Wheeling Heritage Show of Hands: Meet the Participants

WHEELING, W.Va. – January 14, 2025– The Wheeling Heritage Show of Hands, sponsored by Orrick, will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center. This community-supported crowdfunding event allows attendees to meet four local entrepreneurs, learn about their innovative projects, and cast their vote for the one they believe will have the greatest impact on the community. Since its inception, Show of Hands has raised $143,864 to support local businesses and projects that drive lasting positive change in Wheeling.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to kick off my first full season with Wheeling Heritage and help host the 11th season of Show of Hands! This event has always been such a fantastic way to bring the community together, and I can’t wait to see everyone show up to support these incredible local entrepreneurs. It’s going to be a night of inspiration, innovation, and lots of excitement, and your vote has the power to help make these projects a reality. Come out, make a difference, and let’s make this season the best one yet!” Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage.

Join us in supporting these local businesses and their exciting projects:

• Dunnage LLC – Aaron Varlas (Home-Based, Warwood): Specializing in sustainable, in-house custom screen printing and design.
• Moonlight Intimate Apparel – Ashley Sutton (Centre Market): A women-owned boutique offering fully restored vintage intimate apparel, size-inclusive modern lingerie, loungewear, and accessories.
• Outdated Threads – Nicholas Provenzano (Centre Market): Focused on selling clothing and unique items aged 20 years or older.
• Unique Nails – Carnetta Webb (Market Plaza): Providing acrylic nails and safe, state-compliant nail enhancements for men, women, and children.

How Show of Hands Works: Attendees make a $5 donation for a vote and are presented with four pre-selected proposals for community-benefiting projects. They then cast their vote for the project they want to support. The project with the most votes receives all of the money raised from the votes, plus additional contributions from community partners. Winners return to a future Show of Hands event to share updates on their project’s progress, how the funds were used, and the impact it had on the community.

Your support of Show of Hands is greatly appreciated and shows participants that they have the backing of a strong community. Follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook for updates on each participant and their project as the event approaches. To become a Friend of Show of Hands sponsor, visit https://wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands/.

For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Riley Carpenter at rcarpenter@wheelingheritage.org.

About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.