2026 Fundraising Luncheon – Around the Corner

2026 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon Is Right Around the Corner

By Lawrence Funderburke•August 18, 2026•3 Minutes

The 2026 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon is one month away! We will be celebrating 28 years of service as a nonprofit, having offered empowerment-based initiatives to over 30,000 participants in every inner-city community here in Central Ohio. Our mission is straightforward: We help vulnerable populations connect the dots between their present reality and future possibility. From financial life skills to career readiness training to nutritional wellness coaching—and everything in between—LFYO’s holistic approach meets at-risk youth and young adults where they are. And more importantly, we transport them where they need to go. In their life prospects and legacy pursuits!

In sports, practicing the success game must occur before it’s even played. Out-of-season workouts. Individual skill-building routines. Training camp sessions in the preseason. Greatness defined is process refined. Winning teams take great measures to prepare players for the moment before “that moment” begins. As an organization, we do the same with our customized app-based tools, field trips to area businesses, and lineup of career mentors. You see, the opportunity ball is passed to those who are ready to receive it. The problem? Most people, especially at-risk communities, haven’t been coached or conditioned for that moment. And without experiential learning practices, gamification activities, or success protocols in place, economic gaps will continue to widen for those on the fringes of society.

At our fundraising luncheon on September 18th, we’ll revisit these sports-based themes by asking a simple question: How can we create a winning game plan that allows every Central Ohioan to succeed on the court of opportunity? Keynote speaker and OSU men’s basketball head coach, Jake Diebler, will share insights on how those in attendance can make a lasting difference as success mentors. No matter how we vote, where we work, or who we are, the mission is clear. Until the least among us is given the best chance to shine, we can never be satisfied with the current state of affairs. Step up so that they can step out. That responsibility falls on you, me, us.

Take a look at the event details for our fundraising luncheon on September 18th:

We will have 10 spectacular auction-item packages to bid on. Yes, exclusive packages. Here are a few of them …

Silent Auction Item #1

OSU Gridiron Package at the Shoe

O-H … I-O. Watch Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and the #1 ranked Buckeyes play Maryland during homecoming weekend on October 10th. Noteworthy package includes 4 Fisher Pregame Brunches three hours before tipoff, 4 premium lower-bowl tickets at the 50-yard line, and an autographed football by former and current Buckeye star players.

Silent Auction Item #2

OSU Basketball Dream Experience

Four-course dinner for 3 with former Ohio State player Lawrence Funderburke before the game at a five-star restaurant, 3 tickets behind the OSU bench to watch the Buckeyes against a top-tier opponent, group picture on the basketball court and a private tour of the locker room after the game, followed by a meet-and-greet with players and coaches. Go Bucks!

Silent Auction Item #3

Girlfriends Pamper-Me-Nice Package

Treat three of your girlfriends to a pamper-me nice session at Allvera, one of Central Ohio’s finest wellness spas and female-owned enterprises. Allvera’s experienced staff will help you and your girlfriends reduce stress, improve skincare, and boost overall wellbeing. Look good, feel great, and walk-the-talk girlfriend! (Package also includes a delicious lunch or brunch at Sow Plated restaurant with Monya Funderburke, a Stanford-trained wellness specialist.)