Weirton Lions honor area philanthropist

Heart of A Lion Award presented to Tom Banketas

WEIRTON -- If given the choice, Tom Banketas probably would not have been there at all on that particular Tuesday evening inside Giovanni's Restaurant in Weirton.

No, it wasn't because of the rainy weather outside. Nor was it because he was unappreciative of the honor that was about to be bestowed upon him.

In fact, this is a man who is appreciative for all he has -- continuously giving credit to where he believes it deserves to go -- to God, and to his wife, Geraldine.

No, if given the choice, Tom Banketas would not have attended the Weirton Lions Club's annual Heart of A Lion Award dinner.

Why? Simply because he is a man who does not desire any type of recognition for what he feels he is meant to do.

But the Lions wholeheartedly believed he was the right man for the award. And Banketas graciously accepted their request.

The Weirton native who graduated from Weir High School in 1959 has always preferred to remain in the background. Just ask any Lions Club official.

They will tell you they have been attempting to award Banketas with this particular honor since the award was first implemented three years ago.

But Banketas has never sought recognition. He has never wanted to draw attention to himself -- not for anything he has done, be it working in a business, volunteering for a nonprofit organization or assisting a neighbor or friend.

And yet, his is a story that needs to be told, for he has touched the lives of so many people.

It has been a difficult task trying to recognize Banketas for his achievements, to tell him "thank you," for all he has done throughout the last several decades.

Lions President John Porco finally received that opportunity on Tuesday when he presented his friend this year's award.

The Heart of A Lion Award is presented to a non-Lion resident who provides "above and beyond" service to his or her community, church and family, Porco stated.

The award is presented to someone who has a "Lion's spirit at heart," Lion Gary Pitcock added.

In addition to receiving a plaque, the recipient is presented with a $100 check toward the charity of their choice.

Banketas chose the Weirton Christian Center in which to donate the gift.

Kim Weaver, the center's director, attended the awards dinner, accepting the contribution. However, that was not her only reason for making an appearance that evening.

Weaver explained to those in attendance that their honoree's involvement in the construction of the Weirton Christian Center's newest facility was instrumental.

Banketas became involved with the center now located at 117 Ivy St., in 2017. He organized and coordinated the development of its land and new building. Work began in September of that year for the 9,000 square-foot building.

His supervision, work and financing made the center become a reality, having financed the nearly $2 million project. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony held in August of 2018, Weaver expressed how much Banketas has meant to the Christian center.

"His heart and soul have been in this building," she commented.

Of course, Banketas will tell you differently, giving the accolade to others, including the architect, civil engineer and project manager who worked with him on the building.

He will give credit to longtime center supporter Steve Psaros, who had contacted him about the center's need for help in the first place.

Banketas will give the honor to those throughout the community who have provided their services to the center for the last 100-plus years, the ones who make it a safe place where Weirton's children can grow and learn.

For Banketas, it is about recognizing others ... not himself.

But as Weaver will tell you, this project was made possible by the help of one particular man who deserves to stand out.

She handed Banketas a framed picture of the Lion and the Lamb, saying they are symbols of Jesus, showing his power and how he laid down his life for us.

"You embody that same spirit," Weaver told the evening's guest of honor. "You are strong, but humble, yet assertive, but compassionate. You are powerful yet understanding. There are truly no words to express our appreciation to you and Gerri."

Weaver noted how Gerri's mother had been involved in the Christian center during the '40s and how all of this has come full circle.

"Your generosity and commitment are remarkable," Weaver continued. "You take care of things we don't even think about."

"Your effort will leave a legacy and uplift people for centuries to come," Weaver concluded.

Across from the Weirton Christian Center sits a community garden. Several dozen raised, growing beds can be found inside a beautified area consisting of landscaping, benches, vinyl fencing and a shelter. It is an area in which people can lease garden plots for their personal use or grow foods that can be donated to local nonprofit organizations.

The garden was established in 2016, when the center was still located in downtown Weirton.

The project had been in the works for quite awhile, officials noted, saying the support which Banketas has provided has been invaluable.

An addition to the garden will soon be completed, Lions members stated during Tuesday's dinner.

To which Banketas responded he has more plans for the garden in the future.

"He is deeply involved with the center's core mission," Lions member Linda Howell stated in her introductory speech during the award ceremony.

Weaver noted the new center includes several additions, including classrooms, offices, a computer center, media rooms, restrooms, a kitchen, cafeteria and elevator. There is a playground, memorial sidewalk and a community garden.

It seems as if Banketas has done a lot for his hometown's community.

And still ... there's more. Much more.

For 14 years Banketas served as a teacher in the Hancock County School District, having received his bachelor's degree at West Liberty State College and his master's degree from West Virginia University.

He served in the Army and has received various accolades throughout his career, including a certificate of appreciation from Weirton City Council and being inducted into the Weirton Hall of Fame in the category of philanthropy in August 2018. His name was added to those inscribed on plaques located in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center.

Banketas began building and investing in residential real estate and other businesses, and began and co-owned a successful retail business in Florida during the early '80s, which he oversaw for 35 years.

He is the founder of Orion Development, a commercial development and construction company which has been involved in numerous business projects throughout the area.

The company's first major project was the Brooke Plaza in Follansbee, which included several national tenants.

They became a preferred developer and contractor for the Rite Aid Corp., which gave them the opportunity to develop, build, finance and own dozens of Rite Aid pharmacies in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.

The company developed and built for CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Advance Auto and other national tenants and small strip centers.

He has sat on the Weirton Sanitary Board and supports others through giving and sponsorship.

Among those knowing Banketas' generosity are the High Rock Education Corp. in Hillsboro, W.Va., which provides programs for teens ages 12 through 19 years of age during the summertime.

He supports the Glickman Institute/Cleveland Clinic, the Dunbar Recreation Center, the Salvation Army, House of the Carpenter, the Chester-Newell Friends in Serving Humanity and the Urban Mission, as well as others.

"Tom has been involved with organizations in need of his assistance and he feels it is his obligation to give back to society," Howell continued. "His favorite charities include local churches and animal shelters."

Banketas has built shelters for Hounds Haven and the Hancock County Animal Shelter. He has supported organizations by either making a construction contribution or a monetary donation.

He recently donated a building for abandoned and feral cats and kittens.

He supports those who work with service animals, as well.

So, the question remains, why? Why has Tom Banketas continuously helped not only his community, but surrounding communities and national tenants?

Why does he help children, nonprofits, businesses and homeless animals?

The answer is simple.

Because giving back is what Banketas does.

He believes he is undeserving of being commended and does not desire being sought out to receive an award just for being human and helping another in need.

But he expressed how grateful he is to have received this particular Lions' award.

He was humbled to hear how others think about of him and all that he has stood for throughout his lifetime.

Yes, once again, it seems as if the Weirton Lions Club has gotten another one right when they selected this year's recipient for their Heart of A Lion Award.