Bill and Lynn O’Brien started this fund in 1999 with a gift through WJLS AM/FM radio stations. Bill has been employed at WJLS full time since 1969, and he and his wife purchased the stations in 1996. This fund honors four relatives: Bill’s mother, Inez DeNegri O’Brien who once worked as a talk show host and creative producer for a Beckley radio station. Inez is known to many as the long-serving director of the Raleigh County American Red Cross office. Bill’s uncle, Angelo “Angie” DeNegri, who used his years of experience in radio sales to teach his nephew the sales end of the broadcasting business, is also honored. Lynn’s parents, Clarence and Beulah Smith are included in this recognition as they provided financial training and encouragement. The O’Briens started this endowment because “we wanted to leave a lasting legacy honoring our family and thank the wonderful community that has been home to both our family and our business.