Dr. Tom Patrick believed fundraising didn’t have to be boring. He saw it as a chance to bring people together, celebrate community, and make a real impact while having a great time. As a founding board member of the Tucker Community Foundation, he helped create Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party—a night filled with excitement, good-natured competition, and a deep commitment to making a difference. For 11 years, he stood at the mic, making sure the event delivered more prizes, more fun, and more support for the people and places that make this region special.

Since 1990, Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party has grown into the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser, fueling scholarships, grants, and projects that strengthen communities across our eight-county service region. The energy in the room is electric. Names are called in the elimination dinner. Tables cheer. Friends, new and old, come together to give back. Every ticket sold, every bid placed, and every donation made turns into real opportunities for students, nonprofits, and local initiatives.

More than anything, this event is a celebration of community. It’s a chance to show up for something meaningful and keep a tradition going strong. Dr. Patrick’s vision lives on in every moment of the night. Join us for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. You won’t want to miss it.

For more information or questions, please contact the Foundation office at 304-478-2930 or email edirector@tuckerfoundationwv.org.