Nicholas County Community Foundation is very fortunate to have Community Leaders who are involved with funding different organizations.  Robert and Shauna Shafer have shown their love for our family pets in 2019 by starting the Shafer Family Fund in support of our local animal shelter, animal rescue and youth activities.

Robert and Shauna are long time residents of Summersville, raising their family here in Nicholas County. They raised their two daughters, Shannon and Shealyn.  Robert opened his Shafter Insurance Associates in 1992. In 2007 Robert was elected Mayor of Summersville and is continuing to serve in that capacity for the past thirteen years.  Shauna has worked with the American Cancer for more than twenty years, being active in Fundraisers and the Mission of the American Cancer Society statewide.

The Robert and Shauna have always been supported of the youth academics and athletics.  They have been a foster family for dogs, until they could find their “Furever” home.  Being a part of the Nicholas County Community Foundation has allowed them to create a lasting fund to help support local youth and animal services.

Donna Mazzei becomes one of the newest contributors to the Nicholas County Community Foundation.  Originally from Weirton, West Virginia she has lived most of her adult life in Summersville.

I started teaching when I first moved to Summersville.  Mrs. Madge Gilbert was the principal at Summersville Grade School at that time.  It was a wonderful experience; I loved the students and since I didn’t know many people it was a pleasure meeting their families.

After I taught, I was persuaded to run for Summersville’s Town Council.  I won by one vote!  My two opponents challenged the outcome.  There was a recount.  I won by one vote.  I served on Council for 24 years.  Believing in term limits, I didn’t run again.  I did, however, get the nickname “Landslide Mazzei”.

But all joking aside, this is a great place to live, work and with fantastic recreational areas play.  Summersville is a wonderfully generous and giving community as witnessed by this Foundation, by the enormity of the pledges made to support the WV  Summersville Regional Medical Center, by those hosting the Sports Banquet each year and by one individual, Steve Brown who started with a small St. Patrick’s Day Parade Event that continues to grow and give so much back to the community.

For my small part, I have chosen to support the Nicholas Animal Shelter.  This one’s for you Maggie.

“Thank you for partnering with us. This week nearly 200 families, 412 individuals were blessed to receive. Cheese. Bread. Butter. Frozen chicken. Clothes. And oh yes 32,000 pounds of new potatoes. I cannot begin to express our gratitude for your generosity and partnership in making Nicholas county a great place to live.”

Pastor Dingess