Sallie Mae, Newark, surprised 12-year-old cancer survivor and budding chef Lucas Hobbs of Eagan, MN with $10,000 for college on The Rachael Ray Show.
The money will be deposited into a Upromise GoalSaver account – Sallie Mae’s free, no-fee, goal-based savings account – to help Lucas save for college and pursue his passion to help others.
“I was so surprised not only to cook with Rachael Ray but also to be recognized by her especially for something I enjoy doing so much: helping others,” said Lucas. “To also receive $10,000 from Sallie Mae is just amazing and I know it will help me save for college and continue to make a difference in my community.”
Lucas was featured on the nationally syndicated The Rachael Ray Show after using his Make-A-Wish Foundation wish to pay it forward to the people who helped him fight his illness.
Lucas asked for a food truck, which he’s used since July, to serve staff and patients at the Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, officers at Minneapolis police headquarters, members of his church, and others in the Minneapolis area with a full menu of food he cooked and prepared.
“Lucas is a rock star,” Ray said. “Deepest appreciation to our friends at Sallie Mae; they were so moved by Lucas’ selflessness.”
Sallie Mae’s Upromise GoalSaver is a free, no-fee, FDIC-insured online savings account that makes it easy for families to save for college and other goals all in one place.
Families simply set a goal, save toward it via automatic or individual deposit and track their progress.
Upromise members have earned more than $900 million in cash-back rewards for college.
“When we learned of Lucas’ amazing story and tireless efforts to thank those who helped him overcome his illness, we knew we wanted to help,” said Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “Lucas has a true passion for helping others, and it’s clear this is just the beginning. We are excited to see what’s next for him and thrilled to provide this down payment for his college education.”
Sallie Mae recommends the 1-2-3 approach to saving for college: first, open a savings account; second, set a goal and regularly contribute money.
