To Bolivar High School senior 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.”
Polk County KLIFE certainly can be a positive influence in the lives of young people, and is hoping to expand its reach with your help. The non-profit is new this year to the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper, a PGA Web.com Tour stop in August in Springfield.
The tournament has generated almost $12 million for Ozarks-area children’s charities, including a record $1 million-plus last year alone. Here’s how to help this year’s 45 charities, including Polk County KLIFE:
SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES
- HELP POLK COUNTY KLIFE: The Bolivar-based non-profit is a youth ministry focused on mentoring, coaching and disciplining teens. To help or donate through the PCCC, call 417-266-3500.
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Call the PCCC staff at 417-887-3400.
- BUSINESS GIFT CARDS: Restaurants, clothing stores and entertainment stops and such are asked to 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.
- FOR GOLF FANS, WIN PRIZES: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket enters you to win daily prizes during the tournament. You’re also entered to win grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2015 Ford Mustang – and you can see the golfers, too. A ticket also serves as a four-day tournament pass.
- TICKET REVENUE GOES WHERE: Contact the local charity of your choice, simply because they receive revenue directly from those TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets marked with their names.
- WHEN, WHERE: The tournament is Aug. 7-17 at Highland Springs Country Club, with the pros playing beginning Aug. 13.
- CONTACT: Call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
About Polk County KLIFE
Roberts is emblematic of KLIFE’s success stories. She’s now a leader in the organization’s “klubs” and has found a calling. She is more out-going and is on the dance team at Bolivar High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Southwest Baptist University and pursue 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. This past spring, it was a trip to Silver Dollar City.
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 Polk County KLIFE, 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.”