Branson, Mo … Christian Action Ministries, which operates the CAM Food Pantries in Branson and Forsyth, is seeking contemporary, traditional and southern gospel singing groups that are interested in competing for the 12 finalist positions in CAM’s 2nd Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 5th.  Deadline for entries has  been extended until July 16th in order to accommodate entries from a multi-state area, as well as local artists.  The 12 finalists, to be selected by a preliminary judging panel, will perform at the beautiful Sight & Sound Theatres venue in Branson.  Entry forms are available at www.christianactionministries.org and there is no entry fee for the contestants.

Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys and The Jordanaires will again emcee the event.  World-renowned tenor and Branson performer George Dyer will open the show and then join the celebrity judging panel, which also includes Ben Dutton of The Dutton Family, and Ronnie Page.  Last year’s winners, Sons of the Silver Dollar, will wrap things up with an appearance at the end of the show and announcement of this year’s winners.

The Sing-Off will be held Sunday September 5th from 3 PM to 6 PM at Branson’s Sight & Sound Theatres,  home to the show “Noah – The Musical”.  First place will winner will receive $1,500, second place $1,000 and third place $500.

CAM’S Gospel Sing-Off is 2010’s major fundraiser to support the CAM Food Pantry, which provided services to 5,881 families in 2009, accounting for assistance to 14,817 individuals in Taney County.  This marked an increase of 34% over 2008, and 2010 numbers are ranging even higher.

CAM is also looking for area businesses to help sponsor the event with an advertising presence in the show’s program.  According to CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke, the goal for sponsorships is $30,000 and participation ranges from $2,000 , which includes a full-page ad, through $250 for an honorable mention.  Burke reinforced that a successful fundraising is critical to the continuing operation of the CAM Food Pantries.

Tickets for the event are available through Sight & Sound Theatres reservations at 1-800-377-1277, at the Sight & Sound Theatres lobby box office, or through the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.  Reserved seat tickets are a $12 donation for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

For more information,  contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157

Branson, MO —The Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain Drive is Branson’s first Holiday Inn Express featuring the brand’s new sign. This signage is part of the $1 Billion dollar global relaunch of the Holiday Inn brands.

“The relaunch is a result of research showing what matters most to guests—a modern contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service and a great night’s sleep,” stated Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels. Relaunched hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express on Green Mountain Drive feature upgraded and decluttered lobby areas, the Holiday Inn Express signature scent and sound, new exterior lighting, new signage with the redesigned logo and more.”

Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations for Myer Hotels noted that “All Holiday Inn Express employees will also go through an extensive Stay Real training program to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.”

The Holiday Inn Express is also putting the final touches on many extensive enhancements which include a new indoor pool, hot tub, game room, exercise room, gift shop and ticket services. “We are excited to enhance this hotel and give travelers even more reasons to stay with us,” said Myer.

The 120-room hotel is located at 2801 Green Mountain Drive in the Thousand Hills area of Branson, off Highway 76 Country Boulevard—just minutes to the shopping, dining and entertainment venues of Branson and features an extensive list of guest amenities including the complimentary Express Start® hot breakfast bar.

About Myer Hotels
In the lodging business for over 40 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for 28 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express – Green Mountain Drive. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.

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Andy Williams Moon River Grill is hosting a fundraiser to help local animal charities. All summer kids eat for $1 which will be donated to the Killuminati Foundation – a local dog rescue, and SNAP – a group offering low cost spay and neuter procedures.

Andy Williams and his wife Debbie have rescued dogs of their own and have helped save many others by finding their forever families. Saving lives through adopting death row dogs and the importance of spaying/neutering pets are significant causes the Williams want to spotlight.

The amount of pets that are not spayed or neutered in our area is extremely high and many estimate that the average number of pets euthanized yearly in each state is around 300,000. Sterilized pets tend to live an average of 2 to 3 years longer than unsterilized pets. Pets that are spayed or neutered also have less risk of cancer, diseases and are less likely to roam and in turn less likely to be injured in a fight or get hit by vehicles as well as keeping numbers of unplanned litters down. Half of the animals sitting in an animal shelter at any given time will be adopted, while the other half will be killed.

By eating at the Moon River Grill this summer, you can help the Killuminati Foundation and SNAP save more lives now through Labor Day weekend.

For more information about the Killuminati Foundation, contact Jeanna Callahan at [email protected] or go to www.thekilluminatifoundation.org. For more information about SNAP,
visit www.snap123.org or call 417-823-SNAP.

Join us in Branson, Missouri August 26-30, 2010 for 3 Days of “Crazy Quilting” taught by expert quilters Kathy Kansier, Jim Gaitling and Betty Pillsbury.

These incredible teachers will teach you fantastic crazy quilt techniques while you work on wonderful projects designed just for this retreat!

You will enjoy Breakfast & Lunch each day, a welcome reception, quilting round the clock if you like, 4 night hotel accommodations, snacks, door prizes and much more! Space is limited so you will want to register today!
Go to www.bransonquilting.com or call 417 889-8040.