Westfield and Waters Fanta Insurance Agency teamed up to donate $6,500 to the Parkersburg YMCA. From left are Criss Welshans, Rebecca Knotts, Benton Walker, Amy Caruthers and John Fanta. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Westfield has teamed up with Waters Fanta Insurance Agency to donate $6,500 to The Parkersburg YMCA as part of Westfield’s Legacy of Caring program.

Each year, Westfield’s top independent insurance agents are invited to nominate a local non-profit in their community to receive a donation. Donations are made to dozens of non-profits in cities across Westfield’s national footprint.

Westfield’s top insurance agencies are selected based on superior industry performance and excellence in customer service. This year, Waters Fanta Insurance Agency is the only agency in West Virginia to receive this designation; it also marks the eighth consecutive year as an award recipient.

“We are proud and thankful for our strong collaboration with Westfield, which helps our agency make a more powerful impact on the communities where we live and work,” said John Fanta, a Principal Agent of Waters Fanta Insurance. “Our team of agents is committed to supporting the community, strengthening initiatives of our local non-profits such as The Parkersburg YMCA.”

The grant will help the YMCA expand and diversify programming, especially for older youth who are currently underserved at the facility.

Benton Walker, CEO of the YMCA of Parkersburg, shared: “We are so grateful for this generous support. The Legacy of Caring grant will have a direct impact on our ability to reach more families in the Mid-Ohio Valley and offer new opportunities that align with our mission.”

The YMCA of Parkersburg’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. This funding allows the Y to move forward with new youth initiatives that will enhance equity, access, and engagement.

The Westfield Insurance Foundation, an independent private foundation endowed by Westfield, awards the donations to support their top agents’ local communities. Since 2015, the Legacy of Caring program supports nonprofits focused on helping families or businesses stabilize or recover from disasters – mirroring what the insurance industry does every day for their customers.

“As Westfield enters our 177th year, we achieved this longevity by generations of employees and agents working together, committed to preserving and propelling our communities forward.” said Ed Largent, Westfield president, CEO, board chair and Westfield Insurance Foundation chairman. “Westfield continues to build on the strong commitment of caring that the founders of our company imagined. It’s a great feeling to link arms with our agents and make an impact.”

On the local level, Waters Fanta Insurance Agency has partnered with the Westfield Foundation to award a total of $60,500, since 2018. Previous local recipients include West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation; American Red Cross of Parkersburg; Children’s Home Society of WV – Parkersburg; Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg, Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library and Westbrook Health Services.