The Nicholas County Community Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship for 2019 called the Lavy Family Scholarship. This scholarship offering comes from the Lavy Family, who has deep ties to Richwood, Nicholas County. Some time ago, George Frymeyer, a coalminer/plumber, helped found the Richwood Library. His daughter, Virginia Frymeyer Lavy taught school in Richwood and other locations in Nicholas County. She and her husband, Frank Virgil Lavy had three children, one of which was Ms. Nancy Ann Lavy. Nancy graduated from Richwood High School in 1960. She then went on to obtain a Nursing degree from Camden-Clark in 1963 and BA in Science from West Virginia State University in Institute, WV. Nancy worked in the nursing field at CAMC for over 40 years in various areas of the trade, her favorite being the Critical Care Program. During this time, she also taught paramedics and LPNs. She was one of the first nurses in WV to be Nationally Certified in Emergency and Advanced Trauma. Nancy retired in April of 2005 and spent her years in retirement traveling through Europe and bowling with friends. One shining moment in her memory was getting the chance to meet Presidents Ford and Reagan. Another was playing the trombone. In the spring of 2018 Nancy became ill. Knowing that her illness was a terminal one, she moved quickly with the help of her family to do something that she felt would be meaningful and lasting. She decided that she would like to have a scholarship developed that would give children the opportunity to get an education. Since education was so deeply important to her and her family, she wanted to make sure that she gave those who had the desire, but not necessarily to income, to go to school. Since education helped her achieve her goals, she wanted to forward it to others, especially in areas such as trade school or college to increase their job potential. Nancy said, “I received a wonderful education in Richwood and I am thankful for that. I want to give others that same chance.” Nancy overcame many obstacles in life to become a nursing success story, including a congenital defect, which left one of her hands with little mobility or use. Instead of dwelling on her inabilities, Nancy used this to motivate her to excel in her field. She spent a lot of her free time working with Shriners to assist children in need. Nancy touched so many lives through her professional, as well as volunteer experience. She will continue to touch the lives of those here in our community, in the form of a scholarship award. The Nicholas County Community Foundation is proud to offer the Lavy Family Scholarship, available this Spring, to one male and one female student from Richwood High School, annually. Any questions or further information can be obtained by contacting Tamara Mullins, Executive Director of the Nicholas County Community Foundation at (304)872-0202 or [email protected].  

2019 marked a year of success for the Nicholas County Community Foundation. A consortium of donor funds combined under the umbrella that is the Nicholas County Community Foundation. Now 40 funds strong, our funds are invested with BB&T (now Truist Bank). The Investment Committee, consisting of Ken Altizer, Jim Davis, Steve Ferguson, Rodney LeRose, Mike Perilli and Bruce Tallamy are led by Anita Groves, Investment Committee Chair. This incredibly talented and diverse group are some of the best in Finance that Nicholas County has to offer. We were able to give out over $161,000 in grants and scholarships and including pass-throughs, close to $200,000 back to our community in 2019.

By wisely investing our donor funds, the NCCF is able to provide annual assistance to many local community needs through a competitive grant process, scholarships to a wide range of student types and education, training and support to Non-Profit organizations here in Nicholas County. All of this support is done without dipping into the principal funds that the donors provide, essentially making these “Forever Funds”. Those who are interested in helping or “giving back” to this wonderful community are able to do so through the Nicholas County Community Foundation. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we can provide tax breaks for contributor giving, all the while providing donors the ability to leave a legacy that will last over generations. The donors can be more or less hands on with the donations made from their funds by our wide selection of funds types.

If you would like to give back, but feel that becoming a fundholder is not a viable option for you, we have options for you as well! All of our funds are open to accept donations of any size. Our Fund for Nicholas County provides funds that through the competitive grant process, allow our Grant Committee to objectively decide how the NCCF can support the community’s most pressing needs of the day. Therefore, as the needs of the community change, so does the grant support given by the NCCF. Giving to the Fund for Nicholas County in any amount helps Nicholas County to grow and nurture our community.

