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Proceeds Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Commemorating 27 years of partnership and support of local youth, members of the local business and golf communities came together for the annual Kids Golf Classic tournament, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg. The fundraising tournament, held at the Parkersburg Country Club, generated a record-breaking $297,000, over $40,000 more than was raised in 2022. All funds raised directly impact the 1,000 kids throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley the Boys & Girls Club serves each year.

With this year’s funds, the annual Kids Golf Classic has now raised over $4 million since the inaugural event in 1997. The funds, which are not restricted, allow the organization to improve both the quality and quantity of the programs and services they provide. The Boys & Girls Club is a constant in the lives of hundreds of youths in the area, providing access to a safe facility with a positive environment and caring adult professionals that foster the Club’s three priority outcomes: academic success, character building and healthy lifestyle choices.

“The Club continues to see a growing need for our programs and services. Looking at recent data, the Club served more kids in April and May of 2023 than in April and May of 2019 – surpassing our pre-pandemic numbers. We currently have 270 kids registered for our summer programs, and we recently hired six new part-time team members to lead and implement our fun and enriching new summer initiatives and activities,” said Lynn Reins, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg. “These are just a few small examples of what we’ve been able to do as a result of the funds raised through the Kids Golf Classic. Without this event and those who pioneered it – Richard Adams, Jim Hayhurst and friends – and those who now champion it – Chad Mildren and the United Bank team – the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg would not be here today. We are deeply grateful for their longstanding partnership to help us grow and better serve our Club kids.”

Area youth, many of whom face socioeconomic and geographic challenges, find hope and opportunity through enrichment provided by the Boys & Girls Club. Club programs focus on health and life skills; sports, fitness and recreation; education and career; character and leadership; and the arts.

“Thanks to the sponsors and supporters of the Kids Golf Classic, young people throughout Wood County and the surrounding areas know the Boys & Girls Club will be there for them each and every day. Their generosity and steadfast support make the work we do possible – allowing us to serve as many kids as possible in truly meaningful ways, develop and implement outcome driven and innovative programs and overall remain a safe space for these kids to learn, grow and simply be themselves,” Reins said.

Annually, the tournament, which is entirely funded by United Bank, garners tremendous community support from golfers and businesses alike, many of whom have participated since the tournament’s inception. Because of United’s funding, 100 percent of the funds raised by way of entry fees, sponsorships and donations directly benefit the local organization. Annual proceeds of the tournament account for more than one-third of the nonprofit’s operating budget.

In total, 120 golfers participated in the 2023 Kids Golf Classic, which was sponsored by 122 local businesses and community members. Titanium level sponsors, giving $25,000 or more, include: Mary Riccobene and the Mary M. Welch Advised Fund of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation - in memory of Mickey Welch. Platinum level sponsors, giving $10,000 or more, include: Astorg & Matheny, Inc.; CAS Cable; Henry Logan Children’s Home Foundation; Mary Anne and Doug Ketelsen; Reagle & Padden Insurance; The Ross Foundation; Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal; United Bank; United Construction Company, Inc. and Murray Sheet Metal. Gold level sponsors, giving $5,000 or more, include: Bill Leachman; Bowles Rice; Chapman Printing Company; Family Carpet; FIS; Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield; Richard Adams; The PM Company; Worldpay and Visa. Silver level sponsors, giving $1,000 or more, include: 49 local businesses and community members. Several other businesses and individuals also contributed to today’s event, providing personal donations and serving as hole sponsors, helping to make the 2023 fundraiser its most successful year yet.

“Each year, we are inspired by the remarkable support our community provides to the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg and the local kids it serves through the Kids Golf Classic. After 27 years of the tournament, to have another record-breaking year and surpass the $4 million mark for funds raised for the Club, I am truly amazed,” said Chad Mildren, Chairman of the Tournament and EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of United Bank. “The Club plays an integral role in the community, shaping the lives of our local youth and contributing to their future successes. United is proud to present this fundraising platform, continuing to connect the organization with members of our business community and generating much-needed funds so the Club’s team can focus on their important mission. We want to thank the people and businesses who have supported the Kids Golf Classic today, Lynn and the staff at the Boys & Girls Club for all they do to empower our community’s young people, as well as the kids and families of the Club who make the decision each day to spend their time in a positive environment.”

About United Bank

United Bank is a premier community bank and a subsidiary of United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI), the largest publicly traded company headquartered in West Virginia. United has consolidated assets of approximately $30.2 billion with nearly 250 offices located throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Georgia, as well as Washington, D.C. In 2023, United was named the Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek, joining the list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America. The Bank is dedicated to growing the relationships it has built since 1839 and offering a competitive suite of banking and lending products, treasury management, wealth management, mortgage services, personal and business credit cards and more. United is also committed to providing excellence in service to the communities throughout its footprint, strategically aligning resources to move the needle on pressing challenges in vital impact areas including financial literacy, children and education, affordable housing, health and economic vitality. Learn more about United Bank.

About the Boys & Girls Club

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 when several women in Hartford, Connecticut opened their homes to give boys a positive place to be at the beginning of the Civil War. The Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg opened its doors in 1964 with a continuous mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. For more information, visit bgcparkersburg.org.