Area Catholic students sell coupon books to benefit schools

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The annual “You Can Lend A Hand” luncheon took place Friday to mark the end of this year’s coupon book sales, sponsored by Quality Dining Inc.

Area Catholic students participated in selling coupon booklets for $3 during the entire month of February. 

The booklets feature coupons for Burger King, Chili’s, Papa Vino’s, the South Bend Cubs, Potawatomi Zoo, and more.

For 37 years, Catholic school students throughout 46 schools in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese and Southwest Michigan have raised nearly $11 million selling “You Can Lend A Hand” coupon booklets.

The proceeds from selling the booklets can go to things like tablets or smartboards for some schools. Other schools use the money for special programs within the school.

“These kids are out there raising this money and they’re doing something that’ll help themselves. The name of this program is ‘You Can Lend A Hand’ and the you is them in this case. Going out and making something happen that’s great,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, the Chairman/CEO of Quality Dining Inc.

Bishop Rhoades was the keynote speaker on Friday and Mishawaka Catholic School Choir performed for nearly 400 guests.