BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Hospice of Southern West Virginia has announced it will no longer serve as the primary beneficiary and organizer of the Friends of Charity Auto Fair, ending more than a decade of involvement with the annual event.
The organization’s Board of Directors recently made the decision following careful consideration of the time, planning, financial commitments and resources required to organize the event.
Hospice assumed responsibility for the Auto Fair in 2015 when it transitioned from the YMCA. Originally known as the Friends of Coal Auto Fair, the event was renamed the Friends of Charity Auto Fair in 2019 to better reflect its charitable mission.
Traditionally held in mid-July at Raleigh County Memorial Airport, the Auto Fair has featured hundreds of vehicles, including classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles and specialty automobiles.
The event has attracted car enthusiasts, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and families from throughout the region.
During Hospice’s involvement, the Auto Fair raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the organization’s mission of providing end-of-life care to patients and families across southern West Virginia.
“The Friends of Charity Auto Fair has meant so much to our organization and to this community,” said Janett Green, chief executive officer of Hospice of Southern West Virginia. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the businesses, sponsors, volunteers, participants, and spectators who have supported this event year after year. Their commitment has helped us raise significant funds to support the compassionate care we provide to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
The event experienced two interruptions over the years, one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and another resulting from insurance complications.
Green also recognized the Auto Fair Steering Committee, whose members have helped organize the event since 2004.
“The Steering Committee deserves special recognition for the countless hours, hard work, and personal commitment its members have invested in making this fundraiser a success for more than two decades. Their dedication has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are deeply appreciative of all they have contributed.”
Hospice also thanked Brian’s Safehouse for providing operational assistance throughout the event, including preparing parking areas, setting up tents, lighting equipment and generators, and assisting with cleanup.
The organization also expressed appreciation to Raleigh County Memorial Airport for hosting the Auto Fair over the years.
“While this was not an easy decision, we will always look back on our years with the Auto Fair with tremendous gratitude and pride,” Green added. “Beyond the funds raised, the event created lasting friendships, strengthened community partnerships, and brought people together for a common purpose. We are thankful to everyone who played a role in making those years so special.”
Hospice officials said the decision reflects the resources required to continue producing the event at the level the community has come to expect.
The announcement does not specify whether another organization could assume responsibility for the Auto Fair or whether the event will continue in future years.
Hospice of Southern West Virginia said it remains grateful to the businesses, volunteers, sponsors and community members who supported the fundraiser throughout its history.
