Wheeling Heritage Show of Hands: Meet the Participants

WHEELING, W.Va. – April 30, 2025– Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands, sponsored by Orrick, will return Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center. This high-energy crowdfunding event gives the community the power to help launch bold new ideas from local entrepreneurs. Attendees will meet four passionate business owners, hear their visions, and vote for the project they believe will make the biggest impact in Wheeling.

Since its launch, Show of Hands has raised more than $150,000 to help dreams take root and grow into thriving local businesses.

Wheeling Heritage recently received a grant from the Truist West Virginia Foundation to support the Show of Hands program and its efforts to boost economic development in Wheeling. Wheeling Heritage thanks Truist for their support in helping strengthen local entrepreneurs and build a more thriving community

“We can’t wait for you to meet this amazing group of presenters! The applications this round were next-level—it was tough to choose, but these finalists are bringing the passion, the ideas, and the energy. Get ready for a night of good vibes, great food, tasty drinks, fun entertainment, and big dreams for Wheeling. Bring a friend (or a few!) and come cheer them on. We’ll see you there!” Riley Carpenter, director of programming at Wheeling Heritage.

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

East Wheeling Clayworks – Adam and Beth Bedway
East Wheeling Clayworks plans to expand its studio to better serve student makers by adding six new pottery wheels. This investment will allow the Bedways to offer more classes, accommodate more students, and continue fostering creativity within the community.

Fully Lit & Co. – Shelly Reager
Bethlehem-based event styling company Fully Lit & Co., owned by Shelly, is seeking support to launch a new website showcasing its LED marquee letters, neon signs, balloon displays, and more. Reager also plans to purchase a reliable laptop to manage daily business operations and grow the brand’s reach through improved marketing efforts.

Northern Belles – Kaitlyn Alt
Kaitlyn of Northern Belles, a Wheeling-based western boutique, is taking her Elm Grove beverage energy bar on the road with a new mobile drink cart upcycled from an old horse trailer. This creative venture will bring her popular drinks to more customers and expand her brand’s presence throughout the community.

The “Why Not” Media Hub – Jayla Robinson and Shaye Pentino
Downtown Wheeling entrepreneurs Jayla and Shaye are expanding their podcast, Ask Yourself, Why Not?, with the addition of a community-accessible sound studio. Located in Jayla’s Charmed Collective hub, the AYWN Sound Studio will offer professional equipment and serve as a creative launchpad for local podcasters, entrepreneurs, and storytellers—helping make our community a destination for creative content.

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. After hearing from each presenter, they cast their vote for the project they wish to support. The project with the most votes wins all of the funds raised through voting, plus additional contributions from community partners. Winners return to a future Show of Hands to share updates on their project’s progress.

Support local innovation and help shape the future of Wheeling—one vote at a time! Follow Wheeling Heritage on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the participants and their projects. To become a Friend of Show of Hands sponsor, visit wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.

For more information or 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