The Shadow
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VA (VR) – The spirit of generosity swept through the Alleghany Highlands as 744 donors came together in support of 45 local organizations during Give Local Alleghany Highlands (GLAH) on May 19, 2026. Their remarkable outpouring of support energized the entire community and set the tone for an unforgettable day of giving. Both the number of organizations participating and the unique donor count set records for this giving day. The 24 hours of sustained giving added to the celebration and with a total of $265,738 raised.
Chad Stancil of Recover Virginia says, “Give Local Alleghany Highlands provides a unique opportunity each year to reflect on our growth as an organization and the impact our community is helping us make. In our first year participating in 2025, Recover Virginia received support from 53 donors. This year, during the May 5–19 campaign, that number grew to 107 donors. For a young organization, that growth is both humbling and encouraging. It demonstrates that more people recognize the importance of recovery support, mental wellness, and community connection.”
Mr. Stancil continued, “Events like Give Local also create an opportunity for organizations throughout the Alleghany Highlands to collectively raise awareness about the important work being done across our communities. The marketing and promotion efforts led by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism play a major role in helping all participating organizations reach new supporters and share their missions more broadly.”
Mr. Stancil concluded, “On behalf of Recover Virginia, I am deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who invested in our mission. Their generosity helps us continue creating opportunities for hope, healing, and belonging throughout the Alleghany Highlands.”
Another milestone was achieved by the senior classes of Alleghany High School and Boys Home. After they conducted research and heard presentations on the local nonprofits, 127 seniors directly selected beneficiaries for their donations. The Alleghany Foundation sponsors the High School Senior Class Giving Program and gives each senior a $50 opportunity to select a nonprofit. Organized by Kristy Humphreys, government and economics/personal finance teacher, this year the students’ giving gave back to the community a total of $6350.
During the early giving period, which began on May 5, 2026, the atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation as organizations started warming up their donor bases and entering offline contributions. GLAH focused on building momentum through media sightings, social media hashtags like #GIVELOCALAH, and placing banners throughout the community to build awareness.The nonprofits’ strategic outreach directly contributed to the surge in donor participation.
When GLAH moved into the 24-hour online giving competition on May 19th, the energy shifted into high gear. It was an incredibly exciting day—people were giving up to the very last minute, and we ultimately saw a record-breaking 744 unique donors participate across the region.
A primary focus of GLAH is donor count. A higher number means more community individuals learned about by the local nonprofits. This also means more opportunities for outreach, to share volunteer opportunities, and interact with others about the services provided by the nonprofits. A total of 744 unique donors contributed to GLAH, identified by email address. Only online donations qualify for this prize.
Being a first year participant in GLAH, Light Beyond Bars Foundation founder, Channing Davis, added his thoughts about connecting with donors and establishing relationships, “I would say as a newer organization, it really gives you that ‘boots to the ground’ mentality of getting to know your community and your community getting to know and understand your mission as an organization. It was a pleasure speaking to all of the donors personally, and creating that relationship with them, getting them to understand why we do what we do and the outcome of our organization’s mission and the impact it has on our communities. The Give Local Alleghany Highlands puts you in a state of mind of securing not only donations, but also long-lasting relationships within your community. All in all it was an outstanding experience. To come in first place, the first year for the small nonprofit organizations was mind blowing, and I would like to thank each and every person that believes in us and our work. And thank you for being so
responsive with all our questions and guiding us through the process. “
In addition to the direct donations given during Early Giving and on the competition day, nonprofits unlocked $65,000 in prize funds through Grand Prizes, Power Hours, Golden Tickets, and other challenges designed to boost donor engagement.
Grand Prizes were awarded to the top five organizations in each size category—small, medium, and large—that raised the most overall dollars, including offline donations. Organizations competed within their respective size categories for this award.
Top five for Small Nonprofits included:
1. Light Beyond Bars Foundation,
2. Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society,
3. Mountain Mama Maternity Services,
4. Shawn M Dunkin Scholarship Fund,
5. God’s Covering Inc
Top five for Medium Nonprofits included::
1. Recover Virginia,
2. Appalfolks of America Association,
3. Alleghany Highlands Arts Council,
4. Alleghany Historical Society,
5. Cope, Inc
Top five for Large Nonprofits included:
1. Boys Home of Virginia,
2. Clifton School of the Arts,
3. Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation,
4. Alleghany Highlands YMCA,
5. MGCC Educational Foundation
A Power Hour awards $1,500 to the nonprofit raising the most money online during a one-hour fundraising sprint in its size category (small, medium, or large). Power Hour winners were Clifton Forge School of the Arts, Alleghany Historical Society, Alleghany Highland Genealogical Society, MGCC Educational Foundation, Covington Woman’s Club of GFWC, and Appalfolks of America Association.
Thirty Golden Tickets, each worth $250, were randomly awarded twice every hour from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The GLAH platform selects two online donations at random every hour, and the nonprofit receiving the donation wins $250. Winners and donor names are listed on the prize page of GiveLocal.org.
All 45 non-profit organizations participating in the 2026 GLAH truly shone. They used their philanthropic five T’s of time, treasure, talent, ties, and testimony with enthusiasm and dedication. Their collective commitment led to 1195 donations from organizations across their friend communities and the larger Alleghany Highlands community.
Thank you Alleghany Highlands for your support of GLAH and the area nonprofits that benefit from your contributions. Your donations make a difference in our community.
Save the date for 2027 GLAH, May 18, 2027, the 3rd Tuesday of May.
For more information about participating in Give Local Alleghany Highlands, visit www.givelocalah.org, email Madge Vosteen at contact@givelocalah.org, or call The Alleghany Foundation office at (540) 962-0970. “Like” the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism on Facebook to follow event day happenings!
About The Alleghany Foundation: Founded in 1995 following the sale of the Alleghany Regional Hospital, The Alleghany Foundation seeks to be a catalyst for positive change in the Alleghany Highlands. The Foundation aims to focus its capital in a way that leads to a more civically engaged and prosperous community that builds upon its assets to produce opportunities for all residents.
Contact: Madge Vosteen, contact@givelocalah.org, (540) 962-0970; (757) 603-0996
