Editor's Note: This story first ran June 26. Today is the last day to purchase tickets for Thursday's banquet during which 2014 Benedum Fellow LuAnne Bush will be honored. 

 

LuAnne Bush still remembers the lessons taught to her as a little girl. They were lessons taught in church that were expected to be carried over beyond the chapel where her family worshipped.

 

“I remember when I was very young my parents told me that when you tithe at church you’re also responsible for giving back the same percentage of your time in the community,” said Bush. “They believed you did that by serving others.”

 

For anyone wondering if Bush followed through on her parents’ early life lessons, they should know that she did. And because of that, next month she’ll be honored for just how much she’s helped serve others.

 

On July 10 at the Bridgeport Conference Center, Bush will be the sole recipient of the 2014 Michael L. Benedum Fellow Award. She’s receive her honor at the banquet that helps kick off the week of the annual Benedum Festival in Bridgeport.

 

The banquet begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour and dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at the Benedum Civic Center or by contacting Benedum Festival Committee member Bob Allen at 304-842-3638. Tickets need to be purchased by July 8.

 

Bush was chosen by a committee as the person that best represents the ideals of Benedum; born in Bridgeport and considered by many as one of the area’s and state’s greatest philanthropists. His many contributions to Bridgeport – his hometown – continue giving to the community to this day.

 

“I was so very pleased to learn about this. It’s a tremendous honor and, honestly, I couldn’t believe I was chosen. There are so many folks that deserve this for helping me along the way,” said Bush. “There’s always a group of people behind you from my husband (Jim) to my employer (she’s the vice president at Wesbanco) to everyone in between.”         

 

According to Allen and his wife Ruth, Bush’s nomination form stood out above the others. Bob Allen said it was an easy selection.

 

“She embodies what this award is about,” he said. “All you have to do is look at what she’s been involved with and it’s easy to see why she was an easy selection. She gives more in a year than most give in a lifetime.”

 

If you need proof, here’s a list of activities Bush has been and continues to be involved in. And there’s likely more, Ruth Allen said as she listed these:

“I believe that the opportunity is out there to give back and many people miss out on that. When somebody asks me about getting involved, I ask them do they want to help in the morning, afternoon or evenings or during the weekdays or weekend,” said Bush.

 

Bush is just one of many highlights on this particular evening. The Benedum Festival Committee is also honoring two other individuals for their contributions to the festival.  

 

Eileen Frank, who has served on the committee for 20 years, has been the treasurer for most of that time, said Bob Allen. Judi Giffen will also be honored for organizing and directing the Benedum Festival Pageant for the last decade.

 

The guest speaker this year is no stranger to the program. Rev. Gary McGrew, who recently retired from his work in South Charleston, will handle those duties. As the former pastor of the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, he’s been to multiple banquets in the past and has delivered the invocation and benediction at several events.

 

“We invite everyone from the community to attend as there will be plenty of former winners on hand and when you have a meal at the (Bridgeport) Conference Center you know you’re going to have good food,” said Allen. “We hope to have a nice crowd on hand.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows LuAnne Bush, seated front row left, with fellow members of the Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. In the middle, Bob Allen, left, a former Benedum Fellow winner, is shown talking during last year's event.