Branson Cares For Joplin Keeps on Raising Funds

“Help our Joplin neighbors” was the message the Branson community wanted delivered during the live Branson Cares For Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon, and clearly, generous viewers and concert attendees got the message. As of August 19, 2011, The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) is pleased to announce that $202,732.29 of the pledged monies has been collected and a little over $20,000 in pledges is still outstanding. “To have over 90% of the money collected at this point is amazing,” says Cindy Merry, Branson Show League Marketing Chair, “and we expect to see most of the outstanding pledges collected over the next few weeks. Wouldn’t it be something to be able to say that of the estimated $221,000 pledged on the night of the benefit, we collected a hundred percent? Help us reach that goal – if you’ve pledged a donation, please try and send it in by September 5th as there will be a formal check presentation to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin during that week.”

Renee Johnson, Branson Show League Executive Director adds, “Of the monies already collected the Branson Show League has distributed $45,000 to the Joplin Band Booster account, $5,000 to the St Mary’s Catholic School Music program, and $1,000 dollars each to Palen Music and Hoover Music for instrument repairs. We’re also happy to report that over 300 instruments have been donated for the schools, with an estimated value of roughly $90,000 to $100,000. Funds donated to Joplin Band Booster account will be used for any instruments needing repair. In addition the Joplin High School was given two guitars (valued at approximately $4000) a Taylor provided by Doyle Dykes and a Paul Reed Smith provided by Ricky Skaggs. The balance of the collected funds will go to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin.”

“One hundred percent of all donated monies are going to St John’s Mercy Hospital/Joplin and the Joplin Schools’ music programs,” says Jim Barber, of the Hamner Barber Variety Theatre and President of the Branson Show League. “We’d like to thank the volunteers who have spent an incredible amount of time collecting these donations. As performers, show producers, and those working in the entertainment industry, many of us thought that pulling off a benefit concert and telethon in less then 4 weeks was an amazing feat in and of itself. In reality, to complete the mission means getting the money collected and handed over to the folks in need. From databasing pledges for invoicing to returning hundreds of messages, the volunteers have probably spent more time on this than their full-time jobs. Our volunteers really have shown the Branson spirit of caring both for their neighbors and to make sure the job is done right.”

Timothy Dutton, from the Dutton Family Theatre and Branson Show League Board Member, notes that some of the time intensive process involved deciphering hundreds of different handwriting on pledge forms. “We had somewhere close to 200 calls that we made to verify credit card information as there might be something about the information we couldn’t clearly understand a transposed number or expiration date in most cases.” Timothy adds, “Actually the great thing about this was we talked to quite a lot of nice people who were so happy to be helping Joplin. They were sweet.”

The method of how folks communicated their donation was varied. From the traditional check mailed in to credit cards via phone The Branson Show League tried to accommodate everyone. “Texting a pledge was an interesting new way to get donations,” says Susan Weimar, of the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus and a Branson Show League Board Member, “and we had approximately 100 of those, and of course, we had to call each of them to get their credit card information.”

Donations are still being collected. There are approximately 70 calls still to be made to donors to answer queries, clear up donation information, and arrange for collection of donations. Mike Hughes, of the Hughes Brothers Theatre and Branson Show League Business Chair says, “We want to make sure that we raise every bit of money we can to help our friends in Joplin who were devastated by the EF5 tornado. This media release is an update of where we are right now with collections; however we plan to have a nice presentation event in Joplin the first week of September. So again, please send in your pledge right away…and even if you haven’t pledged, feel free to donate now at JoplinBenefit.com.”

Hollye Gurley, from the Baldknobbers Theatre and Branson Show League Membership Chair, notes that “you can visit JoplinBenefit.com and still download the heart-touching songs created for Joplin by our local stars. The songs are Just Hold On by Trey Wilson, Jason Robinson, and Michael W. Davis (a.k.a. Fall Creek Road) and the Joplin Song by Doug Gabriel. A hundred percent of those proceeds also go to help St. John’s Mercy Hospital.”

