Support Area Youth by Eating Good in the Neighborhood

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Muskingum County has many good organizations with programs that promote area youth.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Zanesville has found success encouraging youth mentorship through their Lunch Buddies program. The organization is expanding its operation and will be working with an area restaurant to help raise funds toward their expansion efforts.   

“We hope you will join Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Zanesville for our Applebee’s Fundraiser,” BBBSZ President and CEO Katie Lupsor said. “You can go in and dine in on February 12th, and 25 percent of your order will go toward Big Brothers, Big Sisters. They’ll donate that back dollar for dollar. We’ll get some funding for our programs. So really the big thing to remember is just to mention to your server, if you do a sit down meal or if you do carry out, say on the phone that you want to support Big Brothers, Big Sisters, make a mention.” 

Applebee’s, located at 3181 Maple Avenue in Zanesville, not only offers lunch specials but take out and catering as well. By mentioning Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 25 percent of Wednesday’s sales will go toward Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Zanesville and Lupsor explained how those proceeds will benefit area youth.

“We’re currently serving all school districts in Muskingum County, so that’s a great thing to mention and let everybody know,” Lupsor said. “We’ve recently expanded into Coshocton County and so we’re doing a pilot program at Riverview. And in addition to that, we are also piloting a youth workforce mentoring program. And that’s a youth readiness program for high school students and we’re working with Foxfire in partnership with them for that program.”

Lupsor added that they always encourage their financial supporters to volunteer their time and efforts toward not only mentoring the children but also working with the staff during the organization’s various events throughout the year.