photo by: Joselyn King

Jub Delbrugge, left, and Brian Campbell of the Pine Room Podcast address the crowd during Thursday night’s “Show of Hands” competition sponsored by Wheeling Heritage. The podcast took home the prize of $6,455 with plans to purchase upgraded studio equipment.

WHEELING – Some present may not understand what it is they do, but the Pine Room Podcast nevertheless took home the win and more than $6,000 Thursday night as winners of the “Show of Hands” competition.

The podcast team each week produces two podcasts – or talk-show type programs via Internet – where hosts focus on local high school and regional sports. The podcasts started about eight months ago.

The Pine Room Podcast received a check for $6,455, and the team plans to use the money to purchase higher quality cameras, lighting, speakers and other studio equipment.

Jub Delbrugge and Brian Campbell made the team’s pitch, and said they plan to give back to the community by offering internships and full-time work opportunities for students in surrounding high schools and universities.

Both age 24, they also are both graduates of West Liberty University.

“Some may not understand what this is, but a lot of work goes into it and we spend a lot of our blood, sweat and tears trying to get this thing off the ground,” Campbell said. “This is going to go a long way.”

Delbrugge said he specializes in product branding and producing the podcast, and he termed the project “my baby.”

“It’s not where we want to be, but we’ve come a long way in eight months.”

As in years past, four presenters with ideas on needs for their business received five minutes to explain the ideas they have for their business, with attendees deciding which was most worthy of funding.

Each attendee paid $5 at the door for a ballot to vote and received dinner.

The winner received all money collected, as well as sponsorship money provided by Orrick and other donors.

In addition to the Pine Room Podcast, three other businesses presented ideas they hoped worthy of investment.

Patricia Smith, owner of Shea Rose Soapery, is seeking a sink for her shop so patrons could more conveniently try her soaps. A multi-bar soap cutter also is on her wishlist.

Morning Light Studio is a pottery studio, and owner Carrie Dawson wants a larger kiln so that she can dry and produce more product in a timely fashion.

And Tara Kobasko of The Belgian Waffle Shop hopes to obtain ice cream chests for her shop, which soon will open near the Shea Rose Soapery across from Market Plaza on Market Street.

The next Show of Hands will take place in early 2023.