Gary E. West is a name that is known to just about everyone in his hometown of Wheeling, W.Va. A 1958 graduate of West Liberty University, West is a generous leader and an alumnus that has endowed the Hilltop campus with many gifts, most recently the West Family Stadium. He also is a lifelong supporter of Oglebay Resort and donor of its West Spa.
In recognition of his ongoing support for higher education and the Wheeling community, West was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter (AFP-WPA) at a special dinner held on Nov. 13, 2014. He is the first West Virginian to be honored in this manner.
“West Liberty University is proud to join the Pennsylvania Chapter in honoring our friend and benefactor Gary West. There is no one more deserving. Congratulations to both Gary and Flip for this National Philanthropy Day honor,” said President Robin C. Capehart.
West is one of seven individuals and organizations from the region selected for 2014 National Philanthropy Day Awards. The presentation of the award took place at a special dinner held at the John Heinz History Center and hosted by Randy Baumann of the WDVE Morning Show, a former National Philanthropy Day awardee.
“Gary is the first honoree from the state of West Virginia to achieve this designation. It’s wonderful that this forward thinking businessman, generous donor and friend has been selected for this impressive honor. We thank him again for all he’s done for Oglebay Resort, West Liberty University and the entire community,” said Randy Worls, chairman of the Oglebay Foundation
As a successful businessman, West bought the Wheeling-based Valley Welding Supply Company and grew it from a one-shop operation to a business with 84 locations in 16 states and annual sales in excess of $250 million. West is also president of West Rentals, Inc., President Plymouth Holding LLC, and GEW Real Estate, LLP, as well as president and secretary of Acetylene Products Corp.
West was named West Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year, is a member of Who’s Who in West Virginia Business and was inducted into WLU’s Alumni Wall of Honor in 1993. In 2006, he was inducted into West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics West Virginia Business Hall of Fame.
West has invested considerable personal and financial assets in his alma mater, where he earned a degree in business administration. He and his wife Flip established the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, and he has served in the past as chair of WLU’s capital campaign, which he supported with the largest lifetime gift commitment by individuals in the history of the university.
He also is a member of West Liberty University’s Foundation Board of Directors and serves on its executive committee.
Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated in more than 124 communities across the country. Other 2014 National Philanthropy Day Award recipients honored in Pittsburgh include:
- Jack and Margie McCartan, Outstanding Philanthropists – With a passion for education and a heart for those less fortunate, Jack (posthumously) and Margie McCartan led the growth and transition of two major higher educational institutions, Robert Morris University and Pittsburgh Technical Institute. The McCartan’s generosity was reflected in their substantial gift to The Pittsburgh Foundation which made them the biggest living donors. The couple’s funds support a wide range of causes in the region focusing on children, youth and families and issues including health, homelessness and poverty.
- Elliot Mast, Outstanding Youth – A 16-year-old baseball player who plays with a purpose, Mast plays a game for kids who can’t and the hospital that helps them. In February of 2010, he officially teamed up with The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. He dedicated his baseball life to the kids at the hospital to raise awareness and funds for them and the vital Child Life Program. Since then, he’s raised more than $19,000 in four years.
- Giant Eagle, Outstanding Philanthropic Organization – Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be the number one supermarket retailer in the region with more than 420 retail locations, throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. A supporter of numerous local food banks, Giant Eagle provides volunteers, financial and in-kind donations, professional expertise, food drives, marketing and more.
- Anita Decal, Outstanding Fundraising Executive – As executive director of advancement at Carlow University, Dacal has raised $20 million for the endowment, annual fund, capital projects and other initiatives. She has organized and guided alumni campaigns at the national level and increased overall alumni participation and secured major gifts for three capital campaigns, leading to an increase in Carlow’s endowment from less than $3 million to nearly $20 million.
- Karissa’s Army, Outstanding Philanthropic Innovation – Karissa Kunco was a vibrant and loving 21-year old with her whole life ahead of her. She had a smile that could light up a room and a caring soul that believed in the good of all people. Tragically, her life was cut short in a horrific act of domestic violence. Her friends and family were left heartbroken, angry and helpless until they founded Karissa’s Army, which has grown to more than 7,000 followers on Facebook. Through fundraisers and donations, they’ve raised thousands of dollars for women’s shelters across Western Pennsylvania.
- Ron Esser, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Owner of two legendary, local hotspots, Esser still finds time to coordinate the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s signature fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Blues Festival. He has helped them raise more than $2,000,000 through the popular event and has since helped launched two additional events for the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank and Erie Food Bank.
For more information on the AFP awards or event, please visit afpwpa.org.
