Trending
* It's a wonderful thing when community members can have fun while they are supporting an important local organization. That's exactly what happens each year at the annual BrAva Fight benefit golf scramble. At the 11th annual event July 25, the organization raised more than $21,000 toward increasing awareness of childhood cancers, supporting local families and searching for cures. "I support the BrAva golf outing because childhood cancer is a terrible thing to fight alone," said Aaron Clark, part of the winning foursome, who has golfed in the outing for the past five years. "It takes a community." Indeed, it does. That community shows up repeatedly for BrAva at this and other events. "We're so appreciative of the golfers and hole sponsors who make this event successful every year," Traci Nichols, BrAva president, said. "Many of them have donated year after year, but we are also so grateful to new businesses and individuals who are perhaps donating to BrAva for the first time." Congratulations on another successful outing; and thank you, to everyone who made it happen.
* "As a health care company, we can do so much, but when you're hungry, none of that matters," said Jason Landers, president of Highmark Health options. "When we're talking to our members ... food insecurity is the No. 1 thing that people are worried about." Given the weight of that knowledge, Highmark took action in partnership with Old Man Rivers mission and Parkersburg High School to present a free farmers market, part of a series of Farm-to-Family food distribution events, on Aug. 1. With the help of local producers working through Bob's Market and Greenhouse in Belpre, fresh fruits and vegetables were made available to a long line of people. Nearly 250 households and a total of 700 individuals received food during the event, which did not come with an income requirement. "I'm amazed, and I think it's great," Parkersburg resident Tammy Davis said. "I think we should do it more often, 'cause a lot of people are having a hard time." Yes, too many in our communities are struggling -- and that doesn't always unfold in plain sight. Highmark, Old Man Rivers and PHS did an important thing by welcoming Wood County residents to the event. Now, what can the rest of us do to support so many in our communities who are facing this "hard time?"