​Our Story…
In February of 2024, Lou Rigney was talking with Father Clement Okeke about his annual trip back to his hometown of Ogboji, Nigeria, with Father sharing stories and pictures of his trip. What stood out, above and beyond the beautiful orphanage Father had recently helped get built, was the substantial needs that they were living without. When asked if they had any other projects that they were looking to take on, Lou found out about their overwhelming need for clean water. Lou knew that he was limited on how he could help overseas, but he knew he could help out locally by putting on a fundraising dinner. Father Clement loved the idea, so the plan was set!
We were well aware of the love and support that so many have for Father, so we knew it wasn’t going to be an impossible task, but what we found out as we talked to others about the organization’s mission, was that there were many, many others that were more than interested in being a part of this effort.
It was Josh Lacore (Treasurer) and Alexei Lukban (Business Development) that were the first ones to join Life Well, helping create a much needed team to help navigate, not just the initial fundraising efforts, but to help create a sustainable organization that put integrity first. Being no strangers to the oversite and development of other community organizations, they made an immediate impact. Josh jumped in head first helping organize Life Well’s structure, finances, all while helping piece together our first event. Alexei took the lead on writing grant proposals and marketing this event to circles far out of our reach.
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Our Founders
Lou Rigney - President
Lou, and his wife Paula, are the parents of two very loving, spunky girls, Isabella and Elizabeth (Izzy and Lizzy). Lou is frequently looking for that next adventure to take them all on, whether it is backpacking in the Sierra Nevada’s or building a tree house in the hills. He is constantly looking to take on anything that will benefit his family and community, from volunteering with Hospice and Knights of Columbus to helping with his daughters’ school and their sporting activities. He has wanted to help on a more global scale but didn’t know what that would look like considering he has a family, and job here in Marin County. When Father Clement told Lou about their needs back in Nigeria he instantly knew this was his opportunity.
Joshua Lacore - Treasurer
Josh was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas to a large Catholic family. After graduating from Benedictine College, he moved out to California and made his way from Santa Cruz, to San Mateo and to San Rafael where he met his wife Amber. After Josh and Amber were married, they moved up to Novato to gain some elbow room and to start a family. Their three children currently attend Our Lady of Loretto school where Amber teaches pre-K. Josh is active in a variety of groups at Our Lady of Loretto church, particularly the Knights of Columbus. Since gaining Fr. Clement Okeke as their pastoral associate at OLL, Josh has had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing Fr. Clement's hometown and looks forward to chance to help out their community by the fundraising efforts of Life Well!