Effort Enthusiasm Enrichment

With Each Moment

With Each Day

With Each Gesture

Volume 48 - Spring 2009

Children’s Home Society of West Virginia works to promote the well being of children. Our current efforts are directed at helping children fi nd lifetime families, promoting and nurturing children, and helping to preserve and strengthen their families. Throughout the year our staff, volunteers, contributors, and families enrich the lives of children all across the state. It is their enthusiasm and dedication that make a difference; with each moment, each day, each gesture.

This edition of the Children’s Home news is a refl ection of the creativity and passion that is expressed time and time again throughout the year. Our efforts are best explained by the words of a young girl faced with many challenges in her life. She wrote, “We long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but if it is our chief duty to accomplish humble tasks we should do so as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker” (Helen Keller).

EFFORT

ENTHUSIASM

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Finding Families For Children

On November 1, 2008, Children’s Home Society proudly announced that we would provide adoption and foster care services to children and families all across the state free of charge to families who adopt West Virginia children. We have changed our philosophy signifi cantly in an attempt to recruit more foster and adoptive families for West Virginia’s children who are in need of lifetime families. Our hope is to help people who want to grow their family through foster care and adoption to do so and to increase the number of children who have a family to call their own. People often have misconceptions about fostering and adopting children from the foster care system, or simply do not have all the information. Bringing in more families also gives us the opportunity to share accurate information about the tremendous need for lifetime families throughout our state. No child should live in fear of tomorrow, not knowing where they will be, or with whom they will live. Children deserve to have permanency in their lives.

Adoptions previously required fees for registration, background checks, pre- and post- placement visits and home studies. Since our no fee announcement we have received nearly 100 inquiries by individuals and couples wanting more information. Many have moved forward and will soon be foster and adoptive parents. Greater things can happen for children if we each tell someone about their need for a lifetime family. To learn more about our statewide foster care adoption programs and how you can make a difference in the life of a child, visit our web site at www.childhswv.org.

Children’s Home Society Family, Terry and Amy McDonald

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ENRICHMENT

Community Helps Make 4th Annual “Make It Right for Kids” Night

A Huge Success

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Friends of the Children’s Home Society of Lewisburg celebrated the 4th Annual “Make It Right For Kids” Night on Friday, August 22, 2008, in the Old Stone Room of Carnegie Hall. The hosts of this year’s event were Dr. Bob Foster, board member and his wife Mary Leb Foster, Advisory Council member. Attendees, along with sponsors and donors, enjoyed a fun-fi lled evening with very “competitive” live and silent auctions. The highlight of the evening was a hand-crafted, queen-size “WVU” themed quilt, as well as many other items, including handcrafted wooden toy boxes, a charming child size wooden rocking horse, hand crafted jewelry, oil paintings, and several “packages” that included golf and white water rafting packages.

The Advisory Council and staff of the Lewisburg site would like to thank the sponsors who believe in “Making It Right for Kids”. The event has continued to grow each year, and its success would not be possible without the kindness and generous giving of the people and businesses of the Greenbrier Valley.

Partner LevelKyle and Ann Fort Noah Lazes Lynch Construction Co., Inc.

Best Friend Level A & L Properties Michael and Judy Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Herkness

Friend LevelMichael and Cheryl Adelman Sam and Vivian Conly John and Betty HendrickDrs. Peter Ward and Sarah Koressel

Companion Level The Helen Aide Revocable TrustCliff and Patricia Baker Edward and Kristie BridgesPat and Peggy BrownDavid and Rochell ButlerJoe Buttram Cathey Sawyer Michael W. Cook Larry and Ann DavisFirst National BankMr. and Mrs. Charles K. FordDr. and Mrs. Manuel GomezLewis R. HoldingDr. and Mrs. Steven IssenbergKyle and Jacque R. JonesDr. and Mrs. Paul Kleman

Jim and Marcia LeitchMark and Allyson LiebendorferKelly M. MannRobert and Ruby MareneckWilliam and Gloria MartinDr. and Mrs. Robert ModlinJohn and Lynn MugaasJames and Barbara NorrisMichael and Karen PainterDr. and Mrs. Thomas Potterfi eldMason and Lin PrestonPsychConsultMDSharon and Jim RoweCarolyn RudleyMrs. Shirley F. RunyonC.M. and Theresa SnavelyDonna J. TolbertDr. and Mrs. Robert Wheeler

Event Sponsors

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The Fifth Annual “Make It Right for Kids” Night Will Be Held on August

