LAKE PLACID, Fla. — Residents of Highlands County have a chance to turn a simple lunch or dinner into a life-saving gesture this December. On Friday, Dec. 12, Local Lodge 282 is firing up the kitchen for “Dining for Donors,” a fundraising event designed to bridge the gap between insurance coverage and the actual cost of survival for a local woman.
For just $10, supporters can pick up a meal or have it delivered, with proceeds going directly to the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Jennifer French.
French, a 48-year-old Sebring resident, is currently facing a daunting medical reality. While she is a survivor of stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, her health battle is far from over. She currently manages a complex array of diagnoses, including larynx cancer, relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), COPD, and chronic kidney disease.
RELATED: Sebring Community Rallies Behind Cancer Survivor With ‘Shillings For Survival’ Coin Drop Fundraiser
Despite being a determined fighter, French faces a common hurdle in the American healthcare landscape: the “coverage gap.” While medical insurance handles many clinical costs, it often denies essential quality-of-life needs. For French, the most critical missing piece is a caregiving companion. Without assistance, simple daily tasks—like preparing a meal, managing medications, or physically getting to a doctor’s appointment—are nearly impossible.
That is where the community steps in.
The funds raised during the Dining for Donors event are strictly earmarked for these verified medical and related expenses. Because the money is managed by Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit, donors can be assured the funds are secure, and contributions are tax-deductible.
Event Details
The event runs all day on Friday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Local Lodge 282, located at 103 N Main Avenue in Lake Placid.
The $10 ticket secures a plate of pasta marinara, a slice of bread, and a choice of sweet tea, unsweet tea, or water.
Organizers are making it easier for locals to participate by offering delivery to addresses in both Lake Placid and Sebring. Those opting for delivery just need to specify their address during the online checkout process.
How to Help
- Order a Meal: Tickets can be purchased online at https://events.helphopelive.org/event/6810/signup/
- Donate Directly: Those unable to attend or order food can still support French’s campaign by donating at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/24384/
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
