FRIENDS
Friends of Clay Center is a membership support group devoted to the future of the organization. Since its inception, Friends has contributed over a half million dollars in much needed educational funding.
Friends are culturally interested, active professionals who support the Center through fundraising and volunteer activities.
Enrollment in Friends is open to Clay Center members and is $15 per person or $25 per couple (two adults in the same household).
Upcoming Friends Events
Sponsorship opportunities for individuals and organizations are available for all Friends events. For more information on sponsorship levels and benefits, call the Membership Manager at (304) 561-3521.
McClaugherty Raffle
Click here to purchase your chance to win using our secure server.
This fundraising collaboration between the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Clay Center is once again underway co-chaired by Erin Brewster, Kate McCoy, Angel Moore and Danielle Waltz.
Tickets will be sold through March 23 under the administration of Arnett & Foster, P.L.L.C.. All ticket buyers are invited to attend the Drawing Party on March 30 courtesy of the Charleston Marriott.
This year’s prizes include:
- $20,000 grand prize
- Trip for two to New Orleans, Louisiana for four days and three nights at The Maison Dupuy Hotel with Economy Class Air, including a Tour of the City, Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dinner Jazz Cruise and Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking
- Two 2010-11 Grand Series Tickets courtesy of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
- Two 2010-11 Clay Center Presents Season Tickets courtesy of the Clay Center
- Two 3-Month Nautilus Memberships courtesy of the YWCA
- One-of-a-Kind Designer Jewelry courtesy of Deborah Davis Designs
- One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Jewelry courtesy of Holly Bailey Designs LLC
- One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Jewelry courtesy of Shelia Neal/Shekes Custom Chic
- $100 Savings Bond courtesy of Balgo & Kaminski, L.C.
$100 Gift Certificate courtesy of Pea Pod Printing Past Friends Events
Derby Party
The first Friends Derby Party hit the track at top speed thanks to planning by event chairs Erica Baumgras, Rachael Cipoletti, Andrea Hinerman and Reenie Keeley. Guests were treated to a Southern Buffet of Kentucky Burgoo, Grits and Red Eye Gravy, Benedictine Sandwiches, Hot Browns and Derby Pie from Vandalia Grille, accompanied by mint juleps and other infusions courtesy of Woodford Reserve and Republic Beverage Company. In addition to fun auction items, “betting” took place and top prize winners include: Susan Stewart; Eric Kinder; Rose Marie Imbrogno; Linda Ellison. Hat and tie prizes were awarded to Lewis Payne and Debbie James.
Sponsors, Hosts and Donors: Law Offices Allen Guthrie & Thomas, PLLC and Republic Beverage Company; Benjamin Adams & Elizabeth Taylor; Erica Baumgras & Mo Persinger; Emily Bennington & Danielle Waltz; Jay & Rachael Cipoletti; Jesse & Lesli Forbes; Troy & Stephanie Giatras; Booth & Amy Goodwin; Andrea & Bill Hinerman; Jay & Rachel Holcomb; Amy & Chris Howat; Reenie Keeley; Butch & Sundance; Raye King & Paul White; Shelly Miller; Rick & Christine Wallace; Allison & Ryan Westerman; Brad White & Heather Jones; Paige & Lewis Payne; Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming; Ivor's Trunk; Tony the Tailor; Centered: Pilates for Your Body, Mind & Spirit, LLC; Capitol Beverage Company; Vandalia Grille; Jeff & Janet Wakefield ; Erica Baumgras & Mo Persinger; Andrea & Bill Hinerman; Rachael & Jay Cipoletti; Lola's Pizza; Kiddie Rides USA; The Auction Registry; south hills market and café; Grace Javins; Erica Baumgras & Mo Persinger; Brown Forman & Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Holly Bailey Designs LLC; Jennifer McGee; Jennifer & Dave Harrison.
Visit this site in April 2010 for details on the next Derby Party.
Crabs for Clay
The first Crabs for Clay event took place Saturday, August 1 at Charleston Tennis Club with a crowd of over 150 guests. Event chairs Emilie Love and Michelle Warner worked with caterers at the Bridge Road Bistro to prepare a menu of Steamed Blue Crabs, Grilled Hot Dogs, Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Sweet & Sour Cabbage Slaw, Steamed Baby Summer Potatoes, Corn on the Cob and Sliced Watermelon. Everyone enjoyed food, friends and fun on this beautiful evening.
2009 King Crab Sponsor - The Masters Law Firm; Blue Crab Sponsor - Bridge Road Bistro; Horseshoe Crab Support - Commercial Insurance Services , Chad & Emilie Love and Family, Lewis & Paige Payne and Family; and Sand Crab Hosts - Jim & Brooke Bunn and Family, Steve & Diane Doty and Family, David & Melissa Hunt and Family, Nate & Melissa Orders and Family, Trip & Susan Shumate and Family, Jeff & Susan Stewart and Family, Nate & Amy Tawney and Family, and Bobby & Michelle Warner and Family.
Details on the 2010 event will be posted in spring.
2009 Oktoberfest
The weather didn’t dampen the fun at this 6th annual fundraising event. Event chairs Geoff Christian and Joe Jenkins made sure there were plenty of great beers on tap and Appalachian Power Park served up brats and dogs as guests listened to music by local band Souvenir.
We thank these sponsors who helped make the 2009 Oktoberfest a success:
Francis, Nelson & Brison, PLLC ; City of Charleston; Kanawha Stone / Terradon; Mountaineer Packaging; Star USA Federal Credit Union; Valley West Veterinary Hospital; West Virginia Power; Kevin & Rachel Carr; Geoff & Stacy Christian; Wayne & Mandy Christian; Joe Jenkins & Susana Duarte; Butch & Sundance; Ashley Patnoe, D.D.S.; Bob & Katie Paulson; Mo Persinger & Erica Baumgras; Nick & Chrissy Preservati; Rick & Christine Wallace.
Science of Wine & Art of Food
Friends of Clay Center hosted the 13th annual Science of Wine & Art of Food fundraising event on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Edgewood Country Club. This special event, coordinated by Betty Hoover and Brian Kastick, raised over $17,000 in support of education programs at the Clay Center.
Guests enjoyed a multi-course gourmet dinner created by Chef Jeremy Still of Edgewood Country Club, accompanying wines selected by Sam Uppala with The Liquor Company, and silent and live auctions.
We thank the following for making this event a success: Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, BrickStreet Insurance , Edgewood Country Club, Mayor Jay Goldman, Ed & Susan Maier, Chet Lowther, By The River Creations, Shekes Custom Chic / Shelia Neal, Mary Ellyn Glass, Bridge Road Bistro, ACE Adventure Resort, South Hills Market and Café, The Greenbrier, Retroshades Tanning Salon, Blue Smoke Salsa, Oso Sweet Onions, The Resort at Glade Springs, Tony Paranzino, Embassy Suites, Holly Bailey Designs LLC, and Susan Petryszak.
2009-2010 Friends Board
Holly Bailey
Erica Baumgras
Erin Brewster
Michelle Calvert
Geoff Christian
Rachael Cipoletti
Joanna Reid
Catherine Eckley
Mary Ellyn Glass
Andrea Hinerman
Betty Hoover
Joseph Jenkins
Madeleine Johnson
Reenie Keeley
Emilie Love
Blaire Malkin
Colleen McCartney
Angel Moore
Bob Paulson
Jason Pizatella
Rick Wallace
Michelle Warner
Jimmy "JJ" Waugh