This story was updated at 8 p.m. March 10, 2020, stating the event has been canceled.
UPDATE: This event has been canceled to "lessen the exposure of diseases in the community," according to Kellie Pontius of Central Missouri Community Action.
EARLIER COVERAGE:
During the annual 100 Man Lunch, role models from around Callaway County join children at Fulton Head Start to eat a meal, read a few books and bond.
This year's lunch is planned from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 8 at the Fulton Head Start facility, 1600 Westminster Ave. For more information or to RSVP, call 573-642-3201.
"It's called the 100 Man Lunch, but women are invited, too," said Sharon Rosinski, family development specialist for Central Missouri Community Action, which operates Fulton Head Start. "The idea is to show children role models in the community."
According to the CMCA, "responsible and respectful interaction with male role models promotes a child's physical well-being and increases their ability to take initiative and demonstrate self-control." Fulton Head Start staff have pointed out in previous years that many children, especially those in lower-income families, lack male role models. Head Start serves local children who are preschool-aged or younger and typically economically disadvantaged.
Men who work in the community as city workers, firemen, police, lawyers and so on are particularly welcome.
"If you want to see the happiest kids in the world, watch them when the firefighters come in," Rosinski said Thursday.
Women and family members of the students are also welcome to attend.
During the event, participants will grab lunch and then head to one of Head Start's three classrooms to spend time with the children.
"You can hang out with the kiddos and read books - and we'll cover the tables with paper so you can color and have a good time," Rosinski said.
She clarified there's no obligation to stay for the entire hour-and-a-half. "You can just show up, eat and go - you don't have to spend the whole day," she said.
In previous years, attendance has hovered right around the 100-person goal. Returning volunteers include the mayor, county commissioners, first responders and law enforcement.
"I love kiddos," Fulton Police Department officer Lucas Bell said during the 2019 event. "If we don't initiate (a good relationship) early in their lives, kids tend to be more afraid of police. I want them to know we're here to help. We're friendly and goofy."
And the students love it, CMCA's Kellie Pontius said.
"The kids get so excited when people come in," she said .