Thirteen years ago, a golf tournament started by local real estate agent William G. Wiessgerber sparked a simple idea. Bring people together. Raise money. Help local kids. That effort has grown into WGW Youth Charities, a year-round non-profit that supports any and all youth initiatives across our community. The focus is to build responsible, respectful kids by meeting real needs where they live and learn.
WGW Youth Charities is not limited to one activity or one program. The financial support and service covers the gamut: band trips, biking equipment-
ment, visual and performing arts, early literacy, college scholarships, mentorships, and basic needs that help local families.
Keeping the funds raised WGW Supports A Mobile Learning Bus: WGW Supports A Mobile Learning Bus: close to the local kids, the Three Children Honored the Three Children Honored WGW raises money through the Founders are through the Founders are Samantha (L), Landon (C), and Andy (R). Samantha (L), Landon (C), and Andy (R). through two anchors each year: tickets and sponsorships for an annual dinner and the long-running golf tournament. Requests for support then come trickling in from schools, coaches, band directors, counselors, youth leaders, and families all year long.
The organization has evolved through the years to turn “grief to good” through three family-led efforts that are still core to the mission. Landon’s Library serves young children and connects families to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parents can receive a free book each month from birth until age five in honor of Landon Boal. The Andy Woods Foundation helps with scholarships for college and career paths in honor of Andy Woods. Samantha Funding the Arts supports band, chorus, theater, and art participation and related interests in honor of Samantha Gibson.
These three efforts are woven together through parents who have endured the unimaginable loss of a child and found hope and healing through showing love and support to other families.
While the overhead for the WGW organization is essentially non-existent, the families review each request and make award decisions on how the support can reach the kids in the community.
As the Bible teaches, WGW has been called to be the hands and feet of Christ, turning care into action for our kids. That answered call to service has resulted in over 2 million dollars raised and returned to the youth of Garrett County.
Today, WGW Youth Charities operates as a single 501(c)(3) with multiple programs and partners, but the annual golf tournament remains the largest fundraiser and the most visible event. It draws sponsors, volunteers, and players who want to see their support turn into direct outcomes for the Garrett County Community.
Follow WGW on Facebook for local impact stories: https://www.facebook.com/WGWCommunityYouthCup.
Written by WGW Youth Charities