The Tygart Valley United Way gathered with friends and volunteers at their annual campaign luncheon on February 19, 2026 at the Robert Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont. This event, which was the conclusion of the 2026 community campaign, marked the finish with $541,500 raised to help support our local community. The amount raised is 90% of their fundraising goal, making this year the first time in 20 years that the agency hasn’t met it’s community goal.
Over 505 individual donors participated in the annual fundraising drive with over 145 leadership gifts of $500 or more.
Representatives celebrated another successful year of partnership with the Rotary Club of South Fairmont for the 18thannual Celebration of Lights. The event raised $75,000 again this year.
Harry Green Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram took the top honor of the event with the “Best of the Best” Awar. Not only did they increase their giving, but also participated in the first annual Auto Dealers United to help raise an additional $11,300 with Performance Chevrolet in Elkins. WVU Medicine- Fairmont took home the Campaign Cornerstone Award for their continued commitment and surpassing their goal of $15,000. The City of Fairmont increased their annual giving and was recognized with the Gleason and Jean Kuhn Growth and Innovation Award.
64 businesses provided corporate gifts. MegaCorp made an extremely generous gift of $15,000. Huntington Banks also did their part providing a $10,000 gift. WVU Medicine, EQT Foundation, J.F. Allen, Harry Green, and XTO Energy all donated $5,000.
15 small businesses joined the Small Business 365 Circle and a total of 42 workplaces ran employee campaigns.
David Kirk of the City of Fairmont was recognized as the Outstanding Employee Coordinator. Aaron Yanuzo of WVU Medicine, who serves on the United Way board and is a longtime supporter was recognized with the Rev. Jack “Donal” Squires Award for his unwavering commitment to the United Way.
The Fairmont/Marion Transit Authority was recognized with the United for Impact Award for their commitment to impact projects throughout the year. Fairmont State University received the Volunteerism Award for their work in the community this year and Scouting America was recognized as the Outstanding Funded Partner campaign for increasing their annual giving.
Christy Hines of Elkins received the Spirit of the Tygart Award for her work in the regional footprint and Christina Gouzd of Keystone Realty was named the Gary Clay Advocate of the Year. Christ Episcopal Church received the Live United award for their steadfast commitment to the community and generous support.
A special treat was the recognition of Clear Mountain Bank for their phenomenal first workplace campaign and efforts on behalf of United Way. They were recognized with the Great Beginnings Award!
“We are incredibly grateful for every person and partner who invested in this year’s campaign. While we did not reach our goal for the first time in two decades, this moment is also an opportunity,” commented Brett White, United Way CEO. “It challenges us to listen, adapt, and evolve so we can continue meeting the needs of our community in meaningful and measurable ways.”
A full listing of the award recipients can be found on the United Way website at tvunitedway.org. The funding from the annual campaign helps support 42 programs at 30 health and human service agencies in Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour, and Tucker counties.