Lori Schumaker
OAKHURST – The local chapter of nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will meet on Wednesday, July 15, at Crab Cakes Restaurant in support of Lori Schumaker of Coarsegold.
Dinner is on Wednesday, July 15, at 6 p.m. Call Crab Cakes Restaurant for reservations: (559) 641-7667.
Lori lost her husband in 2001 and raised her three boys on her own, say HOW organizers. She was working in social vocational services until 2013 when tragedy struck again: son Jacob, 17, was fatally injured in a skateboarding accident.
Jacob Schumaker with mom Lori
“The trauma has affected different facets of her life, including her income,” explains HOW. “She picked up the pieces but, in the process, fell behind on the mortgage. Lori is struggling with the payments and she is in danger of losing their longtime home.”
Leia Whetten is sponsoring the dinner. That means she’s doing the legwork of organizing this specific night, including gathering raffle gifts, acting as the group contact, and promoting the event. “I am proud to be part of such a giving community willing to come out to Crab Cakes for fun, food, prizes, and to support this gracious and deserving recipient,” says Leia.
Lori feels honored to be part of the HOW family, as well.
“I want to thank my friend Leia, who started this beautiful thing, and HOW, a wonderful organization for reaching out and helping us. I also want to thank Crab Cakes and Laura Zabicki for being a part of this, and everyone else involved.”
Lori says the community helping to save the family’s home would be incredible.
“It is full of precious memories of Jacob and his brothers, Nick and Stevie, growing up here. I couldn’t imagine not having these memories around us all the time, helping us to feel close to him. When Jacob was taken so tragically, it was the most devastating time in our lives: something we will never get over. We miss him so much, his smile, laugh, great sense of humor and huge loving heart always wanting to help others.”
Nick and Stevie
Lori also wants to thank her sons and let them know how proud she is of all her boys. “They are my world and I love them with all my heart. They give me strength and inspire me everyday with the wonderful accomplishments they have achieved. I hope to see you all Wednesday night for this much appreciated event.”
The HOW team reminds those who are coming to RSVP. “Crab Cakes Restaurant can only accommodate us with brilliant service, and adequate space if they know how many are coming.”
Those participating in the HOW benefit dinner will place $10 or more toward a contribution for Lori, and pay for their own dinners. Proceeds from the evening go directly to her at the end of the evening. “Absolutely nothing is kept by the organization or anyone else.”
Stevie, Lori, and Nick
Anyone who wants make a contribution for Lori or drop off an item for the gift prize drawing can stop by Leia’s office at Farmers Insurance, located at 35234 Highway 41, Suite 2 in Coarsegold. She’s also available to pick up items from anyone, just about anywhere. For questions contact Leia at (559) 676-0640 or leiaincoarsegold@gmail.com
How members believe that “one woman giving $10 can buy another woman’s lunch. Ten women giving $10 can buy another woman’s groceries. One hundred women giving $10 can change another woman’s life. This is how HOW works.”
Curious about this nonprofit organization or interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact howoakhurstchapter@gmail.com.
