Hugh White Impact

“Driving Change, Building Community”

Welcome to the "Hugh White Impact," a heartfelt initiative started in December 2022. Recognizing the disconnect with an out-of-state advertising partner who needed help understanding the Appalachian spirit and lifestyle, we chose to redirect our advertising budget into meaningful community engagement. Since then, we have proudly partnered with numerous local organizations, sponsored events, and participated in fundraising efforts to support our community. We update this page each month with our latest activities and initiatives, showcasing our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact right here at home. Join us as we continue to nurture and support the vibrant Appalachian community.

2024 Donations:

December 2024:

Supporting Local Businesses with Our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

The holiday season is a time to celebrate community, connection, and generosity. This past December, Hugh White of Athens had the privilege of doing just that with our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Not only did this event bring holiday cheer to the Athens community, but it also showcased the amazing small businesses that make our town so unique.

The outpouring of enthusiasm and participation from all of you was incredible—so much so that we extended the festivities with a bonus day, giving us even more opportunities to spotlight the wonderful local businesses that we proudly partnered with.

A Celebration of Athens Businesses

At Hugh White of Athens, we understand how deeply rooted small businesses are in our community. They are places where we gather, share memories, and support one another. That’s why, for our giveaway, we worked with an amazing lineup of local partners to offer prizes that highlighted the best of what Athens has to offer.

Here are just some of the small businesses that helped make our giveaway a success:

• Local Butcher – Provided exceptional quality cuts for one of our grand prizes, a freezer full of meat!
• Shade Winery –
•  – Added a touch of elegance with their fine, locally crafted wines.
• Bakery 323 – Sweetened the season with delicious baked goods.
• Outdoor Adventure Pros – Offered thrilling experiences for adventure-seekers.
• Sweet Southern Soul Boutique, Circle B Boutique, and Picky Graces Boutique – Brought style and charm with unique, local fashion finds.
• McFlurrys – Wrapped up holiday delights with their sweet treats.
• Tawney Jewelers and Studio – Delivered stunning, handcrafted jewelry perfect for gifting or keeping.
• Hummingbird's Nest – Shared delightful home decor and gifts.
• Point Nutrition – Encouraged health and well-being with delicious, nutritious options.
• Shake Shoppe – Served up favorite comfort food to keep spirits bright.
• Wills Restaurant – Brought their signature taste to the festivities.
• Bargain Billy’s – Made gifting fun with their variety of treasures.
• Pine and Paws Woodworking – Contributed beautiful, handcrafted wooden items.
• Small Town Creations with Donita – Delivered hand-crafted creations with a personal touch.
• Movies 10, Starbrick BBQ and Millstone BBQ – Added fun and flavor to our giveaway!
• Gifts That Give Back – Helped us celebrate with their mission-driven products.
• Athens Ace Hardware – Provided practical and high-quality tools and items.
• Artistry Salon – Spoiled participants with beauty and self-care essentials.
• Threefold Coffee Roasters and Donkey Coffee – Kept everyone fueled and warm with locally roasted coffee.
• Bagel Street Deli and Union Street Diner – Offered iconic, delicious meals loved by the Athens community.

Over the course of the giveaway, we handed out 20 gift cards and 14 other amazing items, all sourced from these incredible local businesses. The total value of the prizes exceeded $2,500, but the true value lay in the connections it fostered and the support it provided to our community partners.

The holiday season may be a distant memory, but the impact of this giveaway continues to resonate. By partnering with local businesses, we were able to spread joy while shining a light on the entrepreneurs and creators who make Athens such a vibrant and special place to live.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every local business who partnered with us, and to all of you who participated, liked, commented, and shared. Your enthusiasm made this event unforgettable, and your support helps sustain the incredible businesses that are the backbone of our community.

Here’s to continuing to support local, celebrate one another, and build an even stronger Athens community. From all of us at Hugh White of Athens, thank you for making December a month of generosity, joy, and connection.

September 2024:

September was a remarkable month for us at Hugh White, filled with generosity, fun, and community spirit. We kicked off the month by making a significant impact at Miller High School with a donation for the total of their gymnasium mats. This contribution allowed the school to replace their gymnasium mats, which were over 25 years old and in dire need of updating. It was a pleasure to step in and support the school when they were unable to secure the necessary funds on their own. Did you know? The very first Hugh White dealership opened its doors in Rendville, Ohio!

