The local non-profit Friends of Folsom is known through the city of Folsom and beyond for the many ways it helps others in need. From its annual turkey drive that provides 10,000 holiday meals each year to more than 100 local causes and individuals they assist all year long.

The organization is known for fundraising in many grassroots fashions, through unique events and happenings. As its president often will say they, “put the fun in fundraising.

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One of the many ways they set out to help the community throughout the year is something known as their “Final Friday Lunch.”  Taking place on the final Friday of each month at the Eagles Lodge on Scott Street, these events bring members together for the combination of great grub and great giving for a good cause that changes month-to-month. 

Each month a sponsor steps up to cover the cost of all of the groceries and supplies for the lunch which enables the Friends of Folsom to offer a hearty lunch to the community for a great price of $10 in which 100 percent of the proceeds go to the designated cause.

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Friday marked the first Final Friday Lunch of 2023 and the Friends of Folsom started the new year off strong. The crew came together to cook up more than 30 tri-tip roasts and all the fixings as they set out to raise funds for local resident and tradesman Kirt Pryor to assist him after losing his leg.

Folsom’s Aaron Ralls, a well-known Realtor with eXp Realty, who is also known for his longtime ownership of Lucky’s Barbershop, put up the sponsorship funds for event. At the end of the day, more than 120 lunches were served up. 

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“Through the help and financial sponsorship of Aaron Ralls with eXp Real Estate, we will be able to donate over $1,200 to Kirt from the plates sold yesterday,” said Garcia. “Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and made it a great day.”

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To learn more about the Friends of Folsom, visit their website at www.friendsoffolsom.org. or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FriendsOfFolsom. The next Final Friday Lunch will be on March 31 with its cause to be announced in the coming weeks. 

Kirt Pryor (center) poses with Jeff Garcia (left) and Woody Woods of the Friends of Folsom during Friday’s charitable lunch sponsored by Realtor Aaron Ralls (right) that raised $1200 to assist Pryor after the local tradesman lost his leg.
120 lunches were purchased and served to the community Friday, all of which came out to help a local resident in need with the Friends of Folsom. Photos: Courtesy of Sarah Woods