On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the West Liberty community came together for the ‘Battling Beside Trudy Benefit,’ a heartfelt evening dedicated to supporting Trudy Bradley in her courageous fight against Lymphoma for the second time. Hosted at the West Liberty Fire House, the event featured a delicious chicken and noodle dinner, along with both silent and live auctions.
The benefit was organized by a dedicated committee, including members of the West Liberty Business Association, West Liberty Lions Club, West Liberty-Salem Athletic Association, and various community leaders, all of whom worked tirelessly to honor Trudy’s commitment to her community. Trudy, a beloved barber at Keith’s Cuts and Curls and a bus driver at West Liberty-Salem, is also known for her active involvement in local organizations, such as the After Prom Committee and the Athletic Association, where she often provides team meals for cross country and track teams.
With over 600 residents, friends, and supporters in attendance, the benefit served more than 500 meals and featured generous contributions from local businesses. Notably, 21 silent auction baskets raised close to $5,000. One of the highlights of the evening was a coconut cream pie—Trudy’s favorite—donated by The Liberty Gathering Place Restaurant, which sold a remarkable 17 times, fetching a total of $16,200. In a sweet twist, the pie ended up going home with Trudy herself.
The event also included a lively “Pie in the Face” auction, raising $1,700 as attendees had the chance to pie local celebrities, including Morgan Sullivan, WL-S Athletic Director; Mason Shoemaker, Director of the West Liberty Youth Football Program; and Trudy’s own son, Taryn.
Thanks to T-shirt sales leading up to the event, the total raised exceeded an impressive $42,000, reflecting the incredible spirit and generosity of the West Liberty community.
As the evening concluded, attendees left with hearts full of hope and determination, united in their support for Trudy Bradley. The community’s response exemplified the power of coming together in times of need, proving that they are truly “Battling Beside Trudy” in her fight against cancer.
