Fundraising

The fundraising practices of the WVCC have been varied. We have many different levels of membership which are our mainstay.  In addition to Regular members, we have Family, Life, Heritage Society, Benefactor and Institutional memberships. We attend many different cave related events including the National Speleological Society (NSS) Conventions, the twice annual Virginia Area Regional (VAR) meeting, and Old Timers Reunion (OTR) which is held Labor Day Weekend each year. 

At OTR, the WVCC has been very noticeable since it takes place in West Virginia. The goal here seems to be to create a fundraiser that is different and unique, something which people will remember from year to year. In 1998, a small crane was constructed with a "pit" of buttons, all reading "Dig the Max," in reference to the hopeful purchase of Maxwelton Sink Cave. The patrons used a little crane to dig buttons from the pit. Each button cost ten dollars, and some of the buttons had winning numbers on the backs, which corresponded to prizes donated by vendors. In 1999, we had a rubber duck race in the Tygart Valley River. The ducks were donated by the city of Ronceverte, and were sold for five dollars. Each duck had a number, and the first twenty ducks to cross the finish line won prizes.

The WVCC also plans an annual banquet. This fundraiser takes place in Lewisburg and is a time for members to meet and talk to each other and get to know the directors. During this event, Heritage Society members and Benefactors are recognized for their support.

Throughout the year, WVCC solicits grants from many organizations for special projects.  These organizations include the NSS, The Robertson Association (TRA), Cave Conservancies of Virginia (CCV), to list a few.