Dan and Cynthia Bickey. Two local names synonymous with philanthropy.

They’ve made huge donations to disaster victims through the American Red Cross, major contributions to United Way campaigns and strides in beautification efforts throughout Beckley. Those are only a few examples of their generosity.

What else could they possibly give? A kidney?

Actually, Cynthia Bickey already donated one — to her husband. And to thank her, Dan Bickey did two things. First, he suggested Beckley Art Group’s new gallery be named after his wife; after all, the couple were the major benefactors behind the center’s new and much-needed construction. Then Dan established a Beckley Area Foundation fund in Cynthia’s honor. The fund will see to it that the Beckley Art Group always has a modern facility for its classes, shows and other community offerings.

Talk about paying it forward.

Since 1944, Beckley Art Group has sponsored classes open to the general public, conducted juried shows, supported artists of all levels, hosted exhibits and promoted arts in education by sponsoring shows and awards for area middle and high school students.

The Bickeys are making sure Beckley Art Group can continue such efforts.

The Beckley Art Group has contributed to a thriving local arts scene, doing its part to improve the area’s quality of life. In turn, that quality attracts businesses, tourists and even new residents to Raleigh County. Yet, for many years Beckley Art Group made those contributions from the basement of a less-than-creative cinder block building on Johnstown Road.

A few years ago, people who cared about the group and its community began raising funds and writing grants to improve the facility. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, the Carter Family Foundation, the Beckley Area Foundation, Beckley Art Group members and dozens of private donors stepped forward and provided funding.

The Bickeys were among those donors, offering a sizable cash donation in addition to building materials, along with the seed money to create a permanent endowment for the center’s maintenance and insurance expenses.

Just as he did a few years ago when he extended “the Bickey Challenge” to donors during the United Way’s annual campaign, Dan has provided an opportunity for others to step up to the generosity plate. He has emphasized that this endowment will remain open to anyone interested to pooling their gifts to support the Beckley Art Group facility. Income from these investments will be distributed to the facility each year.

Cash donations in any amount, stock, certain real property and life insurance may be gifted to the BAF Beckley Art Group Facility Fund; mail to BAF, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Call 304-253-3806 for further information.

Beckley should be proud that even during a national economic downturn, it can boast a new art gallery and a new opportunity for a caring community to continue caring.

Thank you Dan and Cynthia Bickey, and thank you Beckley Art Group. Your contributions make a wonderful difference in our community.