Antero Foundation Donates $100,000 to Local United Way; Agency also Provides $10,000 for Flood Relief
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on July 30, 2026
United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties has officially concluded its 2026 Annual Campaign, raising a total of $737,700 toward its $780,000 goal, thanks in part to a significant $100,000 donation from The Antero Foundation, made at the close of the campaign.
The large contribution was formally presented during a ceremony on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Antero’s offices in Bridgeport.
Representatives from United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties and Antero Resources gathered to celebrate the successful conclusion of the campaign and recognize the impact the donation will have on local nonprofits and the families they serve.
The contribution helped provide a strong finish to this year’s fundraising effort and underscored Antero’s longstanding commitment to supporting local communities.
The funds raised through the campaign will be awarded to local nonprofits that will be recognized as United Way HDC Partner Agencies throughout the year. These agencies provide critical services including food assistance, youth programs, emergency support, health initiatives, and resources that help individuals and families build stability and thrive.
Over the course of the campaign, community members came together through fan favorite events like the Hot Wing Eating Contest and Birdie Bash Golf Marathon, along with newer events such as the CKB Plane Pull and Drool at the Pool. Support from local businesses through sponsorships and workplace campaigns, along with contributions from individual donors, played a major role in helping move the campaign forward.
United Way HDC Campaign Chair Meredith Queen reflected on the community support that helped drive this year's fundraising effort.
“Seeing the incredible community spirit that powered this year’s campaign has been one of the greatest honors of serving as Campaign Chair,” said Meredith Queen. “The support shown across Harrison and Doddridge Counties was inspiring, and the momentum we built together over the past year shows just how committed our neighbors are to lifting one another up.”
Conrad Baston, Vice President Procurement and Administration for Antero Resources and board member for The Antero Foundation said, “The Foundation’s decision to make the $100,000 contribution reflects its commitment to investing in organizations that create meaningful, measurable impact throughout the region.
“At Antero, we believe strong communities are built through strong partnerships,” Baston said. “United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties supports a network of agencies that address some of the most pressing needs facing local families, and we are proud to help strengthen that work through this contribution.”
Stephanie Hayhurst-Hall, board member of the Antero Foundation noted that supporting United Way aligns with Antero’s long-standing focus on community investment throughout North Central West Virginia.
“When local organizations are successful, our communities are stronger,” Hayhurst-Hall said. “United Way’s ability to support multiple agencies and address a wide range of needs makes it an efficient and impactful investment. We are proud to partner with United Way and help ensure these important programs continue serving residents throughout Harrison and Doddridge Counties.”
In addition to the campaign funds, The Antero Foundation announced a $10,000 gift to West Virginia United Ways in support of flood relief efforts after this week’s devastating weather event in Lewis and Upshur Counties.
“Our hearts are with the families and communities impacted by the devastating flooding across our region. We hope this contribution provides meaningful assistance to relief efforts, and reflects our commitment to standing alongside the people of West Virginia in times of need,” remarked Kevin Ellis, Antero Foundation Board President.
As United Way looks ahead, Queen reflected on the campaign’s broader impact and the spirit behind her campaign theme, United Lights the Way.
“This campaign showed how much people in our community care about one another,” Queen said. “United Lights the Way wasn’t just a theme. It represented the spirit of our community, and that spirit came through in every donation, every volunteer effort, and every act of support.”
The organization remains energized by the support demonstrated throughout the campaign and by partnerships with community-minded organizations such as Antero Resources. While the campaign fell just short of its ambitious goal, the funds raised will help support a strong roster of Partner Agencies and continue lighting the way for local families across Harrison and Doddridge Counties.
For more information about United Way programs or how to get involved, visit UnitedWayHDC.org or contact the United Way HDC office at 304-624-6337.
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