Chuck Hudson, left, shares a conversation with Charlie Burd at the Heart of Our Community Award Ceremony, hosted by the YMCA. Burd was given the award which recognizes Mid-Ohio Valley residents for their involvement in the community. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA — The YMCA of Parkersburg recognized longtime community volunteer Charlie Burd during its 2026 Heart of Our Community Dinner on Thursday at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna.

The annual event honors individuals whose lives reflect generosity, leadership and service. The evening included dinner, the presentation of the award and an update on the YMCA’s impact.

Burd, who has served on the YMCA board for more than a decade, said he was surprised to be selected.

“I’m the 2026 recipient of the Heart of Our Community Award that’s given to those in the community who have demonstrated a willingness to give themselves to the community, to better youth programs and community programs,” Burd said. “I’m honored to be chosen.”

Burd is known throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley for his involvement in youth athletics and nonprofit organizations. He said many people know him from sports, saying he has served 23 years as a baseball umpire and is a state swim official. He has also worked with youth in baseball, basketball and swimming and has served on the boards of directors for both the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg and the YMCA. He also previously served as president of the Wood County Development Authority.

Dozens of community and family members gathered at the Grand Pointe Conference and Reception Center in Vienna Thursday to honor Charlie Burd as the 2026 Heart of Our Community Award recipient. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“I’ve just been a person who’s been blessed with the ability to be able to serve my community,” Burd said. “And I don’t take that lightly. That’s a very important job to do.”

Solomia Wilson, creative director for the YMCA of Parkersburg, said the award is presented annually to someone whose service extends beyond their primary profession.

“It’s not necessarily YMCA specific,” Wilson said. “We just essentially sponsor the award, but it’s for anybody who’s involved in this community.”

Wilson said the organization has seen Burd’s commitment firsthand through his work on the board.

“He’s not just a guy who wants to have his name listed as a board member,” she said. “He really is the kind of guy who will give it your all.”

Becky McGinnis, a previous recipient of the award, who has served with Burd on the Boys and Girls Club board, described him as “a kind, giving man.”

“Giving back to the community is the thing that we all need to do as much as we can,” McGinnis said.

Benton Walker, CEO of the YMCA of Parkersburg, said the Heart of Our Community Dinner is part of the organization’s annual campaign.

“With the annual campaign, we raise funds to do the work that we do,” Walker said. “We like to consider ourselves a community liaison … that connects people to the things they need and also provide services that are needed in our community.”

Walker said this year marked the 12th Heart of Our Community event.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com