Adam Lease would be 30 this year. A car crash cut his life short at 17. He was on his way to a soccer game.
Betty and Larry Lease created a memorial scholarship in their son’s name soon after his death. Since then, 28 students have received this sentimental award that remembers a good student, loyal friend, responsible citizen and loving son and brother.
Even after the first year, when the memorial fund balance fell to zero, the Leases continued to subsidize the scholarships on their own.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m friends with Betty Lease, Adam’s mother. She and I used to work together.
I remember the years when Betty baked and sold brownies (Adam’s favorites) to raise money for her son’s scholarship.
Then she came up with the idea of the Adam Lease Memorial Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner and Gift Basket Silent Auction. Each year has been more successful for this community-driven event in the Shasta Elementary School’s cafeteria where Adam’s basketball jersey – No. 24 – is on permanent display.
Dozens of the gift baskets are donated by friends, family and former scholarship recipients.
You should see all the theme baskets, s, each with a different theme: coffee, wine, relaxation, baby boy, baby girl, gardening, exercise, soccer, golf, baking, Easter, and many, many more.
I will also donate a breakfast basket, filled with a freshly baked sour cream coffee cake, orange scones, teas, jams and a cake stand and matching plates.
Betty, Larry and their daughter, Amanda, invite you to this fourth annual Spaghetti Dinner and Gift Basket Silent Auction to benefit the Adam Lease Memorial Scholarship. The event happens Wednesday. Hours are 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Shasta Elementary School on Red Bluff Road in Shasta.
The dinner will be prepared by Jane Heinan, made with items donated by this ever-generous community. This spaghetti dinner is a bargain at only $5 for adults and $3 for ages 10 and under. The event is held in conjunction with the school’s annual open house and book fair.
All proceeds will benefit the scholarship. But, as Adam’s mother pointed out, her son’s memorial scholarship also raises awareness. She wants Adam’s memory to remain fresh in everyone’s minds.
“We want every student at Shasta Elementary School to know about Adam, strive for excellence in school and look forward to applying for the scholarship at graduation,” said Betty.
For information, call the school at 243-1110 or Betty Lease at 515-4763.
