Do you know someone that has done something that has contributed to the betterment of Bridgeport? And, if so, do you think that individual, or individuals, should be honored?

 

If so, your chance is at hand. Bradley Ford, the 2016 chairperson for the Benedum Fellows Committee, said the group is currently seeking nominations for this year’s Benedum Fellows as well as a winner for the Benedum Youth Service Award.

 

“As many know, this is an annual event that recognizes members of the Bridgeport community who have made a difference in the quality of life for others,” said Ford. “It can also be those from outside the city, in our surrounding area, that have made a tremendous impact on Bridgeport.”

 

The honorees have to exemplify the characteristics of Michael Late Benedum. The Bridgeport native, who went on to fame and wealth, never forgot Bridgeport and was known for his philanthropic ways.

 

Last year’s winners were Laura Stevens Aliff and Sarah Carr Parsons. Ford said they hope to find similar individuals of character this year and are soliciting help from the public to do just that.

 

“Our committee will review the nominations from the community and from there we’ll make the decision as to who will be honored. We’ll recognize the honorees July 7 at the annual banquet at the Bridgeport Conference Center,” said Ford.

 

Along with reaching out via Connect-Bridgeport for nomination, Ford said he and others are reaching out to various civic club and other organizations that may have members or even know of individuals worthy of being recognized. Ford pointed to Michael Benedum’s own words for guidance of those who should be concierend.

 

“It is our duty to nurture, leaving it to others to harvest the fruit of our effort in a way that will bring the greatest good, to the greatest number.” Those were thought Benedum had on the importance of volunteerism and leaving the world in a better way than you found.

 

Also, the committee is looking for nominations for the youth award. This is for youth between the age of 13 and 19. He said the same criteria involving volunteerism and leadership for the Benedum Fellow award should be applied to the youth award.

 

Those wanting to nominate an individual for the Benedum Fellow Award can click HERE to print out a nomination form. They can click HERE to print out a Youth Service Award form nomination. Once filled out, they can be mailed to the following address:

 

Committee to Select Benedum Fellows

Attn: Bradley Ford, Coordinator

215 East Main Street

Bridgeport, West Virginia, 26330.

 

Questions can be directed to Ford at 304-677-5877.

 

Nominations are due June 1.

 

Past winners of the award include:

1995

Dwight Fowler and David Johnson

1996

Evelyn Carter, C.E. "Jim" Compton, Margaret Merrells and Leonard J. Timms

1997

Catherine Clark and Carl Furbee

1998

Madge McDaniel and Clyde Strother

1999

Rev. Father Hilarian V. Cann and Annabel Luebbe

2000

Robert V. Allen and Ruth Allen

2001

Edgar Hess and Bea Quigley

2002

Shirley Hadorn and Robert Nichols

2003

Lenore Hinkle and Wayne Jamison

2004

Dr. Harry Murray, Jr. and Thelma Nutter

2005

Charlotte Cathell and Michael Martin

2006

Betty Jo Jones and Marvin Shelton

2007

Pat Murphy, Annabel Timms and L. Joseph Timms, Jr.

2008

Bradley A. Ford, Barbara M. Judy and Dr. Kelly R. Nelson

2009

Norma Duez, Richard Duez and William Klenk

2010

Marilyn Hess and Stan Kwiatkowski

2011

Paul Whiteman, Evelyn Whiteman and Stephen Musgrave

2012

Mary Ellen Depue, Shirlene Isabella and Harry Nehrig, Jr.

Youth Service Award: Savannah Blythe

2013

Lester J. Filicsky and Dr. Michael R. Hess

2014

LuAnne Bush

 

Editor's Note: Top photo, by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com, shows the display prior to the awards that are given annually, while Chairman Brad Ford, a previous Benedum Fellow winner known for his volunteerism, is shown having a good time in helping with Bridgeport's annual Light Up Night.