Overview & Analysis of the Governor’s Proposed FY 2025 Budget – webinar recording
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Philanthropy West Virginia Announces the 2025 Spirit of Philanthropy Awards Honorees
Annual Celebration will take place Oct. 15 at Canaan Valley Resort Conference
The honorees for the 2025 Spirit of Philanthropy Awards have been selected, based on their philanthropic commitment, leadership, and contributions to the Mountain State. This year’s honorees will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15 during the 2025 Philanthropy WV Annual Conference at an awards dinner open to the public.
“The Spirit of Philanthropy Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the state through leadership, vision and impact” said Jennifer Goddard, President & CEO of Philanthropy West Virginia. “We are delighted to celebrate three individuals whose dedication and energy contribute to the overall well-being of our state through philanthropy.”
The 2025 Spirit of Philanthropy honorees are:
- Individual Philanthropist: Marvin E. “Bud” Parsons
- Staff Leadership Award: Beth Collins, Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation
- Critical Impact: Tres Ross, The Ross Foundation
The annual Spirit of Philanthropy Awards Dinner will be held at 5:30PM on Wednesday, October 15 at Canaan Valley Resort. Individual tickets to the awards dinner are $45. Admission to the celebration is included with conference registration.
The West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy Awards were founded in 2007 to inspire, recognize, and celebrate outstanding philanthropic leaders for their generosity in supporting their communities, regions, and the state. Philanthropy West Virginia is the state’s leading voice and premiere resource for philanthropy in the mountain state with more than 70 members and 31 years of service.
About the honorees:
Tres Ross and The Ross Foundation: 2025 Impact Award
Tres is the President & CEO of Woodcraft Supply LLC, one of the nation’s oldest and largest suppliers of quality woodworking tools and supplies, proudly serving customers from 118 countries who have a variety of skill levels, from craftsmen to novices. The retail locations and website feature more than 20,000 items for a wide range of woodworking pursuits, offering free demos, classes and knowledgeable advice from on-site, experienced woodworking staff.
Tres has taken the reins of Woodcraft after spending 19 years as Executive Director of The Ross Foundation. The foundation funds and, in some cases, implemented various initiatives that strengthen the Mid-Ohio Valley through areas of Education, Community / Economic Development, Arts, Disabilities and Animals. Several key initiatives have been Discovery World on Market, a children’s museum in Parkersburg, lead investor in the new technology center for West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WUP), called WVUP ITC (Innovation & Technology Center), several initiatives in investing in makerspaces and entrepreneurship, downtown development initiatives to revitalize communities, among many other initiatives.
He has a BA in Management with a minor in Economics from Marietta College and a MBA from West Virginia University.
Marvin E. “Bud” Parsons: 2025 Individual Philanthropist Award
Marvin “Bud” Parsons has dedicated his life to service—both to his community and to the greater region. A lifelong resident of Tucker County, Bud is a U.S. Army veteran and a retired leader of the International Union of Operating Engineers, where he represented thousands of members across West Virginia.
Closer to home, Bud has given decades of volunteer service. He has served on the Tucker County School Board for 20 years, on the board of the Tucker Community Foundation for 25 years, and in leadership roles with the United Way, Five Rivers Public Library,
Hendricks Ruritan Club, and numerous civic and church organizations. He has been recognized with the Ruritan National Tom Downing Award, named Parsons’ Co-Volunteer of the Year, and honored as a 4-H All Star after 21 years as a club leader.
From mentoring youth to supporting veterans, from preserving local history to raising funds for community projects, Bud’s efforts have touched nearly every corner of Tucker County. His life’s work reflects the very spirit of philanthropy—service, generosity, and care for others.
Beth Collins: 2025 Staff Leadership Award
Beth Collins is a native of Belleville, WV, and a 2009 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College with degrees in Sociology and Environmental Science. She began her career in service as an AmeriCorps VISTA, then earned a master’s in Education from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2012.
Beth has led initiatives at the intersection of social justice, education, and health in Appalachia—first as Director of the Clifford M. Lewis, SJ Appalachian Institute, where she advanced service learning and advocacy around regional social and environmental issues. She later served as Northern Regional Director for Catholic Charities WV, overseeing programs supporting families experiencing poverty.
In 2019, Beth became Executive Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation. There, she leads grantmaking efforts focused on child health and wellbeing, emphasizing prevention and systemic change. She has championed trust-based philanthropy and helped establish a public-private partnership to advance minority health equity in West Virginia.
Beth is an Ambassador for the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and serves on several statewide initiatives, including the WV Health Equity Action Team, the WV Health Funders group, and the Partners in Prevention Steering Committee. She lives in Wheeling, WV, with her husband and three children.
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