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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.
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].
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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. 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.
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: 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:
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]. 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.
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.
“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].
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. |
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