In 2019, the NCCF brought in over $780,000 in donations to funds and operational costs. A bequest allowed for the beginning of the Edgar & Eunice Kitchen Fund, which allows for multiple donor directed funds. We owe a special thank you the Kitchens for entrusting us with their last wishes ensuring that their family name live on through philanthropic desires. We also owe a debt of gratitude to now retired attorney, Steve Davis, for helping the Kitchens with their estate planning and bequest process.

Other exciting things also happened in 2019 for the NCCF. The Paul Nettles Tournament is generating enough funds for the allowance of a second scholarship of a graduate student who has been a previous recipient of the Paul Nettles Memorial Scholarship. The NCCF was also awarded some coveted Neighborhood Investment Program state tax credits. Through the NIP credits, Robert and Shauna Shafer began a Build Over Time Donor Advised Fund. Other donations were made to grow current fund holder funds and one was made to the Fund for Nicholas County.

Through the USDA/RCDI grant process, the NCCF was able to provide and attend several educational/training programs. A grant writing class, storytelling class, memberships of several Nicholas County Non-Profit Organizations to the West Virginia Non-Profit Association, Train the Trainer non-profit board governance training and Non-Profit Legal Training were some of the educational offerings of the NCCF through this grant. The NCCF was also able to host Coach Bob Huggins, WVU Men’s Basketball Coach for a dinner for our fund holders, as well as a Free public event right after. Our Executive Director was able to complete several training events, including a how to grow unrestricted funds series. The NCCF also was supported by the USDA grant in revamping the website and the purchase of equipment for a “technology hub”. This equipment is available for use to all Non-Profit Organizations in Nicholas County.

Our Executive Director also won a state-wide Philanthropy WV Staff Leadership Award, which allowed her to gift a $250 mini-grant to a local non-profit of her choice, which was the Nicholas County Youth Soccer League.

All of this positivity and growth could not have been done without the leadership and guidance of our Board President, Robert Shafer. Completing his 2-year officer term as President, Robert has been a beacon of hope and positive change. His leadership has rejuvenated our causes. With Robert and the special talents of all of our volunteer Board Members, the work of the NCCF is speaking for itself. Special thanks to our generous Fundholders, volunteer Board of Directors and Officers, City of Summersville, BB&T, First Energy Foundation, United Bank and USDA Grant for our operational grants, as well as Community Trust Bank for providing our office space. Also, we are thankful for the support of Ferguson accounting, Wayne Young, CPA, Greg Sproles, legal consult, Philanthropy WV, RCDI, WVNPA and Council on Foundations for consult work and expert guidance. Partnering with BB&T on our investing has brought yet another fruitful year!

 This Foundation has become a mainstay here in Nicholas County, serving the community through our mission: the Nicholas County Community Foundation connects charitable giving with a permanent source of funds to ease local needs while enriching the community for today and tomorrow.

As we turn the page to 2020, so will the NCCF, shining and forging ahead into the new year with the momentum of our culture of hope and growth. Join us to “Be the Change”, here in Nicholas County this year.

And so, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Nicholas County Community Foundation, we wish you all be blessed with good health and good fortune this coming year.

Sincerely,

Tamara Mullins, Executive Director

www.nccfwv.com

[email protected]

(304)872-0202

 

Our Fundholders:

Tallamy Family Fund

Seelinger Family Foundation Fund

Skidmore Scholarship

Antoline Family Fund

Fund for Nicholas County

Perilli Family Fund

Bruce & Pam Ferguson Fund

Bruce & Betty Sigler DA Fund

Stephen & Martha Davis Family Fund

HC White Memorial Scholarship

Fitzwater/Lunter Memorial Scholarship

William & Patricia Bright Fund

Steve & Joy Ferguson Family Fund

WV Friends R Fun Summersville Pediatrics

Christopher Yagel Memorial Scholarship

Paul Nettles Memorial Scholarship

Seelinger Scholarship Fund

Fred and Barbara Reed Expanding Horizons Scholarship

Ivy and Stone Scholarship for the Arts

Bright Employees Fund

Alpha Natural Resources

Summersville Regional Medical Center Fund

Jim & Cathy Justice Family Foundation

Food Pantry Fund

Perilli Legacy Fund

WVFRF Child Development Center – Faltis Fund

WVFRF PW Bright

Richwood Chamber Fund

Dr. Michael & Marianne Taylor Fund

Non-Endowed Friends R Fun Fund

Summersville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Summersville Public Library

