Fundraiser on Feb. 17 aims to erase Central school students’ $27,000+ lunch debt

A Fat Tuesday fundraiser aimed at erasing student lunch debt will return Tuesday, Feb. 17  in Leadington, backed by local leaders and longtime community volunteers.

Stacey Easter, mayor of Park Hills, co-founded the homegrown nonprofit The Invisible Rebels with her sisters, Lawanna Smith and Michelle Richardson. The organization is partnering with locally known caterer Glenda Straughn to host an all-you-can-eat Cajun dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Magnolia Ballroom, located at 210 E. Woodlawn Dr. A variety of idividuals and businesses contributed toward the event and a complete list will be made available after the event.

Tickets are $25 per person and $10 for children 10 and younger. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, or Venmo. Carryout meals will also be available. The menu includes shrimp boil, jambalaya, Cajun chicken lasagna, and red beans and rice. Organizers credited Donna Lewis and the Magnolia Ballroom for donating the facility to make the event possible. The dinner is open to the public.

Proceeds will benefit students in the Central R-3 School District, where overdue lunch balances currently total more than $27,000, according to organizers.

When the nonprofit was launched, Easter said she envisioned it as a long-term support system for Central students and families.

“I recognize that numerous students within our community require assistance,” Easter said. “Throughout my life, I have consistently demonstrated compassion for giving back and helping whenever possible. By founding this organization, I aim to provide additional opportunities for individuals to contribute. The response via social media has been remarkable.

“This organization is intended to serve as a lasting asset to our community. I assure you that this organization will maintain the highest standards of reputation and trustworthiness within our community,” she said.

Straughn is known regionally for her charitable cooking efforts, including the Feed My Sheep fundraiser, which supports local food pantries in the fight against food insecurity.

For more information, contact Easter at 573-330-9593, Smith at 573-366-1385, or Richardson at 573-330-5144.