How We Got Started

During a charity golf tournament, Scott Fischer, John Nicholson, Austin Shanfelter, Dana Vidussi and John Toggweiler became formally introduced to the Blessings in a Backpack program and made the decision to pool their resources for the children in need in their community.

After contacting Stan Curtis about their desire to start the program in Lee County, they were connected to Tice Elementary, who had the highest percentage of students participating in the reduced fee or free school meal plan in the area.

Unable to publically announce their support of Tice Elementary, these local businessmen relied on their contacts in the community to raise the funds needed to start the program. After successfully collecting enough money to run the program for one year and seeing the positive effects on the children they serve; a board has been created and a goal established.

The local chapter of Blessings in a Backpack is striving to have 50% of all Lee County Elementary Schools funded for at least a three year program by 2012.