You can share some quality time with a kid by taking them to lunch.

The Manteca-Lathrop Boys & Girls Club is staging a steak and burger luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. as a kick-off for the 33rd annual telethon.

The $30 ticket buys a steak for a club member and a burger for you. Those attending will be paired with a club member who will sit with them during the two-hour event.

Manteca Ford owner Phil Waterford is serving as master of ceremonies. There will be several former club members who will share how being able to go to the club growing up not only provided them a safe haven but also kept them out of trouble.

Club staff member Mark McCool noted, “it’s the type of thing that’ll tug at your heart.”

A few years back when the club first held steak and burger events, the adults were touched by the stories the kids had to share plus their gratitude for taking time to spend a few hours with them by having dinner.

McCool noted those few hours at past events have had big impacts on the kids attending.

Tickets are available by calling the club at 239-KIDS. Manteca firefighters have volunteered to handle grill duties while GK Music has arranged for entertainment.

The telethon takes place Monday, Nov, 19, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Comcast Channel 97.

The goal this year is to raise $100,000 to club activities for 1,500 youth.

The club is still in need of volunteers to help man the phone banks to raise pledges.

Club board president and Manteca Fire Chief Kirk Waters is coordinating the phone banks. A former Boys Club member in San Mateo, he credits the club for keeping him out of trouble growing up.

To contact Waters for information on helping with the phones call 456-8300.