Generosity isn’t something the members of the Roush Family think about. It’s just who they are.
For decades, the family has been offering its Riverside Golf Club for use by Rivers Health Foundation for its annual Golf Classic. Gary Roush and his sons, Mitch and Ty, operate the course they’ve owned for 52 years. It’s rare for a family to both own and operate a course, but they make it work.
“We’re fortunate that we’ve been able to work together all these years,” said Ty Roush, head golf pro. His brother is the Superintendent, and his dad “calls the shots.”
Making it available for charitable tournaments is a no-brainer call—one the whole family supports. “We know funding is hard in rural areas,” said Roush. “That’s an organization making a difference. It’s not just about financial support. We are happy to offer our facilities and knowledge to help them do well.”
Roush said it’s important to give back and support the community. He said they’ve been helping the Foundation for years and will continue for as long as they can.
Roush’s sister-in-law, Erin Krawsczyn, helps by serving as chair of the Rivers Health Scholarship Foundation and has a passion for creating opportunity for people living in rural West Virginia and Ohio. It is truly a family affair.
“Riverside’s success is rooted in community and hard work,” she said. “We are committed to sharing our resources, knowing that generosity builds resilience and drives collective progress.”
Krawsczyn said the family is always quick to help in whatever way is needed and consistent in its support because everyone is motivated by the same thing.
“That comes from a connection with the purpose,” she said. “With the Foundation, I believe deeply in helping those around me succeed in the critical role quality healthcare plays in our rural communities.”
Roush, who said Riverside hosts about 20 charitable golf tournaments a year, said he has seen a different side of healthcare recently by watching the nurses who take care of his stepmother. Though she is still at home, it’s an around-the-clock process that requires lots of care. It’s been an inspiration to him.
“I have never been around the nursing or rehabilitation field until my stepmother got ill,” he said. “It takes a special person to do that, and I have the utmost respect for that field. They’re so compassionate. I wish I had been born more like that. They’re special people.”
Having those sorts of first-hand experiences has driven home what the family already knew. Being generous with whatever resources you have makes the community a better place for everyone.
“I hope that, in some small way, I can make a difference in the lives of others,” Krawsczyn said. “I’ve been fortunate to receive opportunities, support, and resources throughout my journey, and I feel a calling to extend that same generosity to others.”
Roush said anyone can have an impact. “Just look for ways to help,” he said. “Offer time and knowledge. Make something better.”