Mt. Nebo St. Patricks Day Parade

Jim & Lucille Ferguson Fund

Grant Committee Fund

Walter ‘Lee’ Hornsby Memorial Scholarship

Veteran’s Council Memorial Scholarship Fund

Lavy Family Scholarship Fund

Summersville Arena and Conference Center

Summersville Baptist Church Non-Endowed Fund

Edgar and Eunice Kitchen Fund

Edgar and Eunice Kitchen Scholarship Fund

Shafer Family Fund

 

Our Board of Directors:

 

Jay Borrell-President

Jim Davis – Vice President

Steve Ferguson – Treasurer

Kelly Blake – Secretary

Anita Groves

Mary Igo

Barbara LeRose

Michael Perilli

Robert Shafer

Bruce Tallamy

John Mark Walkup

Angela Williams

The Board of Directors of Nicholas County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that over $136,000 are awarded to 31 organizations serving Nicholas County in the 2019 Awards Day. The Nicholas Community Foundation exists to encourage local giving and the development of permanently endowed funds to stimulate stronger, more vibrant communities throughout Nicholas County, now and forever. These awards are made possible in part, from the Nicholas County Community Foundation’s Seelinger Family Foundation Fund and the Fund for Nicholas County along with the following NCCF Funds: Tallamy Family Fund, Antoline Family Fund, Perilli Family Fund, Bruce and Pam Ferguson Fund, Betty and Bruce Sigler Fund, Stephen and Martha Davis Family Fund, William and Patricia Bright Fund, Stephen and Joy Ferguson Fund, Bright Employees Fund, SRMC Fund, Food Pantry Fund, Perilli Legacy Fund, WVFRF Child Development Center-Faltis Fund, WVFRF Patty-William/Jenny Bright Fund, Friends R Fun Fund, Summersville Public Library Fund and James and Lucille Ferguson Fund . The grant application process takes place yearly with applications available in June, due in September and awards being announced in November. Organizations who received funding this year are: Bread of Life Food Pantry, Brown Oaks, Camden Family Health, Craigsville Public Library, Dille Food Pantry, Elk Conservation District, Faltis Shelter, First Baptist Church of Richwood, Gauley River Elementary School, Glade Creek Elementary School, High Rocks Education Corporation, Love Works, Nicholas County Fair, Nicholas County High School Band Boosters, Nicholas County Old Main Foundation, Nicholas County Veteran’s Memorial Park, Panther Creek Elementary School, Richwood Public Library, Richwood Volunteer Fire Department, Sheltered Workshop of Nicholas County, Inc., SOZO Recovery House, Inc., Summersville Christmas Store, Summersville Elementary School, Summersville Middle School, Summersville Public Library, Summersville Youth Athletics, West Virginia University Foundation Children’s Medicine, Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department, Young Life-Nicholas County Chapter. To learn more about giving with the Nicholas County Community Foundation or the grant process please contact our Executive Director, Tamara Mullins, at 872-0202 or [email protected]

Over the next few weeks eighteen organizations throughout Nicholas County will be receiving grant award checks from the Nicholas County Community Foundation Seelinger Family Fund. The awards were announced during the annual “friendraiser” gathering hosted by NCCF on October 15^th at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center.

Those who attended the dinner were treated to wonderful entertainment provided by the Richwood Lumberjack Revue Show Choir, a group of nearly 200 students from Richwood High School and Richwood Middle School, a 2014 grant recipient, the group wore their new uniforms obtained with the grant money.  The large crowd enjoyed a lively, patriotic show provided by the students. Ms. Patty Bright spoke about the history of Nicholas County Community Foundation, including NCCF receiving a gift of $1.8 from the Seelinger Family Foundation in 2009 to help start the organization.  Since that time the foundation has grown to 33 separate funds with over $3.2 million in assets.

