At The Arc of the Ozarks, in its on-campus gym in north Springfield, the proof is there before your eyes.
Nick Koechner? He’s all smiles. Same with his mom. And it’s like this every day as the non-profit hosts its summer camp. One week, it’s all about fitness, the next it’s Hollywood week as campers put on talent shows, followed by aquatics and then heroes – in which they kids head to the Air & Military Museum.
“He loves it,” Mom Denise Koechner said. “And I love it because I know he’s in good hands.”
If you’re wondering how your donations to the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper, here’s further proof. Because at The Arc of the Ozarks, summer camp for 90 kids with developmental disabilities is funded in part by the PCCC.
And now here’s your chance again to help Nick and other kids enjoy summertime, as the calendar meanders to the 26th annual tournament. It’s a PGA Web.com Tour stop which has generated almost $12 million in the past 17 years for local children’s charities.
Here’s how to help:
SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES
- HELP THE ARC OF THE OZARKS: The non-profit oversees children with developmental disabilities and uses 100 percent of donations to its programs. Call 417-864-7887.
- 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.
- BUSINESSES 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 The Arc of the Ozarks
For the Koechner family, The Arc of the Ozarks has been a real blessing. Nick is now 20 and has been a part of the summer camp for years. He’s one of those cool kids unafraid to have fun and smile.
“It’s helped him grow,” Denise said of her son, who previously attended Glendale High School. “He’s become more independent and that’s what we want for our kids.”
The Arc of the Ozarks, now in its 10th season with the PCCC, was formed and incorporated in 1964 and, even today, it puts 100 percent of its donations towards its programs.
In 1959, a small group of parents recognized the need for services for children with developmental disabilities. A support network was built for these children and their families resulting in the 1964 establishment of The Arc.
It now services 700 individuals in 16 southwest Missouri counties and recently expanded into Kansas City. The Arc employs 1,200.
Summer camp draws 45 kids in June and another 45 in July, and the slots fill up quickly after being posted in March. Forty percent of the kids have autism, while others have physical disabilities or developmental disabilities.
Every Monday, for example, the kids attend music therapy at Drury University. Even better, the staff emphasizes that the kids take personal responsibility – such as cleaning up after lunch and so forth.
“I think being part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship is not only about the funds we receive at the end, but the marketing we do to the public,” said Danielle Wise, Development Director of The Arc of the Ozarks. “But it’s also networking with other charities. Instead of competing for the same money, we’re working together to raise as much money as possible. That’s why we’re a huge part of it.”