At its second annual donor recognition and awards breakfast on April 24, the Oglebay Foundation honored the Hess Family and Hydie Friend for exemplary contributions to Oglebay and Wheeling parks. The breakfast event was held at Oglebay’s Pine Room.
The Gary and Flip West Leadership in Philanthropy Award was presented by the Wests to Andy Hogan who accepted for the Hess Family. The family’s long-term, outstanding philanthropy has helped endow guest cottages, improve the swimming pools and has consistently supported facility improvements for decades.
Hydie Friend received the G. Randolph Worls Spirit of Oglebay Award for her commitment to the parks system of over 25 years of service as a volunteer grants writer. Her work has secured over $10 million. Friend’s award was presented by Randy Worls.
Eriks Janelsins, Oglebay Foundation president and CEO, and David Lindelow, Wheeling Park Commission president and CEO, thanked all Foundation donors, community partners and friends who attended. They underscored the critical role and impact of philanthropy on the growth and success of the parks.
“Philanthropy and donations have been at the core of Oglebay and Wheeling parks since their founding in the 1920s. One hundred and seventy individuals made gifts in 1924 to purchase the Wheeling Park land, and today, we continue that legacy with thousands and thousands of individuals, families and businesses making gifts every year to support the operations of the parks and capital projects,” Janelsins said.
“The Hess Family and Hydie Friend both represent the best of our community — lifelong commitments and volunteer service to improve the Wheeling community and the quality of life in the Ohio Valley. Everyone who visits the parks has benefited from their work and generosity,” Janelsins added.
