Published: August 09, 2008 11:01 pm      

United Way director makes splash at first large public event in role

Normally, primping is a huge concern when people host large, public events — especially for the first time.

But when Margaret O’Neal handled her first large public event as executive director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia, she let people dunk her in a tank three times, and she realized she’d forgotten a ponytail holder or hat.

She didn’t sweat it and plans to focus on the goal at hand — and just grin and bear the minuscule problems — when trying to help 20 nonprofit agencies in three southern West Virginia counties.

The United Way of Southern West Virginia conducted its sixth annual poker run and motorcycle show, with more than 50 motorcyclists riding from John Eye Big Sandy in Beckley to Rivers Expedition in Fayetteville. O’Neal said this helped kick-start the United Way’s fall campaign. The campaign, beginning Sept. 1 and ending Nov. 30, has a $325,000 fundraising goal.

The United Way of Southern West Virginia supports 20 nonprofit agencies in Fayette, Raleigh and Nicholas counties. O’Neal, a former public relations director and volunteer coordinator for Hospice of Southern West Virginia, assumed the former duties of Linda Lugar July 14. Lugar announced her retirement in April.

“It was great because it was all for a good cause,” she said. “I just had a bad hair day. I needed a ponytail holder or a hat, but I didn’t have it. So, I just had to make do.

“That’s how deep my belief is in this cause. Someone can put me in a dunking booth every day — except winter. They can do something else to me in the winter.”

Jay Quesenberry, board member for United Way of Southern West Virginia, said prizes were raffled Saturday that included a $3,000 “rover.” O’Neal had begun work as director when United Way hosted a golf tournament, but he called Saturday O’Neal’s “coming out party.”

“She’s going to be terrific,” Quesenberry said. “She was a very, very good choice. She’s driven, good with people and the community.”

O’Neal noted 99 percent of all funds raised by southern West Virginians stays at home. A slowing economy is a concern, but she believes that people in this region understand that one donation to the United Way can help numerous agencies.

“This is a great job, and it’s an honor to work with this community,” she said. “Southern West Virginia is a wonderful place. ... It’s an honor to be in this position.”

O’Neal expressed her gratitude toward John Eye Big Sandy and Rivers Expedition.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com