Our next big highlight was the Customer Appreciation Event, which turned out to be a fantastic day for everyone. We transformed the dealership into a lively space with bounce houses from 1st Class Inflatable and a variety of attractions that delighted both young and old. Smokin’ Sam’s food truck served our special Hugh White's Buffalo Pumpkin wings, while Taya’s face painting and Crafting with Eing entertained the creative souls. Donita’s Small Town Creations offered unique goods, and Dutch Pines Equine brought along a pony, making the day truly memorable. Of course, we also featured some irresistible car deals!

September was also a time to celebrate talented students from local high schools with our Player of the Game, Cheerleader of the Game, and Band Member of the Game awards. Here are the outstanding individuals who were recognized:

Vinton County High School

Cheerleader of the Game: Haylee Lamey

Player of the Game: Lane Haybron

Band Member of the Game: Brinley Speakman

Waterford Wildcats High School

Band Member of the Game: Maggie Baldwin

Cheerleader of the Game: Addison Strickler

Player of the Game: Hayden Jones

Morgan County High School

Band Member of the Game: Malachi Kovaleski

Player of the Game: Tanner Bankees

Cheerleader of the Game: Areiya Stevens

Athens High School

Cheerleader of the Game: Kylee Thompson

Band Member of the Game: Kevin Bowie

Player of the Game: Anthony Sutton

River Valley High School

Cheerleader of the Game: Kara Lucas

Player of the Game: Cash Hunt

Trimble High School

Band Member of the Game: Devin Smith

Cheerleader of the Game: Macy Vore

Player of the Game: Matt Moyer

Logan High School

Cheerleader of the Game: Bre Nelson

Player of the Game: Ethan Courtney

New Lexington High School

Band Member of the Game: Parker Adams-Carmack

Player of the Game: Isaiah Stephens

Cheerleader of the Game: Rhaylee Sarver

We are incredibly proud of all these young achievers and grateful to be part of such a vibrant community. Here's to many more months of making positive impacts and celebrating our local stars!

August 2024:

August 2024 marked a thrilling chapter for the Hugh White community as we proudly handed out our first belts for the football season, celebrating outstanding performances and spirit. The inaugural game saw the Southern Tornados face off against South Gallia, where our Player of the Game belt was awarded to a standout from the Tornados, showcasing incredible talent on the field. We also made history by honoring Piper Hill as our very first Cheerleader of the Game, whose energy lit up the sidelines, and David Hair, whose skill on the quad drums earned him the title of Band Member of the Game. As the season continued into its second week, Brock Caplinger of Logan Elm captured the Player of the Game belt with his remarkable play, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead filled with community pride and unforgettable moments.

July 2024:

In July 2024, we proudly engaged in various community-enhancing activities, showcasing our commitment to local development and support. We kicked off the month by participating in the Noah Cox Truck and Tractor Pull, bringing excitement and community spirit to the event. Our sponsorship extended to the Federal Hocking Varsity Cheerleaders, empowering young athletes with the resources they need to succeed. We also supported the Nelsonville Boys Basketball Golf Scramble, contributing to the development of youth sports.

Our dedication to local traditions was evident at the Doc Patton Scramble and the Pickaway County Livestock Sale, where we helped sustain important cultural and scholarship opportunities. The Tri-County Golf Open saw our involvement as we sponsored a platform for golf enthusiasts to connect and compete. We were thrilled to back the Perry County Youth Soccer Team, fostering athletic growth and teamwork among young players.

Furthering our commitment to community support, we sponsored the Perry County Horse Stall for Bailey Eing, ensuring a nurturing environment for equestrian pursuits. Lastly, our sponsorship of the Athens AMVETS Hole in 1 added an extra layer of excitement and generosity to a beloved local event. Through these initiatives, The Hugh White Impact remains dedicated to enhancing and enriching our community.

June 2024:

In June 2024, we continued our dedication to community and veteran support by sponsoring and engaging in significant local events. We proudly sponsored the Alexander Spartan Scramble, supporting local sports and community activities. Our commitment to veterans was evident as we participated in the Valor Retreat Jeep Run and Country Fest for Vets, a fundraising event dedicated to providing a serene retreat for combat veterans and their families. The event, held at the picturesque Poston Manor and Event Barn, highlighted the mission of Valor Retreat to offer a healing and tranquil environment for veterans to reconnect with nature and their loved ones. Through these initiatives, The Hugh White Impact reinforced its promise to enhance community bonds and honor our heroes.

