Newcomer Enters Lutz Guv'na Race

A newcomer has entered the Lutz Guv’na race.

Lauren Leahey, membership vice president for the GFWC Pasco Junior Woman's Club, thinks it’s “very possible” she could beat our her fellow competitors for the honorary title.

“I do have a whole lot of ideas to bring in more funds to help me,” she said. “I’m going to put my best foot forward.” 

For those not in the know, the Lutz Guv’na race is a faux-political event that finds candidates competing to raise the most money, which all goes to Lutz-area nonprofits. Candidates will hold a series of fundraisers leading up to July 4, when the winner will be announced. The person who raises the most money wins, getting sworn in on a copy of Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham." It has been an annual tradition for more than two decades.

Leahey, who works during the day in human resources, said her club was contacted by race organizers who were looking for some fresh faces. Being one of the only members who lives in Lutz, Leahey said, she was a natural selection.

“I don’t mind being goofy,” she said, referring to the light-hearted nature of the Lutz Guv’na race. “At the same time I can hold a good number of fundraisers.”

Leahey said it is extra meaningful to be a part of the race in 2013 — Lutz’s 100^th birthday.

“It’s a centennial so we need a great big party for Lutz,” she said.

The Woman's Club announced Leahey's entrance in an email last week.

"We are open and looking for ideas for fun one day event/ideas to help raise funds for Lauren, our Guv’na candidate," the group wrote. "Let’s all jump behind her and raise money for Lutz, Club awareness and hopefully gain some new members along the race!"

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