RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Byrd White has had a profound impact, both economically and socially, as well as altruistically, on the state of West Virginia.
So it makes sense that White received such a warm reception at his 36th annual Spirit of Beckley kick-off breakfast.
The YMCA set a $150,000 goal in honor of White at its largest youth programs (after-school, swim lessons, sports, recreation) fundraiser of the year.
CEO Jay Rist calls the former statesman a tremendous recipient, and on December 8, it will be a great Spirit of Beckley celebration of all he’s accomplished.
“A tremendous honoree. He’s done so much not just in Beckley and Raleigh County, but for the state of West Virginia,” Rist said. “He’s served in a variety of roles, starting locally as City of Beckley comptroller. He was a Raleigh County commissioner and former Secretary of Transportation.”
According to the YMCASWV CEO, White is all about making a difference.
“Ski patrol, raft guide, EMT, CPA. But he has also given back to the community, whether it was as a volunteer soccer coach through the Y or serving on our board,” said Rist. “He’s just done a whole lot to give back to this great state that we live in and made it a better place to work, live, and play.”
White and the CEO go way back.
“I grew up knowing his family and going to school with his kids, and getting to see them grow. So, it’s special to have him as this year’s recipient,” Rist said, adding that White is a superhuman beyond everything he’s done in his career.
TO LEARN MORE
https://www.ymcaswv.com/programs/80/spirit-of-beckley/?locations=-1
