21-02-2025
Tygart Valley United Way celebrates reaching annual campaign goal
FAIRMONT — Lowering the goal made it easier to attain for the Tygart Valley United Way after last year's struggle to reach $625,000.
'Fundraising is changing,' CEO Brett White said Thursday at its annual luncheon to celebrate the campaign. 'The world has changed and I think the fabric of how we fundraise has changed, but we're just really thankful we were able to get to the goal again this year to put that money right back into the community.'
This cycle, the Tygart Valley United Way set its fall fundraising campaign goal at $600,000 during its August launch. Previously, the organization beat its $625,000 goal by $6,000. But it was an uphill climb, one most of its sister United Way branches across the state couldn't make. Although the Tygart Valley United Way was able to beat its $600,000 goal again, it only cleared it by about $2,000.
White said his organization has a tremendous impact on the community. They fund 42 different programs at 30 health and human service agencies in five counties. This is the 19th year in a row they've reached their goal. The nonprofit serves agencies in Marion, Taylor, Randolph, Barbour and Tucker counties.
'They rely on these dollars,' White said. 'It's critical to their programming.'
A lot of nonprofits rely on federal funding, White said. White is waiting to see what will happen with the turmoil surrounding President Donald Trump's funding freeze.
'I think it's certainly going to affect nonprofits in the community,' he said.
With federal funding in question due to radically different spending priorities, White said fundraising and donations will be more important than ever.
The Rotary Club of South Fairmont gave a $75,000 check to the campaign as well. It's the largest amount raised from the 2024 Celebration of Lights.
'When we started that project, it was meant specifically as a fundraiser for the United Way,' Rotary Treasurer Jim Chadwell said. 'It's very hard for an individual person to decide why the Literacy Volunteers versus the DAV versus scouting. They're all great organizations, so we've got to meet the needs of the community. We think the United Way is best suited for that.'
Dani DeVito, United Way Board member, received the Rev. Jack 'Donal' Squires award from the United Way. DeVito said she's been serving on the board for several years, and has chaired several different affinity groups such as Women United and Market in the Park.
DeVito said the United Way allows its partner agencies to rely on other monetary streams besides grant funding. A lot of people are struggling right now, so what the United Way does is important, she said. The agencies the United Way funds help fill educational needs, after school care, put food on the table, keep lights on or even help with disaster recovery.
The surprise award was a welcome one.
'I was shocked, I was trying so hard not to cry,' DeVito said. 'I had no idea that was coming at all. It really means a lot to be recognized for the work I do, because it doesn't feel like work. I love helping this organization. It's just an incredible honor.
