baptist Church | $2,107
  • Bradley-Prosperity Volunteer Fire Department | $2,312
  • Bread of Life Outreach Center | $3,577
  • Buckskin Council of Boy Scouts of America | $3,064
  • Burlington United Methodist Family Services | $803
  • Camp Mountain Heart | $3,217.04
  • Children’s Home Society of West Virginia | $2,196
  • City of Beckley | $18,712
  • Concord University | $1,403
  • Cranberry Baptist Church | $765
  • Davis Stuart, Inc. | $895
  • Family Crisis Center, Inc. | $2,196
  • Fayette County Public Library | $7,438
  • First Baptist Church | $6,444.50
  • First Christian Church | $2,944
  • First Tee – West Virginia | $1,732.50
  • First United Methodist Church | $945
  • Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary | $1,000
  • Friends of the Beckley Library | $1,678
  • Fuller Center for Housing of Beckley, WV | $3,898.99
  • Greenbrier Valley Theatre | $15,943
  • Harmony for Hope, Inc. | $500
  • Harrah Cemetery Improvement Association | $473.50
  • Helping Hands Resource Center | $25,638.33
  • Hope Ministries Outreach | $1,500
  • Hospice of Southern West Virginia, Inc. | $35,154.23
  • Humane Society of Raleigh County | $80,158.20
  • Hunter's Cemetery Maintenance | $1,350
  • Just for Kids | $19,600.95
  • Lillian James Learning Center | $545
  • Mabscott Elementary | $1,000
  • Mac’s Memorial Toy Fund, Inc. | $111,491.86
  • Marshall Baseball | $49.38
  • Mountain Heart Foundation | $3,000
  • New River Humane Society, Inc. | $2,090
  • Operation Underdog | $2,597
  • Patty’s Blessings, Inc. | $500
  • Philanthropy WV | $571
  • Piney Creek Watershed Association | $1,313
  • Princeton Public Library | $647.50
  • Raleigh County Board of Education | $8,557
  • Raleigh County Commission on Aging | $3,495
  • Raleigh County Community Action Association, Inc. | $1,500
  • Raleigh County Emergency Housing Center | $227.50
  • Raleigh County Historical Society | $732
  • Raleigh County Public Library | $8,445.75
  • Raleigh County Special Olympics | $569
  • Richard A. Rice Fund – Building Fund | $42,427.70
  • Southern WV Fellowship Home | $2,255
  • St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church | $559
  • St. Francis De Sales Catholic School | $6,943.38
  • St. Matthews AME Church | $943
  • St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church | $6,848
  • Storm Haven Inc | $910
  • Temple Beth El | $2,134
  • The Salvation Army | $18,414.42
  • Theatre West Virginia, Inc. | $2,815
  • Three Rivers Avian Center | $1,908
  • Toys for Tots | $5,000
  • United Methodist Temple | $2,519.50
  • United Way | $30,908
  • University of Charleston – Beckley | $30,580
  • West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation, Inc. | $8,097
  • Wildwood Cemetery Preservation Association | $11,500
  • Woman’s Club of Beckley | $1,193
  • Woodrow Wilson High School | $300
  • Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund | $387
  • WVU Extension Services | $629
  • WVU Foundation, Inc. | $5,003.68
  • Wyoming County Paw Patrol, Inc. | $5,500
  • Wyoming County Toy Fund Inc | $1,270
  • YMCA of Southern West Virginia | $21,370.50
  • Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia | $2,495
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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].
Support a Designated Fund
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New Scholarship Fund Established to Support Fayette and Raleigh County Students Attending WVU Tech

3/4/2025

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​Gary S. Begley has recently established a scholarship fund in memory of his wife, Wava Jean Wiley Robbins, who passed away on February 25, 2024. The name “WAVA” stands for “With Ambition, Victories Await.” The WAVA Scholarship Fund will assist students from Fayette and Raleigh Counties who are attending West Virginia University Institute of Technology to further their post-secondary education. This scholarship is renewable.
“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].
Support the WAVA Scholarship Fund
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City National Bank Donates $15,000 to Beckley Area Foundation in Memory of Tracy Warren Hylton II

1/31/2025

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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].
Support the Hylton Family Scholarship Fund
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Oakes Family Establishes New Scholarship Fund to Benefit Shady Spring High School

12/27/2024

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Ernie Oakes recently established the “Clinton & Louise Oakes Family Scholarship Fund” to support graduating seniors from Shady Spring High School.

Pictured: Clinton and Louise Oakes
“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.
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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].
Support the Clinton & Louise Oakes Family Scholarship Fund
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Mac's Toy Fund Awards $29,500 to Local Organizations for Christmas Support

11/27/2024

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​Continuing a 94-year tradition, Mac's Toy Fund has gifted children in Raleigh County a merrier Christmas. Following 2020, the fund switched from an annual in-person distribution to a grant program for charities that serve children.
"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:
  • AWAY - $1,500
  • Beckley Dream Center - $4,000
  • Bread of Life Outreach Center - $3,000
  • Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary - $1,000
  • Harmony for Hope, Inc. - $500
  • Helping Hands Community Resource Center, Inc. - $3,000
  • Hope Ministries Outreach - $1,500
  • Mabscott Elementary - $1,000
  • MountainHeart Community Services, Inc. - $3,000
  • Patty’s Blessings, Inc. - $500
  • Raleigh County Community Action Association, Inc. - $1,500
  • The Salvation Army - $2,500
  • Toys for Tots - $5,000
  • United Way of Southern WV, Inc. - $1,500

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.
Donate to Mac's Toy Fund
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Address

1210 South Kanawha Street
Beckley, WV 25801

Telephone

304-253-3806

Fax

681-207-7242
Privacy Policy
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Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards Beckley Area Foundation is a member of the National Council on Foundations, Philanthropy WV, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Charitable Gift Planners of WV and WV Nonprofit Association. The Foundation will make available for public inspection the last three years of its tax documents, including Internal Revenue Service Forms 990 and 990-T (if applicable), any audit, and its tax exempt letter. If the request for any of these documents is made in person, the requested documents will be provided on the day of the request if possible.  If the request is in writing (including email), copies will be provided within 30 days of the request. The requestor may be charged a reasonable fee for the cost of copying, plus storage. Questions concerning documents should be addressed to either the Executive Director or Board Chair of the Foundation.