3:01pm |The Junior League of Long Beach announced Tuesday that it honored Susan Bell with the group’s Helen D. Newcomb award as part of the nonprofit’s annual awards and installation banquet on May 18.
The organization’s top honor is given annually to a member who embodies the league’s mission and serves as a mentor and role model to others. 
 
“Susan Bell demonstrates a true passion and commitment to voluntarism and civic leadership,” said the league’s president, Samantha Fabrigas, in a statement. “The JLLB stands on the shoulders of great women like Susan who began her volunteer training in our league. We are proud to honor her excellence with this top award.”
 
Bell joined JLLB more than 45 years ago and has served in several leadership positions throughout the years, both as an active and sustaining member. She is well-known for her energy, doing her homework and always having a positive attitude.  

In addition to giving her time and talent to the JLLB, Bell has also volunteered with many other organizations in the Long Beach community, including CAMEO Professional Auxiliary Assistance League of Long Beach, Long Beach Cancer League, Long Beach Day Nursery, Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association, Long Beach Children’s Dental Health Foundation, Long Beach Child Net and various other local youth organizations.

“I am honored to be held in such esteemed company as Helen D. Newcomb and am proud to embody her legacy with this award,” Bell said. “I credit my volunteer training to the Junior League of Long Beach and cannot speak highly enough of this dynamic organization of women and of the wonderful friends I have made here.”
 
Bell and her husband, Dr. Richard Bell, are longtime residents of Long Beach and have been married nearly 51 years. They have two sons, Latham and Bryant, and one daughter, Katie, as well as three grandchildren. She enjoys spending much of her time with her grandkids by serving as a volunteer in public schools.
 
The Helen D. Newcomb award was established in 1995 in honor of the JLLB’s first president. The leadership award recognizes Newcomb’s memory and lifetime commitment to the Junior League and the Long Beach community.