NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The Virginia Living Museum is proud to announce TowneBank as the recipient of the 2025 Golden Paw Impact Award, the Museum’s highest recognition for significant and lasting contributions.
“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 students each year now exceeds $700,000. We are honored to recognize their leadership with our highest award” said Harry Wason, Museum founder and community developer.
The bank has been instrumental in powering Museum growth through multiple capital campaigns and anniversary celebrations to include the 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee and 50th Anniversary Future Ready Campaign. TowneBank’s support for the first Enchanted Otter Ball in 2016 founded a continuous decade of community impact for programmatic support.
Brian Skinner, TowneBank President Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and founding Chair of the Otter Ball, has been a driving force behind the creation of this signature fundraising event for the community built Virginia Living Museum. His personal and professional leadership previously earned him the Golden Paw Award in 2018. Year after year, TowneBank team members have joined the Otter Ball committee in championing support for the Museum’s mission.
“TowneBank is the embodiment of community,” said Rebecca Kleinhample, Chief Executive Officer of the VLM. “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.”The Golden Paw Impact Award will be presented to TowneBank at the Wild Wonders evening event this Friday, October 3. A limited amount of event tickets to celebrate the Virginia Living Museum are available at thevlm.org.
