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Benefit dinner, concert aid Lift Up World Foundation
Marcia Lucas, president of the Lift Up World Foundation, talks with the media during the first annual Benefit Dinner and Concert at Marshall University on Friday, Jan. 25, 2008.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- Three hopeful hearts, two worlds apart, who knows what a dream can start?
That is the saying that Marcia Lucas has kept dear to her heart since losing three of her children a year ago in Huntington's worst fire in more than 50 years.
After a few delays because of certain tragedies, Lucas finally got the chance to have a benefit dinner and concert at Marshall University for the Lift Up World Foundation, a charity foundation created by Lucas in 2006. Its main purpose is to provide relief to abused orphans and children. Former major league baseball player Jose Canseco is the officer of the foundation. He was scheduled to speak at the benefit but had a tragedy at the last minute, said Lucas. All proceeds from the benefit will go toward various non-profit organizations.
Friday night, hundreds of people were brought together at the university to show their support for the foundation and to thank Lucas for her donations to their organizations.
Renee Harrison, executive director at Golden Girls, a teenage group home in Ceredo for females between the ages of 12 and 18, said Lucas has personally visited their headquarters and helped fix up the girls' homes.
"She heard about us and knew we were asking the community for funds," she said. "Then she came to visit and remodeled the girls' rooms herself, which we were very grateful for."
Harrison added that Lucas is also raising money for the group home to have a new sprinkler system installed in one of the new houses they just purchased.
"I think it's wonderful that she takes the time and interest with these girls -- they are so appreciative of her kindness," said Judy Gilkerson, founder of the Golden Girls.
Executive Director of the Huntington City Mission Pete Davidson was in attendance at the benefit. He said part of the proceeds made Friday would go toward fixing the children's beds at the city mission.
"Any time that you help children in need is a good cause," he said.
Other guests who were in attendance praised Lucas for her involvement with several organizations.
"It's taking a step forward to what people aren't doing but should be doing," said Cindy Mansfield.
