Building a community requires intentional investment.
Newport News, VA (October 15, 2025) – The Virginia Living Museum presented its highest honor, the Golden Paw Impact Award, to TowneBank during the annual Wild Wonders, Otter Ball on Friday, October 3. The award recognizes TowneBank’s extraordinary and lasting contributions to the Museum’s mission of connecting people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
“Building a community requires intentional investment. The Virginia Living Museum is testament to the power of our community driving a clear vision together. For 59 years our community has defined connecting to nature as a guiding force. TowneBank’s leadership and substantial philanthropic support to create meaningful natural science education for family development and career inspiration for more than 43,000 Museum students each year is extraordinary” said Harry Wason, Museum founder and community developer.
TowneBank has been instrumental in powering the Museum’s growth through multiple capital expansion campaigns, including the 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee and the 50th Anniversary Future Ready Campaign. Their support for the inaugural Enchanted Otter Ball in 2016 founded a continuous decade of community impact for programmatic support, evolving into this year’s Wild Wonders Ball.
Brian Skinner, TowneBank President of Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Skinner has been a driving force with TowneBank and has served on the Museum’s Board of Trustees on multiple occasions, including as Board President, and Board of Advisors. His personal and professional leadership previously earned him the Golden Paw Impact Award in 2018. Year after year, TowneBank team members have joined the gala committee in support of the Museum’s mission.
“Collectively, TowneBank and the TowneBank Foundation have made a remarkable impact—over $126 million in donations, grants, and sponsorships to date for our community. They support over 200 non-profit organizations. TowneBank is the embodiment of community,” said Sarah Messersmith, President of the Board. “Their values of service, integrity, and community align directly with our mission, and their impressive growth indicates the strength of intentional investment and a clear vision for regional leadership. We are very proud to have their support and they are most deserving of the Golden Paw Impact Award, a unique bronze Turner Sculpture.
Wild Wonders Ball Raises $122,000
The evening celebration brought together community supporters for a memorable night of conservation and connection with nature. The event raised $122,000 to benefit Museum educational programming and conservation efforts.
The program featured special appearances by the Museum’s ambassador animals – Gary the great horned owl, Lux the striped skunk, and Danni, a North American porcupine who joined Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Kleinhample on stage. Guests were joined by the Museum’s T. rex and after the unveiling a new Wild Wonders video participated in a lively auction featuring unique experiences to name the Museum’s new bald eagle, and a private catered dinner in the new state-of-the-art Wild Care Center.
“Wild Wonders represents everything we celebrate at the Virginia Living Museum – the pure joy of connecting people with nature, incredible biodiversity of our state and planet, and quality of life,” said Kleinhample. “Thanks to our community’s generous support, we continue to provide accessible, world-class educational experiences that inspire careers and family activities for generations to come.”
The evening was presented by TowneBank along with generous sponsors including: Abbitt Realty, Ferguson Cares, Riverside Health, W.M. Jordan Company, Newport News Shipbuilding A Division of HII, Berry & Company, Harry & Judy Wason, C.A. Barrs Contractor, Pearson Toyota, Consociate Media, Kaufman & Canoles, Carney Patterson Meade, Oyster Point Oral & Facial Surgery, Jeff’s Flowers, Theatre CNU, Heather Hughes Photography, Stage Right and Holy Cannoli.
