Reed Byers, left, and Bob Boone, right, received the 2021 West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy Awards at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation on Tuesday from Philanthropy West Virginia President and CEO Paul Daugherty. (Photo by James Dobbs)

PARKERSBURG – Philanthropy West Virginia hosted a small awards ceremony at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation office on Tuesday.

Philanthropy WV presented two 2021 West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy awards.

“The Spiritual of AP Awards were launched 15 years ago, to recognize, celebrate and truly inspire others to be active philanthropists in our state,” Philanthropy West Virginia President and CEO Paul Daugherty said.

The 2021 Staff Leadership Award went to Bob Boone of the Bernard McDonough Foundation. Boone leads the McDonough Foundation in its statewide collaborative and grant-making efforts to develop systemic and replicable solutions in focus areas such as recovery from substance use disorders and support for young people placed in foster care. In addition to his work, Boone is involved with giving through the Parkersburg Rotary Club, the PACF Investment Committee, and the Boy Scouts of America.

“The price means everything to me. I do this just for a living, but I do it because I love it, and by working with local foundations and local leaders in this area ”, said Boone. “It means everything to me. I am very touched to have this award.

The 2021 Individual Philanthropist Award went to Reed Byers, for his work as a peer recovery coach, and volunteering with Friendship Kitchen, the Healthy Kids Running Series and more. Through GiveMore Connections and its How to Save a Life program, Byers has worked as a peer mentor and faced many charitable fundraising challenges.

Daugherty said Byers received the award for his community leadership, his impact in philanthropy and his example as a young leader.

“This award shows me that the heart of giving is here in the Appalachians, and that with the effort, time and attention of others, we are able to create the change we want to see in the world.” said Byers. “This award recognizes not only my efforts, but also the effort of the community as a whole to do good things together. So it’s been an incredible honor, I’m just amazed that someone was generous enough to nominate me for it.

Daugherty said that in addition to the awards, the recipients will receive an honorary award “mini purse” for a charity of choice. This will happen during the awards ceremony in May 2022, the normal ceremony has been postponed due to COVID-19.

James Dobbs can be contacted at [email protected]