Parker makes theatrical debut with Wythe-Bland Foundation film
On the evening of Saturday, June 7th, my family and I had the honor of attending the 20th anniversary celebration of the Wythe-Bland Foundation at the historic Millwald Theatre. A capacity crowd gathered to celebrate this remarkable local organization, which has tirelessly dedicated itself to advancing the education, health, and wellness of our community. Executive Director Travis Jackson explained that the Foundation was born out of a leasing agreement between Wythe County Community Hospital and LifePoint Health. This strategic move has allowed our local hospital to offer specialized services and diagnostic imaging that previously required travel to cities like Roanoke or Bristol. Thanks to the Foundation, organizations such as the Brock Hughes Medical Clinic and the Bland County Medical Clinic can provide high-quality care and critical medical testing to patients in need—care that would otherwise be inaccessible. The Wythe-Bland Foundation’s impact extends far beyond healthcare. It has played a vital role in supporting our children’s education and well-being. Thousands of local children receive free dental cleanings and exams, and through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, they’re given the gift of books. The Foundation also makes possible field trips that enrich learning experiences and spark curiosity—opportunities many students would otherwise never have. In total, the Wythe-Bland Foundation has provided over $48 million in funding for a variety of transformative initiatives throughout our region. And on a personal note, I can attest to the profound difference this organization has made in my life. They’ve awarded scholarships that allowed my family and me to experience the health benefits of the Wytheville Community Center. They funded my wife’s participation in the “Fit for Life” program back in 2013 and have provided meals for us through the Open Door Café. My daughter is one of over 1,500 students who have received Hope Packs from Spiller Elementary School, giving her additional weekend nutrition at no cost. For an inter-abled family living on a fixed income, these are not small blessings—they are life-changing. While my gratitude to the Wythe-Bland Foundation runs deep, the main reason I attended the event was to witness the premiere of a powerful 35-minute documentary chronicling the Foundation’s past and vision for the future. This exceptional film was crafted by one of my dearest friends, Cory Parker, owner and operator of MountainCAP Media. Cory’s film was nothing short of extraordinary. With a filmmaker’s eye and a native son’s heart, he captured the breathtaking beauty of Wythe and Bland Counties in ways that even the most elite studios might struggle to match. His aerial drone shots of the Wytheville Water Tower and Big Walker Lookout were simply awe-inspiring. The message was clear and compelling: Southwest Virginia is not just a place to live—it’s a place to love and call home. Through poignant visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Cory illuminated the selfless work being done right here in our backyard. His work stirred emotion, evoking tears of gratitude for the people, places, and institutions that make this region special. Cory Parker is not only a genius behind the lens but also a truly exceptional person with a heart as big as his talent. The tribute he created to honor the Wythe-Bland Foundation, and this community is one that should elevate his name in the eyes of all who view it. As one of Wythe County’s finest residents, I couldn’t be prouder to call Cory a close friend. His generosity and skill are unmatched. In fact, he previously lent his talent to create a full-length concert video of my wife’s Tina Turner tribute show—a project that helped earn her a spot in the Chautauqua Festival lineup. So when Cory personally invited me to the debut of his latest cinematic achievement, I knew I had to be there. As we sat side-by-side in the Millwald Theatre, I noticed tears welling in Cory’s eyes as he watched his labor of love unfold on the big screen. It moved me deeply. I know the dedication he pours into his craft, and I know that his vision, artistry, and passion are truly one-of-a-kind. Wythe County may not yet fully realize the treasure they have in Cory Parker, but I hope this film will help change that. I certainly left the theater feeling immense pride, not only in my friend, but in this community we call home. It’s also humbling to reflect on the fact that the Wythe-Bland Foundation was formed the same year I began writing this column for our local newspaper. In the two decades since, we’ve all tried, in our own ways, to make a meaningful impact on the place we love. Considering everything our area—and the world—has experienced in those years, it’s astounding to see how far we’ve come. We remain a united community, filled with people who choose to be dream-makers rather than dream-crushers. That was the central theme echoed by the event’s keynote speaker, Jim Morris—the former professional baseball player whose inspiring story was immortalized in the 2002 Disney film The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. Speaking after the film’s conclusion, Morris praised the Wythe-Bland Foundation with heartfelt admiration. “This is a real community of dream-makers,” he said, borrowing from the title of his memoir. “This is a community that really cares about its people. I didn’t grow up in a place like this.” I did. And for that, I am forever grateful. To be a disabled person who’s been given a chance to have a meaningful career, to give back to the community I cherish most, is an immeasurable gift. Watching Cory Parker’s beautiful film, I was reminded once again why this is—and always will be—home.