Local Business Raising ‘Dough’ in Honor of Beloved Late Grand Blanc Teacher

Helping one another is the backbone of a community, and nothing proves that more than the way local businesses in Grand Blanc rally in support of their own, and usually at the forefront is a fan-favorite hometown bakery.

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If there is someone or something in need there's a good chance Scott Sassack of Great Harvest Bread Co. on Perry Road will be involved, and when it's personal, you can guarantee it. That's just the case with an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's signature event Light the Night. Not only is Sassack supporting an incredibly worthy cause, but he's honoring the memory of a dear friend and beloved teacher from Grand Blanc.

Lisa Hoffman-Gumbleton was a Grand Blanc grad and popular teacher in the Grand Blanc School District for 27 years, most of those years being spent at  Myers Elementary teaching Kindergarten, and 1st -3rd grades. To say she was loved by all is an understatement. Lisa touched everyone's life daily.

Gumbleton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on her birthday in October of 2012. Her chemotherapy treatments worked at first until a Flit3 chromosome mutation was detected prompting a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), which she had in January of 2013. A month later her family was told she had just 2 months to live.

Because miracles do happen, hubby Rick Gumbleton proposed to her that day in February and the couple was married in April. Just two days after the wedding they were told the BMT was working. The miracle gave them another 6 ½ years together during which time Lisa fought with poise and grace until she gained her wings in July of 2019.

Since Lisa's passing, Rick has been set on keeping her legacy alive by raising funds and awareness for those battling Leukemia and Lymphoma and good friend Scott Sassack has been right by his side and they are joining forces once again.

In Honor of Lisa

On October 1st, Great Harvest Bread Co. will be raising funds for blood cancer patients and families and aid in research and resources needed. During the fundraiser, 100% of all baked goods sales will go to aid local blood cancer patients.

"We normally are closed on Sundays, but what we do is open on that day and bake roughly 200-300 loaves of bread and between 500-1000 cookies and donate 100% of the funds to a cause", Sassack told us. "The biggest reason why I am getting involved with the fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is because of the close relationship I have with Lisa and her husband Rick. Lisa was a Myers Elementary school teacher whom I got to know from my girls a long time ago when they were in school".

Sassack added the event is a great way for the community to come together and make a difference in honor of one very special teacher who touched the hearts of so many.

For more information on the event or how you can help call or text Rick Gumbleton at (810) 217-3701.