To 2015 Bolivar High School graduate Annie Roberts, a Christ-centered organization called Polk County KLIFE has meant, well, everything.
“I was relatively … not shy but I wouldn’t talk as much. I didn’t have a lot to say. I struggled with self-worth,” said Roberts, a KLIFE member since the sixth grade. “But things changed at KLIFE. It just grows your relationship with the Lord. Being a kid in small groups, it’s been a growing experience and has meant so much.”
Roberts represents one of the many reasons why the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to have KLIFE Polk County on board for a second consecutive year. The tournament, an annual PGA Web.com Tour stop in August in Springfield, has gifted almost $13 million to children’s charities in its 26-year history.
KLIFE certainly can be a positive influence in the lives of young people, and is hoping to expand its reach with your help.
About Polk County KLIFE
Roberts is emblematic of KLIFE’s success stories. She has been a leader in the organization’s “klubs” and has found a calling. She is more out-going and was on the dance team at Bolivar High School. She will attend Southwest Baptist University this school year and is pursuing a degree in secondary education.
You see, she doesn’t shy away from standing in front of a classroom. Helping kids is a top priority.
“My freshman year in high school, I wouldn’t have even thought of SBU,” said Roberts, who wants to move into a leadership role at KLIFE. “Now if you ask me, I don’t want to go anywhere else. I feel like the Lord wants me to be there.”
Through KLIFE, Roberts has achieved just what the organization sets out to do: build relationships centered on the gospel.
The organization began as a follow-up ministry for Kanakuk Kamps in the 1980s, but the ministry has grown to reach both Kanakuk campers as well as students who do not attend Kanakuk.
These days, KLIFE has 31 chapters across the country, and a local board governs each chapter. And, most importantly, organizers try to keep it relevant for today’s youths. The Polk County chapter offers hangouts such as the 5th Quarter following football games, or snow sledding as well as a big trip each semester.
As Roberts put it, “This year, we started workshop clubs and it’s a good way to go from the excitement of games to the excitement of the lesson.”
Ben Salmon, chapter director of KLIFE Polk County, concurs.
“That’s one of the things we like about it,” Salmon said. “Everybody wants to feel they belong. We want to show that (all students) are great and there is a place where they belong.”
RISING STARS, RAISING HOPES
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses also can support the PCCC through various sponsorships. Skyboxes on the 9th and 18th greens are a great way to entertain clients — and we also offer The Ultimate, which includes air-conditioned seating on the 18th green and a chance to win a Corvette Stingray. Or, sponsor the daily newsletter, website, water coolers and so forth. We also have a number of Pro-Ams. Businesses also can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc. and University Plaza.
- WIN A NEW TRUCK: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 daily gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass.
- SEE THE FUTURE OF THE PGA TOUR: The PCCC is from Aug. 5-15, with the pros beginning play on Aug. 11 at Highland Springs Country Club. For tickets or other ways to assist, call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
Dawie vander Walt won the 2015 PCCC (Photo courtesy of StidzMedia) - KLIFE POLK COUNTY: The non-profit is a youth ministry focused on mentoring, coaching and disciplining teens. To help or donate through the PCCC, call 417-266-3500.
