John Lushbough, Vermillion UMC, wins first-ever McGovern South Dakota Hunger Ambassador Award
(Some contents of this article are from Dakota Wesleyan University Press Release and the Mitchell Daily Republic.)
John Lushbough, l
ongtime member of Vermillion United Methodist Church in Vermillion, South Dakota, was named this year’s McGovern South Dakota Hunger Ambassador Award-winner.
Photo: John Lushbough, Vermillion UMC accepts the McGovern South Dakota Hunger Ambassor. Photo courtesy of Dakota Wesleyan University.
This is the first year that the Dakota Wesleyan University McGovern Center has awarded the honor and was bestowed based on nominations.
Lushbough is the founder and coordinator of Vermillion Welcome Table, a free weekly meal for the underprivileged, and the head of the Vermillion Weekend Backpack Program, a program that provides easy-to-prepare meals for area youth. He has been serving his community for 25 years.
His nomination reads, “He has engaged literally hundreds of people in this service program (Welcome Table). Treating everyone who comes in the door with dignity is at the center of the program. John does all of this work with a smile.”
The McGovern South Dakota Hunger Ambassador Award was created this year to be given to a South Dakotan who goes above and beyond to provide food security to the people of South Dakota.
“We were looking for those unsung heroes in local communities – the people who provide comfort and service without any hope or desire of recognition,” said Dr. Alisha Vincent, director of the McGovern Center. “The people most deserving of these awards are generally the shyest about accepting them, but we hope this gives their passions the attention they deserve, as well. Lushbough is a shining example of what the every-day person can accomplish in his or her community. What he has done in Vermillion is inspiring and the McGovern Center thanks him.”
"It's very humbling; a total surprise," Lushbough said.
"I really think the award belongs to all volunteers that I've worked with in the past and continue to work with," said Lushbough.
Lushbough thanked his parents and fellow volunteers during an acceptance speech, calling his parents an inspiration.
Six other nominees were honored for their service in providing food security. Mary Berglin, Cathy Brechtelsbauer, Ron Fuchs, Matt Gassen, Gary Gjesdal and Cindy Novachich were also nominated for their service to their communities.
Photo: The McGovern Hunger Ambassador Award given to John Lushbough, Vermillion UMC. The bowl symbolizes all of those who still live with food insecurity. Photo courtesy of Rev. Rick Pittenger, Vermillion UMC.
"I hope we can continue to grow and supply people with food as necessary and continue to feed people on Monday night," said Lushbough.
"John has been instrumental in making the ministry of the Welcome Table well-known throughout the community. He has made what it means to be United Methodist a part of our community. He is a humble man who would never seek a recognition such as this. I am honored to know him and call him a friend," said Rev. Rick Pittenger, Vermillion UMC.