Executive Director, Stacy Raffo, spoke about the numerous donors who provide essential support to many local organizations through donor designated and donor advised funds. Raffo stated, “Establishing a donor advised or designated fund during your lifetime or as a Legacy Gift through your will can help ensure the financial success and stability of organizations that you love and support.  These organizations are so grateful for the support they receive from their donors through these funds and are comforted by knowing that each year they can count on those funds.” A total of $10,600 will be awarded to organizations through donor advised or donor designated funds, Summersville Regional Medical Center is supported by The Bruce & Pam Ferguson Fund and the Michael & Martha Perilli Family Fund. The Bruce & Cynthia Tallamy Fund and Bruce & Betty Sigler Family Fund supports the operations of The Bread of Life Food Pantry. Summersville Elementary School and Summersville Middle School receive support from the William & Patricia Bright Fund, The P.W. Bright Fund and The Bright Employees Fund.  Steve & Marty Davis support Summersville Public Library by providing funds to purchase children’s books and the operations of NCCF through their fund, Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department receives funding from the Jamie & Steve Antoline Family Fund.  Utilizing the option to assist with grant requests using their donor advised funds Steve & Joy Ferguson supported Nicholas County 4-H, Love Works Inc. was supported by the Michael & Martha Perilli Legacy Fund.  Sarah Palfrey, Director of the Summersville Library said of receiving the donor designated funds, “The dollar amount of the grant isn’t the most important aspect, it makes an impact because it’s purpose is to help the collection grow over time. Leaving a legacy of children’s literature for the entire community.” 

As the dinner drew to a close Ms. Cammie Chapman had the privilege of announcing the 2015 grant awards from the Seelinger Family Foundation.  Chapman stated that as usual the requests far exceeded the amount that was available to award but that each year NCCF is able to provide more to the community. The 2015 recipients are:

– Nicholas County 4-H Program $2,351 ($1,757 from the Steve and Joy Ferguson Family Fund) to host multiple county project workshops.

– Brown Oaks – $9,138 to construct a gate and entrance to the property.

– Craigsville Public Library $5,000 to purchase books.

– Ivy & Stone – $10,000 for the Arts in Education program.

– Love Works Inc. – $6,118 ($1,031 from the Michael & Martha Perilli Legacy Fund) to assist low income families with toiletries and cleaning.

– Make-A-Wish – $3,900 to fulfill a wish of one Nicholas County resident.

– New Hope Community Foundation – $6,300 to install a quarter mile crushed gravel walking track and benches.

– Gauley River Elementary – $648 to build raised beds gardens for each classroom.

– High Rocks – $2,500 to assist with afterschool materials for at risk girls from Nicholas County.

– Indian Rocks Ruritan Club – $1,638 to purchase new picnic tables, a lawn mower and weed eater.

– Old Main Foundation – $10,000 to assist with exterior preservation projects.

– Panther Creek Elementary – $11,865 to purchase 15 wireless, TV’s to be used for technological instruction integration.

– Richwood Middle School – $1,500 to purchase 5 two way radios to use in emergency situations.

– Richwood High School Lumberjack Band – $15,000 to purchase 4 concert tubas, cases and provide a drum major stand.

– Richwood Kids Duathlon – $1, 525 to assist with the purchase or materials and snacks needed for a bike fitness program and race.

– Richwood Chamber Main Street project – $2500 to purchase folding chairs, tables, canopies and assist with artists for the Richwood Concert series.

– Summersville Christmas Store – $7,000 to assist low income families with the purchase of Christmas presents.

– Summersville Public Library – $5,000 to purchase books.

 The Richwood High School Band was the first to receive their grant check at the October 23^rd RHS football game. “We have a large band, over 130 members, our supporters work very hard to ensure that every child can participate in band regardless of financial situation.” Stated Michael Fox, Asst. Band Director. Fox continued, “Our tubas are nearly 40 years old, this grant from NCCF will allow us to purchase 4 new tubas and cases, we are delighted to be a recipient.”

 

For more information on NCCF or information about starting a fund please contact Stacy Raffo at 872-0202. 

Nicholas County Community Foundation has a new program; the Community Catalyst Fund, which will be be neficial to donors and recipient organizations.  The Community Catalyst Fund is a membership driven approach to giving. 

As seen in the July 30th edition of The Nicholas Chronicle NCCF produced an eight page insert that serves as a report to the community for our operations during 2014 through July 1 of 2015.  Please click here to view the entire insert