December 4, 2025
Gift in Memory of Betty R. Lynch Will Support the New Animal Shelter
Morgantown, WV – Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF) has pledged $50,000 to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia to support their campaign for a new shelter. The gift is made possible through the Betty R. Lynch Endowment for Animals at YCF. In recognition of the contribution, the new shelter lobby will be named in memory of Ms. Lynch.
The Betty R. Lynch Endowment for Animals was established at YCF in 2023, through the estate of Ms. Lynch. The purpose of the fund is to benefit animals and animal shelters in North Central West Virginia. This $50,000 gift is the first distribution from the Lynch Fund.
“YCF is honored to support the important work of Animal Friends through the legacy of Betty R. Lynch,” said Patty Showers Ryan, YCF President. “Ms. Lynch cared deeply about the well-being of animals, and this gift ensures her compassion will continue making a meaningful difference for years to come. We are proud that her name will welcome every visitor to the new shelter.”
Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia was born when a group of friends resolved to do the right thing for animals of misfortune. Their goal: Create a high-quality nonprofit shelter to provide refuge, care, and aid for unwanted, neglected, and abused animals. As the region’s first no-kill animal shelter, they operate an adoption and foster program for dogs and cats.
Since 2006, Animal Friends has operated a no-kill animal sanctuary on Brewer Road, just off Route 119 South. The new and expanded facility will be a 6,700 square foot, two-story building with modern amenities for dogs and cats. With a maximized intake capacity, the new shelter will allow more animals to be saved from euthanasia and neglect.
“We are truly thrilled and immensely grateful,” said Danielle Costello, Animal Friends Board Member. “It was animal lovers who founded Animal Friends, and it is animal lovers who continue to make our mission possible. With this incredible gift in memory of Ms. Lynch, we are now that much closer to our $2 million goal. This new shelter will allow us to give a second chance to even more animals who deserve a better life. Every ounce of support means the world to us.”
Those interested in supporting the Animal Friends new shelter may donate online through their website, www.animalfriendswv.org. Donations are also accepted by check mailed to P.O. Box 1090, Dellslow, WV 26531.
YCF is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people of North Central West Virginia to manage multi-generational endowments. YCF enables local people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about. To learn more about YCF, visit www.ycfwv.org or call 304-296-3433.
