2023 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon Recap

Total Raised

$150,000

We appreciate your support!

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“The pulse of any city can be measured by its philanthropic commitment to empowering the less fortunate.”  — Lawrence Funderburke

Despite falling short of our goal of raising $250,000, the 2023 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon was a tremendous success. We secured just over $150,000 in financial support. A beautiful, sunny afternoon placed attendees in the perfect mood for great food. The atmosphere and ambiance at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, the downtown location, were spectacular. Kudos to the general manager, Ryan Reidel, and his staff for their amazing service. The capacity crowd included celebrity athletes (past and present), business luminaries, and most notably, Central Ohioans who care deeply about our non-profit organization’s mission to change lives and transform legacies.

Silent Auction

The first hour consisted of networking, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and generous bidding on 10 exclusive, auction-item packages (with the Chef’s Dinner for 8 generating the highest bid). As you can see, excitement was buzzing in the air before the start of the program! In the second hour, a delicious three-course meal was served, including a caesar salad, trio lunch platter (3 ounce petite cut filet, 4 ounces of salmon, 3 ounces of lemon caper chicken, roasted garlic whipped potatoes, and sautéed asparagus), and a dessert duo (mini cheesecake and a mini flourless chocolate torte). Past LFYO participants reflected on their heartwarming experiences, followed by thought-provoking insights from Chris Scott (Toy Barn General Manager), Ted Murdaugh (GoodLife Foundation Executive Director), Clark Kellogg (CBS Basketball Analyst), and Gene Smith (OSU Athletic Director). In short, each speaker reiterated a common theme: difference-makers make the difference in their own unique way. At their companies. With their colleagues. In their communities.

Photos by Gracie Becker

Fundraising Luncheon Supporters

My wife (Monya) and I want to recognize the following companies, families, and individuals who supported the 2023 LFYO Fundraising Luncheon …

Legacy Sponsor ($50,000)

Maggie & Tom Fleming

Hall of Fame Sponsor ($10,000)

The Robert Weiler Company

All-Star Sponsors ($5,000)

Monya & Lawrence Funderburke

Terri & Gary Schottenstein & Family

Huntington Bank

Carol & Randy Ayers

Daniel Levitt

Rebecca & Brandon McAllister

Lindsey & Jacob Osborn

Linda & Roger Blackwell

Michelle Moore & David Houze

Advanced Civil Design

Superstar Sponsors ($2,500)

First Merchants Bank

Muskingum County Community Foundation

Jim Frey Real Estate Advisor, LLC

Thompson Concrete

Rich Russo Realty

Uckele Nutrition

Abby & Andrew Crum

Toy Barn

Celebrity Guests

Gene Smith

Clark Kellogg

Mike Doss

Dee Miller

Obie Stillwell

Lenzelle Smith Jr.

Zed Key

Guest Speakers

Gene Smith

Clark Kellogg

Ted Murdaugh

Chris Scott

Joshua Watkins

James Watkins

Aaron Bell

LFYO Fundraising Luncheon Helpers

Jeannie Mok

Melanie Ayers

Adam Roslovic

Antonio Combs

Julian Slate

Jamil Cassimy

Security

Detective Anthony Johnson

Program Brochure

Three Leaf Productions

Video and Photography

Gracie Becker

Please help us reach our year-end goal of raising $250,000

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