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Letter to the Community

Hello Friends!

In early January 1985, my husband and I received an invitation to attend an event scheduled for January
26. The invitation was intriguing – stating that something truly momentous in the history of Beckley was to
be announced. As memory serves, everyone was talking about the mysterious invitation wondering what
could be so secretive. The organizers announced Beckley Area Foundation had been established with a $1.1
million gift. This kickoff party was planned with the hope that residents will remember the foundation as a
place to donate funds to revitalize Raleigh County.

This year as the Foundation was taking steps to commemorate the 35th anniversary we encountered the
COVID-19 pandemic. Our planning changed from an anniversary dinner to establishing the COVID-19

Emergency Response Fund (CERF). CERF provides support to nonprofit organizations addressing
immediate needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund was established in March 2020 and at
the end of July had granted $62.620.84. I feel certain that the ability to mobilize a fund such as this, to assist
our community, was what the founders had in mind.

Throughout the past three and a half decades, the Foundation has harnessed the collective resources of the
community and, through philanthropy, mobilized action in areas vital to the long-term vitality, wellbeing
and vibrancy of the area. The Foundation has worked to earn the trust of residents, community leaders and

donors in the region through effective investments of assets, strategic grantmaking and meaningful
collaboration across various sectors in the county.

When we look ahead to surpassing $45 million in community investments, we see collaborative
philanthropy at its best – a celebration of the impact that donor contributions of all sizes have made. As a

philanthropic leader, we hope this continues to inspire pride and energize the community’s giving spirit.

Thirty-Five years ago, at a “coming out” party I could not imagine I would serve on the Board of Directors

and with the dedicated community leaders who also serve. Thank you to our trustee banks, City National
Bank, First Community Bank and United Bank. BAF would not be as successful without its dedicated staff:
Dena, Sharon, Rebecca, Myra, Sam and Charlee, you are all appreciated.

We are the signs of community strength. Join us in being a force for good in our community. Each one of

us has the potential to impact a person, a cause, a community……Be The One!

Sincerely,

Cynthia W Turner

President, BAF Board of Directors 2