Marc Abraham, left, and Suff. Bishop Darrell Cummings have been named the 2023 Good Samaritans by Youth Services System Inc. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — Two men with a long history of caring for the youth of the Ohio Valley were announced Tuesday as Youth Services System’s 2023 Good Samaritans.

Marc Abraham and Suff. Bishop Darrell Cummings both earned the award this year and will be honored at a Sept. 14 dinner. The two both have served as members of the YSS Board of Directors — sitting on the board at the same time from 2009-11 — and continue their work with the organization as emeritus board members.

“Dr. Cummings and Marc Abraham are truly Good Samaritans,” said YSS Interim CEO Jill Eddy. Their support and guidance over the years has impacted the growth and development of YSS to achieve our mission: Creating better futures for children, families and our community.”

Abraham has over 35 years responding to the needs of youth at YSS as a past board member with titles including treasurer, vice president and president and currently as an emeritus member. A certified public accountant, he was an Associate Professor of Accounting with Belmont College and past owner of Abraham & Company PLLC.

“Marc Abraham was as committed to YSS as our founder, Ron Mulholland,” Rod Lee, current YSS Board Chair said.

Cummings is the pastor of the well-known Bethlehem Apostolic Temple with more than 43 years of pastoral work and leadership.

For decades, the church has held holiday giveaways, handing out food and other items and allowing children to select Christmas gifts. It also has held back-to-school giveaways, supplying Ohio Valley youth with school supplies. Cummings has served on numerous councils and committees, received awards and appointments plus dedicated time serving multiple terms on the YSS board including holding the position of Board Chair. He currently serves on the emeritus board.

“Dr. Cummings was a great fit for YSS as he’s a good shepherd to all in the community, so it’s only fitting that we honor him as a Good Samaritan,” Lee said.

“Marc always remained calm and asked great questions to help solve problems discussed during board meetings,” said Dr. Ron Klug, one of YSS’ founding members. Darrell was adamant that we help meet the basic needs of those less fortunate and was good at addressing financial issues.”

YSS has chosen to honor a Good Samaritan every year since 2008 by hosting a dinner in celebration of the honorees’ remarkable work serving local children and families. Past honorees include YSS founder Ron Mulholland, Tom Burgoyne, The Women’s Giving Circle, Sister Constance Dodd, Kathleen Hogan Schenk, Dr. Bernard Grubler, Ann Thomas, Dr. Lee Jones, Judge George Spillers, Lary Loew, Ronald Klug, Randy Worls, Linda and James Bordas, Susan Hogan, Dr. William Mercer, Jay T. McCamic, Barry and Lisa Allen and the “Zieggy Tribe,” Charlie Schlegel, and the Vineyard Church and Pastor Chris Figaretti. The dinner will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, at River City Restaurant in downtown Wheeling.