Child Care Aware of Missouri's Fifth Annual Walk Fundraiser
Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) will host its fifth annual “2000 Steps To Make A Difference” walk on Saturday, Sept. 21. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support CCAMO’s statewide programs aimed at enhancing early care and education of children during their crucial first 2,000 days of life.
The walk will follow a 0.6-mile paved trail and features family-friendly activities including yard games, emergency vehicles for children to explore, an online silent auction, and snacks. Attendees will also have access to the park’s newly updated splash pad and playground.
Founded in 1999, Child Care Aware of Missouri is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.
Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 per child 12 and under and $10 per person for virtual participation. Register for the fundraiser at https://child-care-aware-of-missouri.networkforgood.com/events/72126-two-thousand-steps-to-make-a-difference-walk-2024.
Pony Up For A Derby Day Fundraiser!
May’s annual Kentucky Derby is always a spectacular spectacle. Who doesn’t love seeing the over-the-top toppers the attendees wear? Come celebrate the Run for The Roses at a Kentucky Derby-themed event on Saturday, May 6.
By Peg Cameron Gill
Bring your best hat-titude to a Derby Day bash hosted by The Alliance of Southwest Missouri (SWMO). The Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser, "An Afternoon at the Races," will take place Saturday, May 6, from 3 to 6 pm at Adaline Acres in Carl Junction, Mo.
Saddle up for a good time as you view the “mane” event live. Get creative at a hat-decorating station. Compete in a showy chapeau contest. Wager what you’re willing on simulated horse races. Sip some mint juleps. Try your luck at a raffle, and a silent auction. All to benefit the Alliance of SWMO.
The organization is celebrating 25 years of service this year, and will unveil its new logo and updated branding at the event.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $30 through The Alliance website, or for $35 at the door.
What a great way to watch the 149th installment of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” You bet-tor believe it’ll be a fun time!
The Alliance of SWMO exists to make Southwest Missouri the safest place for children to thrive. The 501(c)3 organization does this by offering education and resources for children and their families in Jasper, Newton, Barton, and McDonald Counties. Support from the community makes its programming possible.
The Alliance advances the well-being of kids and the grown-ups in their lives. It champions critical issues, aligns leaders, and delivers solutions where they’re needed most. The organization exists to prevent and alleviate childhood trauma in Southwest Missouri and promise to do what needs to be done to keep the kids in its community safe.
Since 1998, The Alliance has evolved and grown tremendously to serve its local communities better. It offers activities and programs to a four-county service area at minimal or no cost to qualifying residents. The Alliance is that “hand-up” to the children and families of Southwest Missouri, and will continue to work hand in hand with its many outstanding community partners and neighbor agencies.
The Alliance’s most current statistics show it has served 25,000 clients, clocked 6,500 volunteer hours, and impacted 10,000 children. This Derby Day fundraiser’s a great way to help!
For a fun fact about Derby winners, check out this link from Missouri Life. For another fun article on speedy steeds and their riders – who weren't necessarily Derby duets – check out this story.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
Sink Your Teeth Into a Fun Fundraiser
Does the world really need another chili cook-off? Two Missouri organizations didn't think so. They said “Bean there, done that” and came up with a unique and fun fundraising alternative. Don’t fret, you still get to sample something yummy.
If you’re someone who “relishes” dips – whether they’re cheesy, chunky, or chocolatey, you won’t want to miss the inaugural Dip-Off fundraiser happening Saturday, Jan. 21 in Rolla. The event is co-sponsored by The Rolla Mission and LBGTQ Rolla.
The Dip-Off is the brainchild of Shasta Johnson, president of LGBTQ Rolla. Tired of spaghetti dinners and not a fan of chili, Shasta pitched the idea of a Dip-Off to Sara Buell, marketing and donor relations manager of The Rolla Mission, when the two were brainstorming fundraiser ideas. You could say Sara was bowled over by its originality.
Dip-so-maniacs were asked to register their dip and pay a $10 entry fee. There were 4 categories available: savory, sweet, cheese, and miscellaneous. Each category was capped at 10 dips. The dip makers also were asked to supply a “conveyance” for their dip, namely veggies, chips, crackers, bread, etc…
So far, Shasta says she has received entrees for Dip Louise (a sweet and fluffy dip for cookies or fruit), hummus, savory 1960s party dip, sweet bacon onion dip, cheese ball, buffalo chicken dip, pizza dip, and apple pie dip. Those oughta whet your appetite!
Each dip will have a descriptor card detailing its ingredients and flagging any potential food allergies. Single-serve cups of each dip entry – enough for a bite or two – will be offered along with the maker’s chosen edible “dipping device,” such as crackers.
This is where you come in. For just $5 (ages 12 and under free), you get to sample an array of delightful dips in each of the 4 categories (potentially 40 different dips!) and then vote for your fave in each category. Tasting takes place between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with final judging and prizes being awarded between 12:30 and 1 p.m.
The winners will receive bragging rights plus a cool custom-made prize that's cooking-related. Although the Dip-Off is being held in the auditorium of CrossRoads at 708 Main St. in Rolla, Mo., the event has no religious affiliation.
If you’re a dip devotee – or even just want to contribute to a good cause, check out this novel noshing event. Here’s hoping The Rolla Mission and LGBTQ Rolla have found a recipe for success with it!