Ann Stafford, of the Jim Stafford Theatre and Branson Show League Vice-President, adds, “We are truly thankful for the blessing of all the folks who helped achieve this resoundingly successful benefit. There’s a vast list of people who deserve a pat on the back for this community effort to help Joplin. While this particular press release doesn’t name all of those who helped, we do want to continually acknowledge the support of so many. On behalf of our Branson Cares For Joplin committee and the Branson Show League we’d like to say to our performers, production crews, writers, technical teams, those in the telephone room, the on-air talent, benefit organizers, promoters, broadcasters, donation collectors; to those who provided transportation, donations, meals, tickets, services, and silent auction items; and to those who donated time and money; and to anyone who has helped raise these monies; job well done!”

Donations to the Joplin relief effort may be made to:
Branson Cares Joplin Benefit
c/o The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers
Post Office Box 5083
Branson, Missouri 65615
Or by visiting www.JoplinBenefit.com

The CAM food pantries in Branson and Forsyth are two of the 300 local food pantries served by our regional food bank, Ozarks Food Harvest. Through this food bank, CAM is able to purchase quantities of food at reduced pricing due to the national corporate donors to the food bank. Additionally the food bank also distributes the monthly federal commodities to the member pantries.

In recent weeks Ozark Food Harvest has sent over 100 semi-truckloads of food to the recovery effort in Joplin, and continue to send 15 truckloads per week. This has obviously put additional stress on the food bank’s ability to service the 300 local food pantries, including CAM. In the interim, these food pantries also continue to experience spikes in demand due to the economy and due to people relocating from the Joplin area. Additionally, according to Ozarks Food Harvest, corporate donations are down as major contributors have earmarked good for Joplin as well.

Taney County residents, businesses, and organizations fully support the efforts to assist our neighbors in Joplin during this time of dire need. However, over 1,000 families per month in Taney County are also turning to CAM for help in keeping food on the table for their families.

According to CAM Director Pat Davis, “Our commodities order for this month has been reduced to three items, and even those are less than normal. With this continuing level of demand and reduced assistance from the food bank, CAM has to spend substantially more money to purchase food to serve the needs of our county residents. This is putting considerably extra stress on our budget and we really need the community to rally around in support of CAM. After all, CAM has always been about neighbors helping neighbors.”

CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke identified several ways that the community can help CAM at this point in time:

• Support CAM’s upcoming 3rd Annual Gospel Sing-Off fundraiser at Sight & Sound Theatre on September 4th by becoming a sponsor for the event and by purchasing tickets to attend the Sing-Off.
• Commit to a regular monthly donation to CAM.
• Make a singular donation to CAM.
• Conduct a food drive for CAM.
• Make a personal food donation.
• Support CAM with your prayers.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 15 percent of American households, or more than 17 million people, didn’t have enough food to eat at some point in 2009. That’s the highest figure since the USDA began gathering data in the 1990s.
Looking at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food insecurity list Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, rank among the top 11. Food insecurity is defined as lacking consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.

People seeking help at CAM are provided a 3-day supply of nutritional food items for each member of their family. Selections are based on the federal nutritional food pyramid and special needs of individuals. In addition to the two food pantries, CAM operates a mobile outreach program to eastern Taney County communities, and due to a grant also operates bi-monthly food drops in Forsyth.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157 or visit www.christianactionministries.org.

Carl is a longtime entertainer/musician who has worked with many shows, including Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Tony Roi, Cassandre, Leona Williams, Red Hot & Blue, 14 Karat Country, among others. He also worked as a Stone County Deputy Sheriff, as well as an officer for the Branson West Police Department. Carl is suffering from late stage Lymes Disease which has attacked many areas of his body and resulted in a heart attack, brain tumor, and osteoarthritis in his joints, just to name a few. He has been unable to work for the last year and is facing many more months of rehabilitation and surgeries, leaving him and his family in financial dire straits. In true Branson spirit, Carl’s friends, neighbors, and fellow performers are coming to the rescue!

