A History of the Lunch Group, Inc. – Leah’s Story

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Ellen Lancaster, Attorney, Francoise Vandaele, M.D. and Linda Cassano, P.T., met at a networking meeting in 1986. They were not impressed by the group, so decided to start their own club. They each invited friends and colleagues for lunch on Tuesday, and the lunch group began. The members changed over the years, but the core group remained the same.

During their first year, they began contributing one dollar for every “A” grade that Leah, the daughter of a client, received in school. Members also helped out with Leah’s school clothes and various crises, both financial and emotional. Leah’s mother ended up in prison, but Leah continued to excel in school. She graduated at the top of her class in high school, while working full-time and being the editor of the school yearbook.

The lunch group members contributed more funds, and paid for her two years’ of college at College of the Mainland. Leah earned her nursing degree and started working at Clear Lake Hospital as a labor and delivery room nurse, frequently assisting Dr. Vandaele!

Last spring, at the twentieth anniversary of the lunch group, Leah, who is now a member, suggested that we find another little girl to sponsor. “We need to do for her what you did for me,” were Leah’s words. So, the lunch group was incorporated as a non-profit: The Lunch Group, Inc. We have now been granted 501 © 3 status.

We have located another girl, who shows academic potential and who has financial need. We have already deposited funds in an account, and will continue to contribute during the next few years. By the time she graduates from high school, there will be enough for her community college expenses. We have no requirements as to her major, only that she graduates from high school with at least a B average.

There is no requirement that the student be a girl, and in fact, we are hoping that groups of men will form clubs and decide to sponsor a young boy. As each student enrolls in college, they will receive an appropriate amount from the account. They will continue to receive funds until they graduate, or until the fund is depleted. When they are out on their own, we hope they will join The Lunch Group, Inc.!

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