For Everyone, Forever…
The rings inside Oglebay‘s venerable trees tell the story: Oglebay persists, generation after generation. A century after its founding, it offers something for everyone: fun, knowledge, connection, serenity.
And now, it offers one more thing for its most insightful and visionary patrons: the chance to make an enduring difference through philanthropic support.
Join us. Assuredly, Oglebay is “for everyone.”
The forever part is up to you.
Forever Yours: The Campaign for an Enduring Oglebay
Oglebay’s Impact
Oglebay is unique. Not just because of its distinctive origins…or its long history…or its diverse activities…or the vibrant, restorative experience it provides to every visitor.
The park is unique because of its powerful impact as a builder of family connection, of community, of commerce, of pride. A mission-driven, charitable organization, Oglebay serves as our community’s “living endowment” — the legacy we all share.
Philanthropy: Forever Forward
Because the park receives almost no government support, and because operations merely sustain the status quo, our campaign will seek vital philanthropic support for key priorities, including:
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Wheeling Park
Wheeling Park
With exciting renovations and updates, Wheeling Park will celebrate 100 years at the heart of our community in 2025.
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Oglebay Good Zoo
Oglebay Good Zoo
Enhancements to West Virginia’s only AZA-accredited zoo will protect rare and endangered species — and delight the humans that come to enjoy them.
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Park Environment
Park Environment
Upgrades will extend Oglebay’s leadership as an exemplary steward of both our natural resources and our community’s quality of life.
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Historic Hilltop Structures
Historic Hilltop Structures
On our hilltop, guests will find history, learning, sightseeing, and fun in our renovated mansion, museum, gardens, and retail spaces.
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Accommodations and Amenities
Accommodations and Amenities
We must enhance Oglebay’s unforgettable visitor experience — exceptional lodging, dining, and recreation — to continue our community-building mission.
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Outdoor Recreation, Health and Wellness
Outdoor Recreation, Health and Wellness
In upgraded facilities, guests will raise their energy and deepen their well-being, while youth will find opportunities for camping, learning, and employment.
Forever Loyal
Oglebay is America’s model park system, an enduring community asset that belongs to those who love it, not to shareholders of some corporation. Like nothing else could, Oglebay belongs to each of us.
What’s true for Oglebay’s tree rings is true for the park as a whole: each new stage of growth builds upon the last. Today, we have the chance to pass our Oglebay legacy forward — a growing, vibrant gift to the next generation.
In truth, this is not just Oglebay’s moment but ours. Please join us.
Gary and Flip West
Honorary Campaign Chairs
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Donor Spotlight: Hydie Friend
As the stepdaughter of Brooks Wigginton, (1912-1995), Wheeling Park Commission’s landscape architect, Hydie Friend grew up just outside the boundaries of Oglebay Park. For over 25 years, Friend sought grants to benefit projects, improvements and programming in Oglebay and Wheeling Park. Her efforts raised in excess of $10,000,000. Because of her fond memories of the park and the positive influence the Oglebay family has had on her, she generously donated all her time and efforts.
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Donor Spotlight: Jay Keefer, M.D.
“Trees ask for so little and give back so much,” says Jay Keefer. He should know: many of his 86 years have been spent among Oglebay’s pines, sugar maples, and 100 other species.Jay’s amazing Oglebay resume includes waiting tables at Pine Room dances in 1951, lifeguarding during college summers, meeting his future wife, Susanne, at the park, taking four-mile walks in the park every day throughout his life, and serving as a park ranger after retirement.
It’s hardly surprising that Jay and family memorialized Susanne with a fund to support the park’s walking trails. Jay continues to fund tree care through his annual giving — and in his estate plan.
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Donor Spotlight: Carl Nix
On Oglebay’s tennis courts and golf links, Carl Nix has always been in there swinging.It all started at Wheeling Park, playing golf with his high school buddies; at 75 cents a round, they’d play four or five times a week. After his stint in the Air Force, Carl found those friends had taken up tennis, so he did, too.
During 14 years as a teacher in St. Clairsville, Carl continued to play tournament tennis at Oglebay. When he shifted to real estate work in 1990, his firm sponsored golf scrambles — where his Oglebay experience also paid dividends.
Today, Carl’s still playing — and funding youth tennis and golf via an IRA charitable rollover. And his estate gift will continue to support the sports that shaped his life.
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Donor Spotlight: C.J. and Debbie Kaiser
When their sons — Perry, Chris and Jeff — were growing up, C.J. and Debbie Kaiser spent many glorious days exploring the Good Zoo and the rest of Oglebay. Today, their sons are doing the same — with C.J. and Debbie’s six grandchildren.Last year, the couple saw how pandemic-related closures were affecting the park and resolved to help. A generous donation of IRA funds helped drive a matching campaign that raised more than $700,000 to underwrite Trees and Trails, the Zoo, and the Gardens.
The Kaisers’ vision was to sustain Oglebay so it could be “the center of the community getting back in the swing of things,” per C.J. It worked: their gift helped expand the park’s live music offerings, giving the community a much-needed chance to come together this past summer.