CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia received a check for $88,827 Friday. The funds were collected one dollar at a time at convenience stores around the state.
This is the West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association’s, or OMEGA, 11th annual fundraiser for the Society. This year the theme was “Every Child Deserves A Loving Home.” Starting back on Mother’s Day customers at participating OMEGA stores, could purchase a $1 paper flower and write the name of a loved one on it. Every dollar went to the Children’s Home Society.
“We’re thrilled we donated $88,000 that will stay in West Virginia in their homes to help with adoptions, children who need a place to sleep for the night and their education,” OMEGA President Jan Vineyard said at Friday’s ceremony outside the governor’s mansion.
Last year, OMEGA raised a record amount, more than $92,000. Vineyard said she wasn’t disappointed with this year’s fund raiser. She realized some families are struggling but many still were able to contribute a dollar or two.
“I think people realizes that a dollar at a time we can make a difference. If everybody does their fair share or does a little bit, that’s always been our message!”
Vineyard estimated that over the past 11 years OMEGA has raised more than $1.6 million for children’s charities.
On hand for the check presentation was First Lady Joanne Tomblin and Mary White, the director of development and philanthropy for the Children’s Home Society.
Vineyard called the fundraising campaign the highlight of her year.
“It’s the best thing I do and my members are absolutely wonderful to do this,” she said.