Club owner gives families hams, Patti LaBelle pies

GULFPORT -- The child of a single mother in a big family, George Bush remembers the days of growing up without in the Mississippi Delta.

He was often hungry. At Christmas, he might have gotten a toy or some clothes, but they were hand-me-downs. Still, his mother taught him to be grateful for what he had.

Bush always promised that if God blessed him with an education and the ability to make a living, he would help others in need.

And so he does. The owner of Club Illusions II, a nightclub in Gulfport, held a Community Give Back on Sunday afternoon for 300 families who signed up. They lined the walkway of the nightclub on 34th Street to pick up a ham and sweet potato pie.

The lucky ones in the crowd scored a much sought-after Patti LaBelle sweet potato pie. The pies have been sold out at Wal-Marts nationwide after a viral YouTube video sparked a national craze. The video, titled "My Review On Patti LaBelle sweet potato pie review," has nearly 3 million views.

Bush managed to order 187 of the pies a month ago. He filled out the other bags with sweet-potato pies from Winn-Dixie.

Bush said he spent about $7,000 on the meals. At Christmas, he will give away toys. He has pledged $5,000 and hopes donors will match that amount. If more is donated, he'll match whatever comes in.

The way Bush sees it, he should give 25 percent of his earnings -- net, not gross -- to support the community that has supported him for 21 years.

He's teaching his sons, George Bush Jr. and Tyriq Bush, about giving, too. Both were on hand for event.

Bush Sr. said, "I want everybody who is in need this Thanksgiving to know there is somebody who cares."

This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 7:09 PM with the headline "Club owner gives families hams, Patti LaBelle pies ."