Published: September 13, 2008 11:55 pm            

In memory of Will

Event to raise money for scholarships honoring Will Bridges

FAIRMONT — When William Charleton Bridges died in July 2005, Neshia and Cory Bridges lost their baby brother, and Neshia lost her best friend.

And Corliss Bridges lost a son who was gentle, kind and loving.

Each year, around the time of his passing, they’ve honored his memory and legacy. This year, the WCB Foundation Inc. (which was named in his honor and also stands for “Willing to Change Barriers”) will throw a fashion show to raise $10,000 for three Fairmont State scholarships started in his name.

“Aspire Uniqueness Runway Fashion Show” will take place at 6:15 p.m. Friday at the Elks Lodge, 419 Adams St. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. An after party will begin at 10 p.m., also at the Elks.

Two scholarships will go to Fairmont State students majoring in English literature and in education, and one to the Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia Community Action to a Fairmont Senior student going to Fairmont State.

At the time of his death, Will was majoring in English education at Fairmont State. He also loved to write poetry. Copies of his book “Misery Loves Company,” a compilation of his poetry, will be for sale at the show.

The Bridges are working on starting the WCB Camp.

“But first and foremost we want to get endowments for Will,” Corliss said.

Tickets for the fashion show are $15 for adults and $5 for children under age 18, and $10 for the after party.

In addition to ticket sales, money will be raised in a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles and auction of dresses designed by Neshia.

“We want to focus on youth, the betterment of our children, the love of God and for our kids to get their minds set on making better choices in life,” Corliss said.

“We’re trying to make something positive out of a tragedy.”

On Sunday, July 24, 2005, Will Bridges was shot to death along Interstate 79. The 2001 Fairmont Senior graduate was only 21 and an English education senior at Fairmont State.

His family and friends were devastated.

“He was such a sweetheart,” she said. “Kind and gentle and loving. He would do anything for anybody. We all love him and miss him. A lot of people are still in pain because he’s gone away and the way he was taken from us. He didn’t deserve that.

“It’s hard. He was emotional, sincere and thoughtful. Everything touched Will. I feel like God took him away because He needed somebody like Will.

“He had such a genuine heart. I’ve never seen a guy who would cry as quickly as Will would. He was just a kind-hearted, emotional kid.

“He was something else ... something else.”

Right alongside Corliss has been her daughter, Neshia Marshelle Bridges.

“When Will passed, she couldn’t be still. She works full time, takes a full course load (at Fairmont State) and is on the dean’s list. She works so hard to make everything happen. Nothing can stop her. And I’m right behind her.”

The fashion show will feature 50 young models in sports, casual and formal wear provided by area merchants.

“We want people to see our youth at their best,” Corliss said.

Donating clothing and other items for the show include The Fashion Scene, B Moss in Morgantown, The Gap, Elder-Beerman, Jack and Jill’s Clothing, Kohl’s, Target, Sew Chic, Fairmont State Book Store, Belk, Trade Secrets, Master Cuts, Miracle Nails, Chik-Fil-A, Subway, Food Lion, Great American Cookie Company, Garfield’s and Papa John’s Pizza.

Entertainment at the after party will be provided by rapper Slick Watts, who had been friends with Will at Wheeling Jesuit.

“He lost an older brother to the same kind of tragedy as Will’s. He talked about how Will touched his heart and was with him through that whole thing. He misses Will so much.”

He’s even written a song about Will, which he will perform at the after party.

Other entertainment will be provided by DJ Schemes, YIS singing group, and dance performers Corinthia Rilko and Micha Davis.

It will also feature a cash bar, Dress to Impress contest, dance contest and door prizes. Admission is $10.

No matter what his family does to mark his passing, Will is never far from their thoughts.

“We always take into remembrance of Will’s legacy,” Neshia said. “It’s important to keep his memory alive. And it’s a healing.

“I would say Mommy and I have become better adjusted, but it’s also a reward when we get to give back to the community. Even though we’ve suffered a loss, we still maintain. I know it’s hard for some families to not move on.

“There’s also the fact that we’re helping other people. ... helping kids go to college, encouraging kids to be positive in life. We could have had 100 models, because when one person does something, others want to, too. That’s how you inspire people.

“If we keep having these events, more kids will want to participate and this will affect the community in a big way.”

They’ve been planning the show since April.

“Since then, it’s pretty much been an everyday affair,” Neshia said with a hearty laugh.

She’ll show the video she made last year about Will for her graphics class.

“His life and his story are truly something to be heard. He was such a good spirit. He inspired me. There were times when just his conversation would lift me up. I miss that dearly. He was my best friend.

“I miss Will dearly. There are not very many words I can express without getting emotional.

“We went through a lot losing him. Everybody was affected dearly. We could sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, but we’re doing something positive.”

The event is just days away and the final touches are being put together in a well-organized flurry.

“We’ve worked so hard to make it work,” Neshia said. “We’re gonna carry it out, no matter what. We are very, very prepared for this. We want to make it a success.

“We’re advocates for nonviolence. We promote the love of God and also the value of human life. We want to inspire kids to realize that life is too short. They don’t need to be out here doing things that aren’t positive and can harm someone.

“We’re trying to get past all of the violence and get kids to focus on doing things in the community to help mentor each other and to make this a better place.

“They are the future. And we’re about the youth. All of our events have been catered to youth empowerment and youth leadership.”

For more information, visit www.wcbfoundation.org.

E-mail Debra Minor Wilson at dwilson@timeswv.com.

        

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