Sponsored by Clay Cooper Theatre, Branson West Police Department, Bill Merritt and Merritt Family Auctions

For Tickets Call
Local: 417-332-2529
Toll Free: 877-317-2604

$15.00 minimum donation

www.claycoopertheatre.com
Clay Cooper Theatre
3216 West Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616

By: Ashley Bench

The Ralph Foster Museum will accept paintings for the White River Painting Exhibit Nov. 1– 14, 2011. The Museum hosts this annual juried exhibit to honor the unique Ozarks heritage and to express the Museum’s mission of providing rich, learning experiences about the Ozarks culture through the arts. The White River Painting Exhibit and Sale will take place in the Museum’s Edwards Art Gallery Nov. 15 – Dec. 15.

Artists from throughout the Ozarks region are invited to submit paintings that reflect their personal views of what is important to them about the Ozarks. Themes of paintings might reflect an artist’s impressions about the environment, the beauty of the region, history, family, fishing, agriculture, tourism, community, education, architecture, transportation or entertainment.

A limit of two paintings created within the past 2 years may be submitted at the Ralph Foster Museum from Nov. 1 – 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entry fee is $5 for one painting. Artists may call 417-690-2603 or e-mail [email protected] for guidelines and entry forms.

Dr. Wade Thompson, Art and Design Head of the College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State University, will serve as this year’s juror.

The Awards Ceremony and Gallery Talk will take place on Thursday Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., in Edwards Art Gallery. A reception will follow the ceremony and guests will have the opportunity to purchase paintings.

11th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Opens the Door to Picturesque
Table Rock Lake Residences While Raising Money for Local Charities

The tour, presented by Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock Lake, will take place December 2-3
KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. – Come and explore a collection of picturesque homes during the 11th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes presented by Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock Lake, Inc. The tour will take place December 2-3, 2011, and give visitors the opportunity to peek inside a variety of Table Rock Lake’s unique private residences, all dressed for the holidays. The homes, covering a variety of architectural styles, will be available for tour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The ticket purchase opens the door to the fun of exploring some of most beautiful and interesting homes nestled in the arms of the Ozark Mountain Country of Southwestern Mo. and situated near one of the nation’s most popular entertainment and leisure destinations Branson, Mo. The featured homes on tour will be unveiled in mid-June at www.hometour.nftrl.org.

Tickets are $15 and available starting November 1, 2011. Ticket outlets include Harter House, Peoples Bank, Kimberling Area Library, Metropolitan Bank and Table Rock Community Bank in Kimberling City and Country Mart and Stone County Bank in Branson West. On the days of the tour, tickets may be purchased at the headquarters at Kimberling Area Library or at the featured homes. Reservations are not necessary, and free parking is available at all houses. Each house will have guides available.

The tour also includes access to an expansive holiday boutique featuring local crafts, baked goods, silent auction items and raffle drawings. Raffle prizes include a fishing expedition with professional fisherman Stacey King. Complimentary tea, coffee and cookies will be provided and a light lunch will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Christmas Tea Room, located at the tour headquarters at the Kimberling Area Library.

All proceeds from the Christmas Tour of Homes, including the Stacey King raffle, will be donated to various Stone and Taney county community outreach programs.

To learn more about the Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock Lake Christmas Tour of Homes, the recipients of last year’s grants and the organization visit www.nftrl.org.

Kingsgate Castle, one of four homes being featured in the Home tour.

(Branson, MO)  –  Start keeping score and start living a healthier life through Skaggs Regional Medical Center’s newest program, My Life.   It’s designed to identify key areas needing attention, helping you live a healthy lifestyle.

Do you know what your BMI is?  How about your cholesterol ratio?  And do you know what those numbers SHOULD be?  Pick up a My Life score card and get the answers at the next Skaggs Community Health Screening, scheduled for June 24, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., at Skaggs Medical West, #2 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, Missouri.

No appointment is needed for the following screenings:  Cholesterol, $10 (12-hour fast is required); PSA, $10; colorectal occult blood test kit, $5; and body mass index (BMI), height, weight, blood pressure, and hearing, FREE.  For more information call Skaggs Community Relations, (417) 335-7140.

Skaggs Community Health Screening
Skaggs Medical West
#2 Kimberling Blvd.
Kimberling City, MO 65686
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.