“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].
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"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].  To create a legacy of service, community contribution, and educational support, the Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1973 has recently established the “WWHS Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund.” This building over time scholarship fund will support matriculating seniors from WWHS. BAF's "Building Over Time" option allows individuals, families, companies, and organizations to establish a fund with a minimum gift of $2,000, and gradually build it up to the required $10,000 over a five-year period to become fully endowed. This can alleviate the burden of a large up-front cost and give the donor(s) more time to raise money for their fund. “In continuing the tradition of class scholarship funds at BAF, the WWHS Class of 73 is proud to add our class to that list.” — Michael D. Cavendish | Class Representative, WWHS Class of 1973 Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “WWHS 1973” 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 fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].
Established in 2024 with a testamentary gift from Peggy Bo Cook, the “Peggy & Polly Cook Fund” is designated to support the Humane Society of Raleigh County and Hospice of Southern West Virginia. “We are deeply touched and immensely grateful for the generous testamentary gift from Peggy & Polly Cook. This remarkable gesture not only honors the sisters' legacy but also underscores how community support continues to impact organizations like ours. This gift will enable us to continue our mission with renewed vigor, ensuring that our services reach those who need them most during their most vulnerable moments. Because of BAF and the thoughtful donors behind this legacy gift, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, leaving our own lasting legacy of compassion and care, and continuing to honor Peggy & Polly Cook.” — Janett Green | CEO, Hospice of Southern WV Peggy and Polly Cook were twins who lived in Raleigh County their entire lives and were very passionate about their community. “Peggy and Polly were more than visitors and donors to our shelter; they became part of our shelter family. They always came through the door with smiles on their faces, greeting staff and asking about the cats. Their compassion and concern for our felines were sincere and heartfelt. Their presence in our shelter will definitely be missed.” — India Hosch | Former Vice President and Board Member, Humane Society of Raleigh County Leave a Legacy TodaySome people think they must choose between leaving a gift to their family or their favorite nonprofit organization. You can do both, and some charitable gifts may actually save your family money by decreasing inheritance taxes. A simple gift provision in your will can make a difference in many lives.
“Leave a Legacy” is a way for individuals to leave a charitable bequest to the organizations they value most. All types of nonprofit groups, including social service and arts organizations, churches, hospitals, and educational institutions, can benefit from charitable bequests. BAF has received more than $25 million in gifts as a result of charitable bequests. Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Peggy & Polly Cook 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].  The "Thomas W. Jarrett Memorial Fund" was established in memory of Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett by his children, Allison and Jordan Jarrett. This field of interest fund will provide economic impact with an emphasis on environmental causes. Tom was a 1968 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and went on to WVU for his undergraduate studies. He continued his education in Morgantown at WVU School of Dentistry, graduating in 1975. Following in his father’s footsteps, he decided to pursue a postdoctoral degree in orthodontics, for which he attended St. Louis University. “My dad was a driven person. Driven to make the world around him a better place and to improve the lives of the people he encountered. The world will miss that drive and I will miss my dad.” — Allison Jarrett | Tom’s Daughter In 1977, Tom moved to Beckley and opened his orthodontic practice. He was an active member of the dental community and the Beckley area. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the WV Dental Association, as well as a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and past president of the WV Association of Orthodontics. Tom served on the boards of the New River Dental Society and the Southern Association of Orthodontics. He was a Diplomat of the International College of Dentists and a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. He was on faculty at the WVU School of Dentistry in the orthodontics department for over 30 years. Tom loved his profession, and teaching orthodontics to students brought him great joy. The influence he had on the dental community was far-reaching. In dentistry and beyond, he was a mentor to many. “The intersection of dad’s heart was his love for the community of Beckley and the deep connection with the outdoors. Whether immersed in nature or brainstorming ways to enhance Beckley's vibrancy, his passion would shine bright. The moments dad spent outside would always invigorate his spirits, as if experiencing it for the first time, always in awe of how it all works together, seeing Beckley’s true gifts. Dad had a knack for turning ordinary things into memorable adventures, always seeming to make his mark. Through this fund, we aspire to honor his legacy of unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to fostering a stronger, more vibrant community. Dad’s memory continues to inspire us, urging us to work together to contribute and nurture the community he cherished. No words, fund, or sum of money can fill the void of his absence, we can only hope to embody his tenacity, dedication, and spirit, aiming to make a lasting impact on the place he loved and fantasized more for.” — Jordan Jarrett | Tom’s Son Tom loved his community and wanted to see it flourish. He was on the board of directors of Beckley Area Foundation, instrumental in building the YMCA Youth Soccer Complex, founder of Citizen Southern Bank, and developer of Brookshire Professional Park. He was involved in starting FORWARD WV for economic development. He was an originator of Chili Night, a volunteer for Mac’s Toy Fund, involved in the Youth Museum, helped design the Peace Totem, started Foster’s Hardware Restaurant, contributed to the F.O.L.K. project and Operation Backpack. He was an advocate and supporter of the Raleigh County Humane Society. “Tom Jarrett was the true spirit of Beckley and Raleigh County, and all of southern West Virginia! His endless enthusiasm, dreams, and desire to make this a better community and a better place to live for all is a testament to his character. Losing Tom was a tremendous blow to our community, although we can take comfort knowing that Tom would want us to continue with the spirit and drive to improve and make our community a better place to live for all!” — John Wooton | Tom’s Friend He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being in nature. Appointed by the governor, he was a DNR commissioner. He loved to fish, hike, golf, and bike. He was a founder of Glade Creek Trout Association, champion of the inaugural Glade Spring’s member-guest, and back-to-back Black Knight club champion. Being a youth sports coach, he impacted countless young people’s lives.
