Role models wanted for 100 Man Lunch

Clockwise from left: LaCheyla Curry, Jack McBride, Louie Owens, Noah Owens, Logan Patton and Elijah Owens eat lunch together during the 2007 100 Man Luncheon. The annual event that encourages community members and family to spend time with children at Callaway County Head Start is set to return.
Clockwise from left: LaCheyla Curry, Jack McBride, Louie Owens, Noah Owens, Logan Patton and Elijah Owens eat lunch together during the 2007 100 Man Luncheon. The annual event that encourages community members and family to spend time with children at Callaway County Head Start is set to return.

During the annual 100 Man Lunch, local guys eat tacos, read books and become role models for children.

This year, the 13th annual 100 Man Lunch is at 11 a.m. March 22 at Fulton Head Start, 1600 Westminster Ave. Friday is the deadline to RSVP by calling 573-642-3201.

"It's just because we're trying to promote male involvement and literacy at the same time," Head Start team leader Teressa Huskey said. "A lot of children don't have that male role model in their lives, and studies show that having one can help (lower) crime rates and drug usage."

She added men who work in the community as city workers, firemen, police, lawyers and so on are particularly welcome. Women can sign up, too.

"Our goal is 100 participants," Huskey said.

During the event, participants will grab tacos before heading to Head Start's three classrooms. Head Start serves local children who are preschool-aged or younger and typically economically disadvantaged.

"You'll go sit down with kiddos, eat with them, converse with them,"
Huskey said. "There's time at the end to read stories and play."

The 100 Man Lunch has proved a hit in past years, she added.

"We seem to get more and more people each year," she said. "Whenever they're leaving, they say how much they've enjoyed spending time with our kids."

Plus, it gives participants a chance to learn about Head Start and its mission. Returning volunteers include the mayor, county commissioners, first responders and law enforcement.