People Are Awesome: Rotary fund to provide annual grants; Darr family aids foster program
Rotary Club supports local charities
A new funding initiative will provide an estimated $30,000 annually to support local charities.
Over the past eight years, the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast has raised more than $500,000 through various fundraisers and donations. Yearly dividends from this fund will soon be disbursed to local charities on the front lines of pressing issues including poverty, abuse, hunger, health, education, and safety.
"The establishment of this fund represents a milestone in our commitment to the Springfield community," said Dr. Steve Rice, chairman of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast Endowment. "Our mission has always been to create lasting change, and with these funds, we are poised to support vital programs that tackle our most challenging issues head-on.”
The funding initiative promises to be a sustainable resource for local nonprofits. Preference will be given to organizations that focus on children's issues and community safety. By providing annual grants, the Rotary Club ensures that these organizations can continue their work with less financial pressure and more consistent partnership.
This program was officially unveiled during a special Rotary luncheon May 16.
Bills Backers donate to Bridges for Youth
The 417Mafia: Bills Backers of Southwest Missouri presented a $900 check to local charity Bridges for Youth on May 10.
Established in 2022 by Wally Charbonneau, Chris Neyenhouse and Matt Puccio, the 417 Mafia is an official Buffalo Bills Backers chapter based in Springfield. They gather for every Buffalo Bills game at The Pitch Pizza & Pub at 2924 E. Sunshine St.
This past football season, the 417 Mafia raised a total of $3,100 for Charities based in the Ozarks including: Lost & Found Grief Center, Honor Flight of the Ozarks and Bridges for Youth through various raffles and fundraisers held at the gatherings.
Bridges for Youth, which operates six free after-school youth centers for children in Springfield, Marshfield and Strafford, is a 501c3 non-denominational Christian organization funded through donations.
The donation for Bridges for Youth was raised from a silent auction held at the 417Mafia's member appreciation banquet held after the end of the season.
Rick’s Automotive Student Lounge open
Ozarks Technical Community College dedicated the Rick’s Automotive Student Lounge on May 9. The lounge is in the newly remodeled Industry and Transportation Technology Center.
In 2022, Rick and Karen Hughlett donated to the new Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing to establish a student lounge in the PMC. Rick Hughlett and his wife, Karen, have a long history with OTC. He attended the precursor to OTC, the Graff Area Vocational-Technical Center. OTC absorbed Graff Vo-Tech when the college was created.
In 1980, the Hughletts founded Rick’s Automotive. Not long after the college opened its doors, Rick Hughlett became involved with OTC on the automotive technology advisory board. Later, the college asked Rhimick to serve on the OTC Foundation Board, a position he still holds. In addition to the donations establishing the two student lounges, Rick’s Automotive also invests in other OTC Foundation initiatives.
Knock down homelessness, bowling pins
A Memorial Day weekend event will serve as the official kickoff and fundraiser for a new program that aims to help local residents living in shelters move into their own homes.
The bowling event, “Knocking Down Homelessness, One Pin At A Time,” will be held 1 p.m. May 26 at Century Lanes in Nixa. The event will serve as a fundraiser for Community Credit Counseling Service of the Ozarks’ “Say Yes To The Address” program. The program combines financial literacy with one-on-one counseling, and helps clients create their own action plans. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a utilities deposit and rental application fee. The event will feature a bowling ball raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and a $10 entry strike pot. Admission is $50 at the door. Century Lanes is located at 855 W. Tracker Road in Nixa.
Darr Family matches donations for foster program
Throughout May, National Foster Care Awareness Month, every donation made to Council of Churches of the Ozarks’ Ambassadors for Children program will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, by the generous contribution of the Bill and Virginia Darr family.
In 2023, foster care provided a vital foundation of stability and care for 12,790 children, nurturing their growth and fostering their potential for healthy adulthood. The commitment and compassion of foster parents in the Ozarks ensure that hundreds of children receive the love and support crucial for their well-being and progress.
For more information about the services and agencies of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, visit ccozarks.org.
Elevate Life new program in Branson
Elevate Branson has added a new program, Elevate Life, which includes a group of people exploring life’s deeper questions and empowering each other to navigate through life’s challenges and joys.
The group will meet 6-8 p.m on the second, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays of each month at the Elevate Branson campus, 310 Gretna Road in Branson. The first Thursday of each month we will continue to do Elevate Outreach as we have the last 16 years.
Call 417-239-7818 before 4 p.m. on Thursday to arrange transportation. A free meal is provided.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: People Are Awesome: New Rotary Club fund to provide annual grants
