Longaberger lunch helps fight cancer

Go to lunch and help raise money in the fight against breast cancer.

The event is the Longaberger Horizon of Hope luncheon at noon Aug. 16 at the Comfort Inn — Monticello. It is being organized by the Longaberger consultants of the Holly Branch, led by branch leader Melinda Robertson.

Last year, they had their first Horizon of Hope luncheon with 81 attendees and raised $1,100 for the American Cancer Society. This year Robertson hopes to double the attendees and raise more funds.

Tickets for the lunch are $25. There will be raffle tickets for more than 40 items, including Longaberger merchandise, as well as door prizes and a favor to take away.

In case you don’t know, Longaberger is a family-founded company in Newark, Ohio, that started by specializing in hand-woven baskets, as an answer to the cheaply made products from overseas. The company since has diversified into other household items as well and operates with 45,000 consultants such as Robertson all over the country.

“I’ve been wanting to do this [luncheon] for a few years,” Robertson said. “Breast cancer is going to touch all of us in one way or another. I’m really excited. This is a good way to help others.”

Robertson said last year she brought the idea up to her branch, which includes 16 consultants and they all enthusiastically agreed.

At last year’s event, Robertson was able to bring in a weaver, which was a coup, but an expensive one. This year, instead, she has obtained five Longaberger baskets with Tami Longaberger’s signature. These will be the special door prizes that attendees will have a chance to win.

Obtaining baskets with the CEO’s signature is rare, Robertson said and “anyone who knows about Longaberger will be excited” about the chance to take one home.

The Horizon of Hope baskets are the fundraising efforts of the Longaberger company. In July and August, $2 from each of these signature pink-and-white baskets sold goes to the American Cancer Society.

The company has raised nearly $13 million over 13 years through this effort. Robertson said that at the luncheon, for any items ordered, the consultants will donate their commissions to the American Cancer Society.

Also at the luncheon, a representative from the American Cancer Society will speak, as will two cancer survivors. Robertson said while their focus is often more on breast cancer, the speakers may include other kinds of cancer, too. Last year, the talk also motivated some attendees to go for checkups and screenings such as mammograms.

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Aug. 9. Call Robertson at 286-2079 for information and tickets.

If you want to take a look at the Longaberger products, go the Web site at http://www.longaberger.com.