It’s that time of year – when residents, employees and students of the Bridgeport area are asked to keep their eyes open for those who go above and beyond.

As is Benedum Festival tradition, two or more deserving individuals will be named “Benedum Fellows,” an award inspired by the generous character of the late Michael Benedum, for whom the festival was named and annually honors.

“We’re looking for people who go above and beyond,” said Ruth Allen of the Benedum Fellows committee. “They should be citizens of Bridgeport or the surrounding area and have given of themselves through community service in a private, personal way or through a public position by doing outstanding work above and beyond what a job or position requires.”

 

Honored during the 2013 festival were Lester Filicsky and Dr. Michael Hess. 

Benedum himself once said that it is our duty to nurture, leaving it to others to harvest the fruits of our efforts in a way that brings good to Bridgeport and those who live here.

Nomination forms are available for download on the Benedum Festival website or can be picked up at the Benedum Civic Center.

After completed forms are collected, a committee will review them and determine which individuals are deserving of the recognition, Allen said.

Allen offers some food for thought regarding ideas for nominations.

“We’re looking for the coach who, after practice is over, spends time with a boy or girl who may come from a single-parent home or is lagging behind,” she said, “We’re looking for that person who shovels the widow’s sidewalks after a snow or someone elected to public office and on his or her own time -and often own expense - works to better the community and takes little credit.”

The Benedum Fellows committee may also recognize an area teenager, who – for his or her own selfless service – will be the recipient of the festival’s Youth Service Award. Nominations are being accepted for young people, age 13-19.

“So often, teens are involved in their own sports and other activities,” Allen said. “The Youth Service Award will be given to a teen who spends time doing things for others without necessarily expecting to be paid or recognized for it.”

 

Deadline for nominations is May 15. Preceding the July 11-12  Benedum Festival at Bridgeport City Park will be the Benedum Fellows Banquet, July 10 at Bridgeport Conference Center. 

Considered the modern day founder of Bridgeport, Benedum spent 70 years in the oil and gas industry, retaining a lifelong affection for West Virginia, Bridgeport, Clarksburg and Harrison County, which he expressed through many philanthropic projects. Included was the restoration and beautification of Bridgeport Cemeteries, construction of a new Methodist Church, and a Civic Center for the citizens of Bridgeport, located at the site of the home where he was born and raised. He also established the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to help further higher education.

 

Pictured from top is Hess and Filicsky