28, 2009

Champion LevelJohn and Betty Hendrick

Partner LevelRomney Shelton CollinsGillespie’s Flowers and ProductionsMountain Heritage FloralNova RudisillTabor ConstructionBarbara ValentineWinterplace Ski ResortWolf Creek Winery

Best Friend Level Brown PhotographyJohn CrownoverGreenbrier Outfi ttersGreenbrier River RetreatLewisburg Elks ClubStuart and Sandy NewmanStonewall Resort

Friend Level Tish BarrantineChrysalis FramingThe Clay CenterDr. Bob and Mary Leb FosterThe General Lewis Inn HonnaleeMountain Meadow Hunting PreserveMountain MessengerNatural Stone Sign CompanyOak Grove United Methodist Pipestem State ParkRon RefslandSnowshoe MountainSonger Whitewater RaftingWillow Wood Country ClubWolf Creek Gallery

Companion Level Allison & Co. Salon Maxx GwinnBelinda AndersonBlackwell’s RestaurantCecilia BoomerCarnegie HallCarwash ConsultantsCharleston House Holiday InnChina PalaceDairy QueenDutch Haus RestaurantEagle’s Nest RestaurantEdith’s Health and Specialty StoreTony ElliottFood and FriendsFountain Springs Golf CourseFree Spirit AdventuresConnie GottshallGranny’s House RestaurantGreenbrier State ForestGreenbrier Valley Theatre

Jim’s Drive InJohn Eye Super Sandy StoreJTM Sporting Goods Kitten’s KornerKrogerLegg’s CleanersLittle Black BoxMountain State OPTI of WVSOMNail TemptationsNew River Falls Lodge BBQP. Buckley Moss SocietyPaulette’s PastriesRebecca’s Jewelry BoxShow Your ColorsSoho’s RestaurantSunfl ower SoulT & T Lawn CareThe Oak Supper Club The Party PlaceCraig WagonerWashington Street Gallery/Gary RoperWVSOM BookstoreYarid’s

Special thanks also go out to all of the “behind the scenes” folks, whose countless hours of hard work made this event possible: Betty Hendrick, Phyllis Richmond, Ginger Snyder, Kathy Hannan, Marie Divine, Danielle Richmond, Cindy Tabor, and Kelly Sheppard.

Auction Item Donors

Second Annual First Tracks For ChidrenOn the weekend of December 12-14, Beckley EYES Shelter, in collaboration with David Denault and his Ski Shop in Ghent, held its second annual First Tracks for Children and Ski Swap Event. Inspired by his desire to help children and put them fi rst David chose “First Tracks For Children” symbolic of the fi rst tracks in the snow, to be the theme for the event. First Tracks is an annual dinner and silent auction held at the Mountaineer Conference Center in Beckley to benefi t the children in care at the Beckley EYES facility.

A packed house of area business leaders, local and state political leaders, family and friends of the Society enjoyed an evening fi lled with entertainment and competitive bidding. The live and silent auction was a huge success as the attendees bid for Deluxe Spa treatments, green fees and golf packages for several golf courses, cruises, and round trip airline tickets to New York City to name a few. Honored at the event was National Freestyle Skier, Corey Lilly, from the Beckley area. The event continued through the weekend with the annual ski swap held at the The Ski Shop with proceeds going to the Beckley EYES Shelter. Mark your calendars for the 2009 event. It is scheduled for December 11- 13. We hope to see you there.

Logan WE CAN Celebrity Dinner and Auction

The waiters for this year’s event were:Ben Hatfi eld International Coal GroupGene Kitts International Coal GroupCharles Snavely International Coal GroupEric Salyer Massey Coal ServicesMike Snelling Massey Coal ServicesKeith Runyon Massey Coal ServicesMitzi Brammer Southern AmusementRay Dugan BetterTradesKenny Jeffrey State Farm InsuranceChad Akers James Funeral HomeChuck Preston Natural Resource PartnersKevin Fowler Logan Regional Medical CenterKathy White Logan Regional Medical CenterCarol Cole Logan Regional Medical CenterPeppi Francis Word of Life Church

Sally Stollings Chapmanville City Council Amanda Barren WSAZ TVGary Corns Imagine Natural ResourcesMike Williams Imagine Natural ResourcesDanny Crum Holden Machine & FabricationChase Rice Holden Machine & FabricationSydney Thornhill Thornhill’s SuperstoreEverette Frazier Thornhill’s SuperstoreShannon Meade Family Resource NetworkDavid Quick Trinity Health CareRalph Rodighiero House of DelegatesDenny Frost Logan Motorcycle SalesConnie Taylor Calandros RealtyBrenda Workman American General Finance, Inc.

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On November 6th the Logan WE CAN Advisory Board and volunteers with the help of Ellen Browning, Logan WE CAN coordinator held their 15th Annual Celebrity Waiter/Waitress Dinner to support the WE CAN program. The Earl Ray Tomblin Center offered center stage to Bob Noone and the Daddy Rabbit Band who provided the entertainment for the evening. The dinner was served by competitive waiters and waitresses who in the end earned $55,418 in tips. The live and silent auctions were a huge success and at the end of the evening the 15th Annual WE CAN Celebrity Dinner raised $75,999 to help children. This event would not be possible if not for the years of dedication by the Logan WE CAN Advisory Board, community volunteers, and supporters of the event.

Spirits of the past were brought back to life October 25, 2008 when the Mercer County WE CAN Program teamed up with the Town of Bramwell to present the fi rst ever Bramwell Ghost Walk. The evening presented a cast of celebrities known both locally and abroad for work on the stage. Among these were Ed Trotta, John Feuchtenberger, Tammie Toler, and Louise “Lou” Stoker to name a few. Set against the grandeur of the Victorian back drop of Bramwell, attendees were guided through town by CHS staff, WE CAN volunteers, and town folk; along the way they met, among others, people in Victorian dress, the fi rst Mayor, a WWI German fl ying ace, and veterans of the War Between the States. There were scenes out of time, mysterious fi gures, and many true and fabulous tales of this small West Virginia town which at one time held more millionaires per capita than any other town in the United States. This one night event was attended by 300 people and raised $5,000. The response to the Ghost Walk was so overwhelmingly positive that WE CAN volunteers and the Town Council have already made plans to hold the second annual Bramwell Ghost Walk on October 17, 2009. We owe great thanks to the town of Bramwell, Mayor Louise Stoker, and the many volunteers who gave their time and talents to make this event a tremendous success.

Ghost Walk In Bramwell, WV

Second Annual Pink House Party

The 2nd annual Party at the Pink House was held September 19 at the Safe Haven CAC in Martinsburg. A great time was had by kids and grown ups alike. Hot dogs with fancy fi xin’s were served up courtesy of the Stone Soup Bistroof Shepherdstown. A great pink moon bounce was a hit with the kids thanks to Absolute Party Rentals. Joe Santoro’s Wonderment Puppets and face painting also entertained the kid’s. DJ Rick Rohn spun the tunes. Everyone enjoyed the cake walks and took home yummy treats donated by the Ladies in the Fast Lane of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Martinsburg.

The Bikers Against Child Abuse brought games and great prizes for the kids. Volunteer labor was provided by the Rotoract students from Shepherd University, the Safe Haven advisory board, BACA, Martinsburg CHS Staff and friends of the Center. Progressive Printing and Eden Design generously donated the posters and tickets. We are all looking forward to next year.

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P I N K

For Children” Children”

”A Walk”A Walk

A scenic drive along West Virginia’s country roads this past October might have afforded you with more than just a view of the beautiful fall foliage,

as Children’s Home Society staff and volunteers once again donned their walking shoes in an effort to bring recognition to the needs of children in

emergency child shelter care and also to remind the public of the challenges our youth face in today’s society.

CHS sites all across the state worked long and hard to make our 2nd annual “A Walk For Children’ an even bigger success. Many took up the challenge to make a difference in the life of a child. And what a difference they made!

We especially thank Bonnie Ward, walk coordinator, the Kathleen and

John Faltis Child Shelter staff, Board Director, Dale E. Geiger and Board Chair, Dr. H. Keith Spears and his brother Tim as well as the folks at the Charleston Child and Family Service offi ce for joining the Kathleen and John Faltis shelter staff on the three day, 65 mile long walk which began in Summersville and ended in Charleston at the Capitol. We were also

pleased and honored to have Webster County DHHR social worker, Levi Bragg, who joined us the fi rst day of our journey.

Everyone was an inspiration. Not to mention, hard to keep up with! There is a saying, “We were not put on this earth to see through one another, but rather, to see one another through.” And everyone did just that! A striking

testimony was made to the communities we passed through. It wasn’t always easy. With aching muscles, sore feet and blisters, we held each other

up and carried on. With our cause in mind, we labored onward. Everyone continued to smile and put one foot in front of the other and

proudly stood by our motto:

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“It’s the Least We Can Do”

Recognizing The Needs of ChildrenRecognizing The Needs of Children

In the end, the combined effort helped raise awareness of West Virginia’s less fortunate children and even received the attention of our Governor and First Lady. The greatest highlight of our long journey came when Governor Joe Manchin III, honored us with a proclamation, declaring October 14th, The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia’s, “A Walk For Children Day”!

We also want to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all of you that took part in the Walk for Children; Walkers, Angels on Wheels, and the many of you that were behind the scenes. We were humbled and will be forever grateful to you, for you have shown through your love and dedication to children that all things really are possible. Tomorrow’s possibilities are endless. We encourage everyone to join us for the 2009 A Walk for Children. Together, we can make a difference!

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Music Brings Communities TogetherThe 2008 Americana Music Tribute Series highlighted the talents of many local musicians. This series of live music events benefi ted the Parkersburg site of Children’s Home Society. The musical tributes have been ongoing for several years. This unique fundraising effort is geared toward providing live local music around a great Americana Music legend, while creating a greater awareness of the work of the agency in the Parkersburg area. Additionally the event helps to raise money to support the work of the agency and its programs in the community. The Johnny Cash Tribute at the Wheel House in downtown Parkersburg kicked off the 2008 season. This musical tribute has proven to be the most well attended and most popular. The Johnny Cash Tribute has affectionately become known as the “Cash Bash” and has raised over $1000 for the work of the agency. The second in the series was the “Whole Lotta Hank” tribute, also at the Wheel House.

A fantastic band led by Jerry and Lisa Queen highlighted this show, with a pedal steel guitar and the works. Some musicians, such as Jonny Nutter of Parkersburg, prepare for each show, learning songs from the featured Americana legend. Door prizes and fun contests are also something folks come to expect at the Americana music shows. Third in the series was the Bob Dylan Birthday tribute, which was held in May at the Front Row in Parkersburg. This was a new event for the series in 2008 and led to “You Tube” footage of some of the performances from the show. Todd Burge and Jeremy Mayle performed several versions of Bob Dylan songs.

Fourth in the series was the Woody Guthrie children’s music show held at our community Family Center. Don Howerton and Nick barry entertained over 40 children and their parents. A late evening addition to this event brought out a Morgantown duo, the Weedhawks, who joined with Nick Barry, and Todd Burge for an extension of the children’s music show. October brought a new venue for the Americana Tribute series as the long running ever popular John Prine birthday tribute was held at the 5th Street Pub in downtown Parkersburg. Nine different acts performed. The last show of the year was a Neil Young Tribute in November which also was held at the 5th Street Pub.

This musical tribute series accompanied by the ongoing vinyl record sales held throughout the year, keep Children’s Home Society front and center in the local community with the fun combination of live local music while supporting our work with area children and families. The combined fundraising totaled over $5000, and more than 500 people became connected to the Society by their attendance.

2009 Series is already underway; stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events, or visit Steve’s music blog — stevetuck.blogspot.com for updates.

The Church Community Continues a History of Giving.

The Second Annual Charleston Choir Festival was held November 16th at St. George Orthodox Cathedral. Under the direction and efforts of Dr. Gamin Howard seven community church choirs performed throughout the afternoon to benefi t the Davis Child Shelter. Those performing included St George Orthodox, First Presbyterian, Bible Center Church, St. Timothy Lutheran, St. Marks United Methodist, Christ Church United Methodist, and Calvary Baptist Church. The church was overfl owing with standing room only. Nearly 700 individuals came to support children in need and collectively contributed $4,000 to the cause. The Third Annual Community Choir event will be held this November. Look for the date in our upcoming events section of the webpage.

Children Helping Children

The Second Annual “Children Helping Children” Appalachian Children’s Chorus Holiday with Friends performance was held at the Clay Center in Charleston. With nearly 1,300 in attendance, the evening was fi lled with beautiful holiday music with special performances by the Appalachian Children’s Chorus, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Male Chorus, and Randall Reed Smith. For the second year the children of the Appalachian Children’s Chorus and their family and friends supported the Little Red Stocking Campaign. This joint effort is geared toward recruiting foster and adoptive families while helping to raise funds for our Little Red Stocking Campaign.

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Selina Midkiff, Artistic Director of The Appalachian Children’s Chorus, states “ Children need more than toys for Christmas, they need a family.”

Martin Luther King Jr Male Chorus

Founders’ Day 2008“Honoring the Past “

“Celebrating the Future”

The 2008 Founders Day event was held June 8th at Appalachian Power Park. Hundreds of folks enjoyed an afternoon fi lled with entertainment, games, food, and lots of fun. Again this year Mike Agnello of West Virginia Radio Corporation MC’d the event while leading us through a scorching hot afternoon of adventure. Opening presentations were given by Keith Spears, First Vice President of CHS Board and Dennis Sutton, CHS Chief Executive Offi cer.

As the day heated up the kids enjoyed the dunk tank splash down and cool pool swimming. Games on the fi eld were lead by George James and the volunteers of the Sacred Heart Troop 2 Boy Scouts. George Whittaker of Spotlight Entertainment joined with kids and adults singing Karaoke which led to outbreaks of dancing by the crowd.Faces were painted from start to fi nish by Jennifer Allen, volunteer from Beckley, and many enjoyed having their caricature drawn.

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The crowd was pleasantly entertained by the soft tones of the Main Attraction Barber Shop Quartet and additionally dedicated special songs to Mrs. Stella Quigley and Mrs. Millie Mairs. Many enjoyed having their picture taken with the APP mascots, the Bikers for Christ, and Phil Pfi ster, World’s Strongest Man.

Children and adults enjoyed the antique police cruiser proudly displayed by the Charleston Police Department. The tug of war competition was won by Keith Spears and his team, the opposing team led by Dennis Sutton vowed to win next year and challenged the loss claiming shenanigans.

Many folks enjoyed the fresh fruits sponsored by City National Bank and Hale Street Manager B.J. McClure. We wish to thank everyone for attending and all of the volunteers that helped make it a fun day for children and families.

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Little Red Stocking 2008 CampaignLittle Red Stocking 2008 CampaignWe wish to acknowledge and thank all our Little Red Stocking Partners who worked diligently all across the State to make the 2008 LRS campaign the most successful yet. We are humbled by the efforts of so many to help make a difference in the lives of children.

Kim Dunlap, One Stop Corporation

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The One Stop Corporation sold 14,170 which was an increase of over 1,000 from last year’s sales. Mike Graney, President of One Stop Corporation, is dedicated in his efforts to help children in need, and with the help of Kim Dunlap and all of the One Stop employees, they too helped to make a difference in the lives of children.

Glenn Long, GoMart Corporation

The 2008 Little Red Stocking Campaign was highly successful. GoMart Corporation sold 21,750 LRS’s which an increase of nearly 6,000 from last year. The Heater family, owners of the GoMart Corporation, have supported the Little Red Stocking Campaign since it began fi ve years ago. Glenn Long of GoMart was instrumental in coordinating the sales at 102 stores across the state.

Our 12 locations each participated and solicited new partners to help support their local programs. The AMFM Nursing Care Homes around the state assisted in the sales of our Little Red Stockings. Their goal was to help children in need. Their enthusiasm was unlimited. Additionally hundreds of local businesses, schools, and groups joined the cause and found the rewards of helping children a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

The Little Red Stocking Christmas card appeal responses exceeded past years noting that we received 52 out of state contributions. Many were from neighboring states; such as Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio. In addition 13 contributions came from Iowa, Georgia, New York, North and South Carolina, Missouri and Florida. The out-of-state contributions ranged from $25.00-$1,000. The overall Christmas appeal contributions ranged from $2.00 to $10,000. The 2007 LRS Campaign raised $77,300. The 2008 LRS Campaing raised $109,000.

We encourage you to partner with us again during our 2009 Campaign. Contact your local Children’s Home Society offi ce and volunteer to be a Little Red Stocking Champion!

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERSDr. H. Keith Spears ChairDavid S. Pitchford First Vice ChairDr. Pamela Sumpter Cain Second Vice ChairW.I. “Bill” Hairston SecretaryKatherine L. Dooley Assistant SecretaryCarole “Cookie” Glasser TreasurerKathryn Johnson Assistant TreasurerSally K. Richardon Past Chair

DIRECTORS Norwood Bentley Donald T. Caruth Letitia Neese Chafi n Patricia Clay William M. Ellis, Jr. Dr. Robert “Bob” Foster Dale E. Geiger Hilda R. Heady

Becky JordonDavid LambertDonna McDaniel-FacelloOra MuthWilliam E. RobinsonDeanne SteinBrian WadsworthMorgan M. Winfree

DIRECTORS EMERITUS: Gregory W. Bailey, John Bowyer, Stephen P. Dexter, Stephen W. Drake, George M. Ferrell, Arthur N. Gustke, Thomas A. Heywood, Russell P. Hill, Clarence “Bud” Lawson, Jr., John Lukens, Thomas E. McHugh, Patricia P. O’Reilly, Helaine Rotgin, Joseph E. Raymond, Jane C. Smith, Matthew, D. Smith, Reed Spangler, Pat Sutherland, Nancy S. Tonkin, Stephen D. Wehrle

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Dennis W. Sutton

1422 Kanawha Blvd., East P.O. Box 2942Charleston, West Virginia 25330

304-346-0795FAX: 304-346-1062

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