When considering ways to give back to your community, there are many options available. But what about supporting your favorite causes 20 years from now? 100 years? For Beth and Bill White of Jane Lew, giving back to their community is something they feel strongly about and with their recent $50,000 donation to the Lewis County Community Foundation, they’ve found a way to support important community programs today, but also a way to give back for generations of Lewis Countians to come.

Supported by individuals, families, and businesses, the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund is a permanent, growing endowment dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of Lewis County. The recent and impactful donation will provide grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. And since it’s an endowed fund through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF), it will do so in perpetuity. An Advisory Committee, made up of Lewis Countians, will work with the PACF to determine where monies are spent in Lewis County.

Beth and Bill White had many reasons for donating to support this Fund and its work in the community. One such reason is their desire to inspire others to follow suit and give back. “Through the Foundation, we can make a meaningful gift to the community that will give back much more than we initially invested,” said Bill White. “Lewis County has been good to us. This is just one way we can show our appreciation.”

The Whites also felt it was a natural fit to donate during the Foundation’s special matching period made possible by a recent grant from the Benedum Foundation secured by the PACF. Gifts to Lewis County Community Foundation Fund are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match through this matching grant. Over the grant period of up to 3 years, donations of any amount up to a total maximum of $90,000 to the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar and applied to the grant project purposes. Some funds will be applied to help to grow the permanent endowment for the County while at the same time, grants will also be swiftly released to the community, as fundraising success is realized.

“We want to improve the quality of life in Lewis County for generations to come,” said Beth White. “We want Lewis County to have the ability to grow its available services. Supporting the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund will help our region grow and have the funding available to address area needs and opportunities.”

“We’re very appreciative of Beth and Bill Whites’ gift,” said Ray Smith, the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee Chairperson. “We’re inspired by their continued support of our region and their investment in our good work. For Good. Forever. That’s what this Fund is all about! I know their generosity will inspire others to take advantage of matching funds and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Individuals who wish to support the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund are encouraged to donate online at www.pacfwv.com/lccf or mail a check, made payable to PACF with “LCCF Fund” on the memo line, to PACF, PO Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102-1762. Individuals who donate $500 or more will be recognized as Lewis County Community Foundation Fund Founders. The Foundation is also able to accept more complex gifts, such as appreciated stock, which was gifted by Bill and Beth White. For more details or to discuss your charitable goals, please call the Foundation at 304-428-4438.

Photo caption: Members of the Lewis County Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee met with Beth and Bill White for a check presentation. Pictured left to right, Chris Heater, Ray Smith, Beth White, Bill White, Gene Edwards, Rod Wyman, and Rebecca Young.