For the non-profit CHANCES of Stone County, helping developmentally disabled is a passion. Yet a couple of challenges always linger – namely, raising awareness and fundraising.
That’s why the non-profit is eager for Saturday, Sept. 8 as it hosts the CHANCES of Stone County Bowl-A-Thon as a way to help spread the word about the good it tries to do in the Ozarks.
The event is set for a 10 a.m. registration and 11 a.m. start at Enterprise Park Lanes in Springfield and features a 50-plus item silent auction as well as a 50-50 raffle. Call it a big endeavor for CHANCES of Stone County, which is among the 49 Ozarks children’s charities of the PGA Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
“One of our biggest challenges is to find people in Stone County who need our support,” said Cherie Smetana, a spokesperson for the non-profit’s Board of Directors and one of its most energetic representatives. “It’s such a rural area. For the kids in schools, we can reach out to their teachers. But for those out of school or being home-schooled, they don’t know about us.”
That’s understandable, considering CHANCES of Stone County was formed as recently as 2009 by a group of parents with developmentally disabled children. The acronym stands for Community Helping Able Neighborhood Citizens Experience Success.
It now has grown to group activities such as its M.A.D. Saturdays where it provides music, art and dance therapies, which brings therapies and experiences to the whole family. Bus trips allow its families to experience the joy of travel and life outside of Stone County.
Recently, CHANCES has rented a room to use as its new home, which will allow them organization to bring life skills and therapies to Stone County instead of families being forced to drive hours for assistance.
Additionally, CHANCES of Stone County has been supported through passage of state Senate Bill 40, the Stone County Developmentally Disability Board, in which a small percentage of property taxes go toward non-profits in Stone County. This year SCDDB was able to provide funding for Camp Barnabas, which CHANCES has done in the past. This freed up some money to be used in other areas. The non-profit also is in its sixth year with the PCCC.
Still, fundraising is a key. That’s why the Bowl-A-Thon has a silent auction featuring numerous items.
“We’re a smaller non-profit, so being a part of the PCCC is our big fundraiser each year,” Smetana said. “This is something we couldn’t have put together on our own. We truly appreciate all of the sponsorship teams and event sponsors.”
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AUCTION ITEMS
Hughes Brothers Theatre: Three Shows: The Hughes Music Show, The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show and Oh Happy Day – Going Back to Gospel
World’s Largest Toy Museum: 4 complimentary tickets
Veterans Memorial Museum: 2 adult vouchers
Grand Country Music Hall: All-Show Pass — 2 complimentary passes for any scheduled show at the Grand Country Music Hall, subject to previous sellout
Nathan Carter Gift Certificate: This is for two to the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre
Eye Care Gift Certificate: Good toward an eye exam, a complete pair of eye glasses or contact lenses at Nixa Family Eye Care or Table Rock Family Vision.
Doug Gabriel Gift Certificate: 2 passes to see Branson’s Entertainer of the Year
Firstgear Rush Mesh Jacket: This is a men’s medium blue/black with removable theromliner
Motorcycle Cover: A Weather All Plus Motorcycle Cover by Motorcycle Guardian Covers
Texport Witner Thinuslate Glove: Men’s small
2000 Missouri Sports Legend — Payne Stewart Artwork: Show off this in your collection, as it features the late Payne Stewart, a two-time U.S. Open and PGA Championship winner in golf.
Sak Original Handbag: In seashell color, zippered pockets in front and inside, magnetic button closure
“Royal Colors” Matted Metallic Print: It’s by Jackie Stoner — size 16 by 16 plus a 50 percent off card of all custom frames at Troy’s Custom Framing
“Stargazer Abstract” Matted Print: By Jackie Stoner. It’s a 12 by 18 plus a 50 percent off card of all custom frames at Troy’s Custom Framing
“Obsurity” Matted Print: By Jackie Stoner. It’s a 12 by 15 plus a 50 percent off card of all custom frames at Troy’s Custom Framing
King’s Castle Theatre Gift Certificate: Two show tickets to any of the productions at the theater.
Portrait Innovations Gift Certificate: This is a $100 gift certificate at any Portrait Innovations studio
Primitive “Outhouse” Storage: For towels, toilet paper, etc. Handcrafted from Ozark cedar with oil finish
Primitive Shell & Paper Towel Rack: Handcrafted from Ozark cedar with oil finish
Original Matted Photo of Boat Near the Ocean: An 18 by 24 by Pat Lambert Photography
Tripplite Surge Protector with Cables: 8 outlets, including three transformer outlets, safety covers, 10-foot cord wright-angle plug and more.
Art to Heart items by Nancy Halvorsen: Give Thanks hanging applique quilt with metal hanger, heart metal hanging basket, five tea towels for projects, three patters and three books
& MUCH MORE!