J.W. & Hazel Ruby
Custom Portrait Statues at BSA Summit Bechtel Reserve
Honoring the Rubys:
J.W. and Hazel Ruby were well connected in Morgantown, West Virginia. They were also strong supporters of the WVU Healthcare Systems and the Boy Scouts. A philanthropic gift from their Foundation gift was instrumental in creation of The Summit.
The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust donated $10 million to fund the J.W. & Hazel Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center. The Center features the story of the Rubys and their philanthropy in the state. The Ruby statues were also recast and placed at the Ruby Memorial Hospital in WV which was another philanthropic endeavor of the Rubys.
Steve Farmer, trustee of the Foundation, and his wife Karen, were long-time friends and colleagues of the Rubys, who are deceased. Advice from the Farmers were invaluable to Tom in creating the Ruby sculptures. By personal acquaintance they were able to relate personal details, stories and characteristics of both J.W. and Hazel. Steve and his family remain incredible, ‘giving’ people and, like the Rubys, have made a huge difference in West Virginia.
BSA National President Wayne Perry and Steve Farmer, Trustee, at the dedication of the Ruby West Virginia Welcome Center at The Summit. Also, in the bottom row, are Steve and Karen Farmer in Tom’s studio for the maquette approval.