The Spirit of the Valley Award recognizes exemplary community service, which benefits all people of our Kanawha Valley.  The individual receiving the award manifests, in his or her life and deeds, the selfless concern and care for their community, which constitutes the essence of our Valley’s proud spirit.

This is a person who quietly gives of themselves, their time and their resources when the Valley’s citizens need them.  Their commitment, persistence, good judgment and joyful heart only enrich the fabric of life in our Valley.

No form of award or recognition can adequately express our gratitude for the good works this leader performs.  Nor, of course, do they expect any such recognition, for the real satisfaction of volunteerism is personal and private.  In presenting the Spirit of the Valley Award, the YMCA simply acknowledges the benevolence of this fine person and as a shinning light in hopes of inspiring others to follow.

The inscription on the award, “For charity and wisdom, patience and humility”, is taken from the admonition of the good Saint Francis.

The recipient in 2010 is Brooks F. McCabe Jr, who was been selected for his many contributions toward the betterment of the Greater Charleston community.  The award will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Charleston Civic Center Grand Hall.             

The Spirit of the Valley serves as the annual fundraising campaign for the YMCA of Kanawha Valley.  The membership and the community at large were asked to give to the Spirit Campaign in honor of this year’s recipient, Brooks F. McCabe Jr. The proceeds of this campaign will benefit the YMCA Community Assistance Scholarship Fund, which assists individuals and families in becoming part of Y membership or programs no matter what their financial circumstances.  In 2009, over hundreds of children and families benefited from over $280,000 in contributions, allowing them access to YMCA child care, camping, aquatics, youth sports and health and wellness facilities.  In addition, Mr. McCabe has chosen the YMCA Activate America Youth Movement, along with Read Aloud West Virginia to receive a portion of the funds raised. Even though this is a significant amount of support, it still does not meet the scholaship needs of all the children and families who use our YMCA childcare and services.

Past Recipients

Click here to print Pledge Card

Honoree Selection Committee

Danny Jones - Mayor of Charleston
Sharon Hall, Chair - United Way of Central West Virginia
Michael Graney, Chair  - YMCA of Kanawha Valley
Henry Harmon, Chair – The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Jack Rossi, Chair – Charleston Area Alliance
All Previous Spirit of the Valley Recipients