$250k donation creates Dream Big Fund for local kids in need
JOPLIN, Mo. — As we first told you last week – a quarter of a million dollar donation will help kids through a local nonprofit.
A $250,00 donation to Jasper County CASA will create the Willcoxon Dream Big Fund.
Dr. Robert and Dorothy Willcoxon wanted to establish the fund to fill a gap outside of “normal” CASA funding needs. It will cover things like sports fees and dance lessons for kids – and vocational training for older ones.
It will also support children placed in care outside of the area in group homes or hospitals.
“I think on each individual child it could be priceless. And I think we don’t know yet what all the different avenues are gonna be that will be able to help children, but I think one by one by one, children will see a huge impact. I think we can all remember with our own children, or even ourselves, how something a cheerleading camp may have really impacted our lives, or be able to participate in a sport that you always dreamed of being part of that team. So, I thing we can all remember how that helps shape us when we were young. And we want to be able to do that for kids that, otherwise, just don’t have the opportunity,” said Debi Koelkebeck, Jasper County CASA Exec Dir.
The Willcoxons will be formally recognized during the organization’s annual Light of Hope luncheon next Wednesday at Missouri Southern.
