West Virginia Executive Summer 2024 | Page 48

with the HAF and community leaders to bring people and businesses to Summers County to work , play and invest . There is no doubt that once you come and see all of our beauty and what we have to offer , you may never go home .
Tucker Community Foundation
By David Moran , President , Tucker Community Foundation Board of Directors , & David Cooper , CEO , Tucker Community Foundation
The Tucker Community Foundation is a comprehensive philanthropic nonprofit that manages 146 endowed funds . It provides annual scholarships and grants to individuals , community organizations and nonprofits in Barbour , Grant , Mineral , Pocahontas , Preston , Randolph , Tucker and Upshur counties in West Virginia and Garrett County , Maryland .
Run For It , a program developed by the foundation in 2007 , has successfully motivated people of all ages to lead healthier lives and support nonprofit and charitable organizations . The program supports causes , including the arts , animal welfare and community improvement projects , through a 2k walk and a USATF-certified 5k race during the annual Leaf Peepers Festival in Davis , WV . In 2023 , the program raised $ 287,595 , supporting 78 nonprofit organizations and fostering a sense of hope and optimism in the region .
Nonprofit and charitable organizations in the region often face limited resources but Run For It encourages them
to use their resources to gain critical operational support . The program has been immensely successful , generating over $ 2.9 million since 2007 and positively impacting the local economy by attracting serious racers and families to the area and supporting local businesses . The program has also served as a networking opportunity that has brought together various agencies , programs , projects and people throughout West Virginia , Maryland and beyond .
In the wake of the devastating 1985 flood , the Tucker Community Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope . Driven by the passion of a group of compassionate philanthropists , the foundation aimed to establish a resilient grassroots organization to offer comfort and support to those who had lost everything . Their ambitious vision extended beyond the flood-affected areas , seeking to create a positive impact in communities far and wide . With the unwavering support of fund advisors , generous donors , dedicated community members and committed local business partners such as Dominion Energy and Kingsford , the foundation is steadfast in its mission to empower the communities it serves and guide them toward a more prosperous and secure future .
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
By Michelle Foster , Ph . D ., President & CEO , The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Established in 1962 , The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation ( TGKVF ) is the largest community foundation in Central
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE