Many citizens of Raleigh County have enjoyed major benefits afforded by life in southern West Virginia. We live in a wonderful place to work, play, raise a family, make lifelong friends and retire. Fortunately, there are people like Anne and Hal Meyers who understand that it is important for each of us to identify ways we can repay our blessings.

This couple has established the Anne and Hal Myers Family Fund at the Beckley Area Foundation. The fund will generate income every year to support the Foundation’s community grant program. Dozens of Raleigh County nonprofit charitable organizations depend upon this pool of funds to address changing needs for equipment upgrades, workshops, special events, supplies and other assorted programs.

“I have served on the BAF Distributions Committee for two years and reviewed grant proposals seeking discretionary funding,” commented Hal. “I was impressed with the way the grants were handled, and wanted to give back to our community. I want this new endowment to provide much needed additional assistance to the worthy organizations that have helped to build our community. We recognize that these organizations are frequently underfunded.”

Anne added, “Having taught in this community for so many years, I recognize the impact that BAF has on vital programs from which we all benefit. I would like to see the impact of the community foundation continue for our posterity.”

Harold C. Myers is from Woodbury, N.J., and graduated from Woodbury High School; he then earned a degree from Virginia Wesleyan in Norfolk, Va.

Elizabeth Anne Cherrington Myers (nee: Davenport) grew up in Belle and graduated from Du-Pont High School. Her entire family was from Beckley and Mabscott. She earned an undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan and completed graduate work at West Virginia University.

Hal has retired from the West Virginia Parkways Authority, and Anne has retired after 27 years of service teaching in the Raleigh County Schools. They have one daughter, Amy Elizabeth, who is married to Maj. Brian Lewis Hard. Amy is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and WVU.

Anne and Hal have many diverse interests. Hal enjoys fishing, reading, music, movies, plays, traveling and participating in the United Methodist Temple church choir. Anne keeps busy with reading, Bible study, traveling, plays, music and scrapbooking.

“I have loved this area since I was a child, and I am thrilled to join Hal in this effort to make a positive impact for the area and the people I have loved so well,” continued Anne.

The Myers took advantage of the Neighborhood Investment Program state tax credits and a challenge grant offered by the Massey Foundation for donors who start or add to existing BAF unrestricted endowments. Additional information can be obtained about these opportunities by contacting the Foundation office.

“We welcome donations for designated charitable organizations, scholarship funds, donor-advised funds and field of interest funds,” commented Michael Cavendish, president of the BAF Board of Directors.

“However, gifts that grow our discretionary funds are especially valuable,” Cavendish said. “By pooling income from named unrestricted funds such as the one established by the Myers, we can address larger requests and respond to changing needs in our community.”

Anyone can make a gift in any amount to Myers Family Fund.

Make checks payable to BAF-Myers Family Fund and mail to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801.

“This would be a perfect opportunity for students and parents to ‘give back’ in appreciation of Anne’s many years of service in our school system,” added Susan Landis, executive director of BAF.