Tom was a devoted father and displayed his love for his children every day. He was proud for his children to be fourth-generation dentists and to carry on the tradition of serving the people of WV continuously since 1901. Thanks to a generous gift provided in the will of Dr. Thomas Jarrett, any donation to this fund will be matched DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, up to $250,000.00 until October 22, 2025 or the match is exhausted. Additional details on this matching opportunity will be announced soon. Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Thomas Jarrett” 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 fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].  BAF's New Board Members: Richard Jarrell, Lisa Killmer and Jared Underwood Beckley Area Foundation is governed by a 15-member board of directors, each serving a three-year term. Members can serve no more than two consecutive terms. Over the past 39 years, a total of 106 Raleigh County residents have served on the BAF board and generously given their time and talents to support the day-to-day operations of our community foundation. “While membership is certainly an honor, this is a working board; the success of our organization depends upon time-consuming efforts of these volunteers. They work without expectation of personal recognition or reward.” — Dena Cushman | Executive Director, Beckley Area Foundation Richard Jarrell, Lisa Killmer and Jared Underwood were elected to fill the vacancies created when Steve Ballard, Deena Salon and Gavin Ward rotated off the board. Richard grew up in Raleigh County and is a 1980 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Richard is the Owner Operator of Chick-fil-A Beckley, and has lived in Raleigh County for over 40 years. He attended Beckley College for two years before receiving his Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Concord University. Richard currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, First Community Bank and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a past Board Member for United Way of Southern WV, Raleigh County Board of Education, Raleigh General Hospital, and Concord University. Richard and his wife Beth (a past BAF Board Member and SLYP Mentor) currently live in Daniels and were recently awarded the 2023 Spirit of Beckley Award. They have a daughter, Laura Jarrell Persinger. The Jarrell's also have a donor advised fund at BAF. Lisa is a graduate of WVU with a Bachelors of Science and Arts with a concentration in accounting. She is currently an Accountant and CPA, and has lived in Raleigh County for the last 28 years. She originally grew up in Tucker County, WV. Lisa is a former Board member of the St. Francis School Board, and the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston School Board. She also volunteers for the Catholic Charities Food Pantry and Utilities Assistance, the Raleigh County Medical Society Alliance for Anti Bullying in Schools, and Junior Achievement. Lisa has previously served on the BAF Distributions Committee prior to being elected to serve on the BAF Board of Directors. She currently lives in Daniels with her husband Scott. They have two sons, Cameron & Casey, and a daughter Carly. Jared was born and raised in Beckley, WV, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 2005. He was a WV Promise and BAF scholarship recipient. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from WVU College of Business and Economics with a B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Finance.
Upon graduating from WVU College of Law in 2012, he returned home to Beckley, WV, where he accepted a full time job with Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC. He was recently appointed to the West Virginia Law Institute. Jared is married to Lindsey Goodman also of Beckley, West Virginia. They are the parents of two wonderful boys, Brody and Blake. Jared has coached multiple youth sports with Beckley Little League and the YMCA of Southern WV. Currently, BAF's Board is comprised of the following individuals:
Beckley Area Foundation (BAF), Piney Creek Watershed Association (PCWA), and other collaborating organizations formally dedicated the Sally Lemke Rain Garden on September 8, 2023. The rain garden is a project of the PCWA in cooperation with BAF. Financial support was provided by an American Rescue Plan grant from the City of Beckley to PCWA. Additional support was provided by the Beckley Sanitary Board. “Sally devoted her talent, energy, and resources to improving the environment, in any way she could and was an “environmentalist” before the term became popular. Sally’s family and friends hope this fund will serve to motivate others to be mindful of the needs of their community and environment.” — Deb Barry | Sally’s sister-in-law  Dena Cushman, BAF Executive Director standing with Tom Lemke, Sally's husband and past BAF Board Member at the new sign installed at the Sally Lemke Rain Garden. Sally Lemke was born in Fisher, WV, and was the only child of the late Milton Crable and Evalyn Bobo McNeill. She attended Toll Gate Grade School, Moorefield High School, and Marshall University, where she graduated with a degree in Chemistry, and where she met her future beloved husband, soulmate and greatest admirer, Tom. She believed Tom was the best thing that ever happened in her life, and he felt the same about her.
Sally believed in giving back to her community wherever she lived. She served as Librarian for Huntington Museum of Art and was an active and founding member of the Tri-State Herb Society. She was also a member of Cabell County Planning Commission, League of Women Voters, Audubon Society, Regency Dance Club, the Phymosia Garden Club and at Bowers Hospice House. Sally was an archeology volunteer at New River Gorge National Park. Sally loved to read and was an active member of Glade Springs Women's Book Club. Recently, as Co-Foundation Chairs of the Beckley Rotary Club, Sally and Tom obtained a grant to support the Imagination Library program in Raleigh County. She took great joy in supporting and keeping Tom organized in his many activities. Her professional activities included teaching Biochemistry Lab at Marshall Medical School, and later as research assistant in the Pharmacology Department where she was involved in research studies of coronary and pulmonary diseases. Sally's work in research at Ashland Oil, Edgewood Arsenal and at Lehigh University were also sources of joy and accomplishment. She was co-author of more than a dozen technical publications. In addition to establishing funds to support science education and scholarships at Marshall University, www.marshall.edu/foundation, endowments were created to support operating expenses at Huntington Museum of Art, www.hmoa.org, and community programs at BAF. Among the many other interests Sally supported were the Rotary Foundation, United Way of Southern WV, Piney Creek Watershed Association, Just For Kids, Beckley Concert Association, WV Rivers, and Three Rivers Avian Center. Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Sally Lemke 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]. |
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