May 2024:

May 2024 was an eventful month for The Hugh White Impact, filled with celebrations of excellence and community support. We proudly awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year belt to Jenny Agresti, recognizing her outstanding contribution to local sports. Our sponsorship extended to the Legion Baseball Team, Global Gymnastics, and the Logan Elm Boys Golf Scramble, all fostering athletic talent and community engagement. In recognition of educational excellence, we gifted a Moto Compacto scooter to the well-deserving Teacher of the Year. The Logan Elm Girls Softball Team received our encouragement as they triumphed to the final four. Additionally, we celebrated individual achievements by awarding belts to Gavin Richards of Nelsonville Baseball, Brody Rutter of Federal Hocking Lancers, and Katelyn Miller of the Softball Lancers. Through these actions, The Hugh White Impact continues to demonstrate our commitment to uplifting community spirit and recognizing talent.

April 2024:

April 2024 was a remarkable month for The Hugh White Impact as we continued to honor and support local athletic excellence. We proudly awarded belts to a distinguished group of athletes who have shown exceptional talent and dedication in their respective sports. Mason Morris of Alexander Spartans Baseball, Ryan Cornwell from the Athens Bulldogs baseball, and Chase Henry of Trimble Baseball were among those celebrated for their achievements on the field. In softball, Olivia Kasler from Trimble and Micaela Moat of Alexander Spartans received recognition for their impressive performances. Additionally, Kayla Hammonds of the Athens Bulldogs, Allyssa Hill from Logan Chieftains, and Leiland Everett were acknowledged for their contributions to baseball and softball. Bryce Dorsey of Miller Baseball, Jayden Agrestic of Miller Softball, and Trinity Shockley from Nelsonville Softball also earned accolades, highlighting our ongoing commitment to fostering and recognizing athletic talent within the community. Through these efforts, The Hugh White Impact reinforces its dedication to celebrating and nurturing sportsmanship and success.

March 2024:

March 2024 was a vibrant month for The Hugh White Impact, marked by our continued commitment to fostering community and youth sports. We proudly awarded Miller Athletics, the winner of the Walk Around Challenge, with a $500 donation, underscoring our support for athletic excellence. Our sponsorship extended to the Trimble Youth Ball League, nurturing young athletes and their development. In addition, we supported Trimble's 'Feed the Team' initiative as their basketball team made an impressive journey to the final four. Our dedication to youth sports was further demonstrated through our sponsorships of the Old Town Soccer Team and the Alexander Youth Ball League. These initiatives highlight our unwavering promise to engage with and uplift our community, investing in the future of our local youth by enhancing their sporting experiences.

February 2024:

February 2024 was a dynamic month for The Hugh White Impact, showcasing our dedication to youth sports and athletic recognition. We proudly sponsored the Athens Youth Hockey concession stand, reinforcing our support for local sports programs. Additionally, we celebrated outstanding individual performances by awarding Player of the Game belts to a talented group of athletes. Among those honored were Kiersten Rose of the Southern Tornados, Ethan Edwards of the Eagles, Brayden Morgenstern from Fort Frye, and Nate Graves of Alexander Spartans Basketball. Jarrett Armstrong of Waterford, Trent Taylor of the Warren Warriors, and Tariq Cottrill of the Federal Hocking Lancers were also recognized for their exceptional contributions to their teams. Senior TJ Carpenter from Jackson and Warren Guard Sarah Pettey were celebrated for their pivotal roles in their respective sports. Through these initiatives, The Hugh White Impact continues to champion athletic excellence and support the development of young athletes in our community.

January 2024:

January 2024 marked a celebratory period for The Hugh White Impact as we continued our tradition of recognizing and encouraging athletic talent within our community. We awarded Player of the Game belts to an impressive lineup of basketball athletes who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Among those honored were Jackson Stimmell from Logan High School Basketball and Takira Walker of the Federal Hocking Basketball Lady Lancers. Logan Doughty from Miller Basketball Boys, Josie Sigler of Logan Chieftains, and Airah Lavy of Nelsonville Buckeyes Basketball also received accolades for their outstanding performances on the court. The awards extended to Jayden Agrestic of Miller Basketball, Kimmi Aubrey from Wellston Rockets, Easton Nuzum of Athens Basketball, and Luke Orsburn of Trimble Basketball. Through these recognitions, The Hugh White Impact reinforces its commitment to celebrating athletic excellence and fostering the growth of young athletes in the community.