LFYO 2025 Summer Programs
LFYO has teamed up with the GoodLife Foundation and Gladden Community House to present seven weeks of summer programming for area youth. For vulnerable populations, it’s critical to offer positive outlets to combat their often negative outlooks. One thing is certain: We must keep our kids safe and out of harm’s way, just as warmer days tend to lead to more community violence. Financial life skills not only improve favorable outcomes for at-risk youth, but they also serve as violence prevention measures. You see, the biggest difference between disadvantaged teens and their well-to-do peers comes down to opportunity. Highly successful careers are par for the course in affluent (and even upper middle class) communities. And this is why their children have a distinct advantage. That’s why LFYO serves as a bridge-building specialist to help level the playing field without settling a score. By leveraging the three E’s of success, this can help close the opportunity gap. Exposure. Experience. Expectation. Expose underserved youth to what can be, provide the life-transforming experience to achieve it, and watch what happens. The expectation to do better feeds itself when they’re fed a smorgasbord of real-world opportunities (which is a beautiful thing to behold when at-risk youth who once felt disempowered now value empowerment). This is how we change lives and transform legacies, one broken spirit and battered soul at a time.
Destiny is something you can’t run from or bump into by accident. Either you’ll fulfill it or let it waste away.
Over the past four weeks, we’ve taught underserved youth how to create (and protect) their personal brand, identify their unique wiring fit, and gain much-needed financial life skills. Heavy concepts indeed for teens and tweens to grasp. But young people can learn anything if it’s memorable, manageable, and marketable to their way of thinking. What’s memorable draws upon hope. What’s manageable provides the help. And what’s marketable fuels the hype, or what it takes to get them fired up about their promising future. Chris Scott, general manager at Toy Barn Cars, commented, “The group of kids you brought in for a tour last month were very impressive. They asked great questions, which is a sign that they’re serious about their future!” Jennifer Griffith, market president of First Merchants Bank, shared, “Your kids came up with some really clever ideas in the Shark Tank simulation game during their visit to the bank.” She added, “And many of them seemed to overcome their fears of public speaking, which is tough for adults let alone children to do.” It’s not a capability issue with our most vulnerable youth; it’s an accessibility problem. When they’re armed with an upgraded vision and a rock-solid value proposition, their upside is limitless. Take a look at the pictures, videos, and lineup of LFYO’s summer activities thus far …
Hope
The measures employed by LFYO to assist at-risk youth in fine-tuning their faith lens while in pursuit of a promising future.
Help
The means offered by LFYO to empower vulnerable populations through life-changing experiences and cutting-edge programs.
Hype
The methods used by LFYO to get inner-city youth fired up about their future opportunities as well as the work involved.
Video Highlights
Please take a moment to view a brief video highlighting some of the key moments from our initial meetings with the participants.
2025 Fundraising Luncheon
The 2025 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon is just around the corner. It will be held once again at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (Downtown). The date? September 12th. The time? 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The cause? To raise investment support for LFYO programs. The offering? A first-class experience at a five-star dining establishment while mixing and mingling with some of Central Ohio’s most prominent and influential people. The crowd? Business leaders, former Ohio State coaching legend Jim Tressel and other Buckeye greats as well as philanthropic-minded individuals (like yourself) will be in attendance. To date, we have almost 30 committed sponsors — a record. If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring or attending the event, please email me at info@MrFundy.com. Couples and individuals with an interest in attending the 2025 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon will be placed on a waiting list due to limited seating of 140 attendees. First preference is given to sponsors and their guests. For more details on the event, please click the button below.
The Location
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (Downtown)
The Time
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
The Offering
A first-class experience at a five-star dining establishment while mixing and mingling with some of Central Ohio’s most prominent and influential people.
The Date
September 12, 2025
The Cause
To raise investment support for LFYO programs.
The Crowd
Business leaders, former Ohio State and ex-professional athletes, and philanthropic-minded individuals (like yourself) will be in attendance.
In closing, we want to once again acknowledge our 2024 and 2025 Legacy Sponsor, Maggie and Tom Fleming. Their generous contributions have allowed LFYO to purchase more than 30 iPads with bluetooth keyboards and protective cases as well as offer programs free of charge to hundreds of inner-city youth. To the Flemings — and every LFYO investment supporter! — thank you for helping us carve out our unique niche in changing lives and transforming legacies here in Central Ohio and beyond.
