Catholic Charities West Virginia has announced that the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley will receive the 2026 Charity in Action Award. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate compassion, partnership, and commitment to service within local communities.
The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley will be honored at Catholic Charities West Virginia’s 16th Annual Hope Gala, scheduled for March 7 at Wheeling Park’s White Palace in Wheeling, West Virginia. The event will include dinner, drinks, dancing, and a celebration of service partnerships. Tickets are available for purchase on the organization’s website.
Mark Phillips, CEO of Catholic Charities West Virginia, said: “Charity is shown through presence and action. When flooding devastated the Upper Ohio Valley, United Way stepped forward to help organize recovery, connect families to support, and stay with the work long after the initial response. That kind of commitment is what real compassion looks like.”
After flooding affected Wheeling and nearby areas in June 2025, United Way assisted in moving from emergency response to long-term recovery efforts. The organization coordinated case management for more than 140 households and provided assistance such as home repairs and essential household items. United Way also helped create a flood relief fund and served as a central point for residents and partner agencies during recovery.
Phillips added: “Recovery does not end when the water recedes. It takes steady, organized work and partners who are willing to walk with families as they rebuild. United Way has done exactly that, and we are honored to recognize them with the Charity in Action Award.”
Katie Klug, Chief Mission Officer of Catholic Charities West Virginia stated: “We congratulate the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley on this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership during flood recovery brought people together, kept resources flowing, and helped families move toward stability when it mattered most.”
In addition to its annual gala event, Catholic Charities West Virginia will hold its Annual Virtual Auction from February 23 through March 8. All proceeds from this online auction will support programs across West Virginia.
Catholic Charities West Virginia was established by the Diocese of Wheeling official website. As the largest private provider of social services in the state official website, it delivers assistance statewide across all 55 counties official website through regional offices located throughout West Virginia official website. The organization works with community partners—including parishes and families—to deliver tailored services focused on supporting vulnerable populations official website. Its programs address emergency aid needs as well as initiatives for children and elders while promoting values rooted in compassion and justice official website.
All auction details can be found at https://e.givesmart.com/events/MfM/i/_Auction/.
