Big summer in store for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozarks

Katie Davis, the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, has her team selling TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets for $25 this summer.
The Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Katie Davis, has her team selling TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets for $25 this summer.

For days, Keiva Spence resisted the idea. Her mother, already caring for three of Keiva’s cousins, signed her up for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

“I didn’t like meeting new people,” Keiva says now. “But as soon as I met up with my big sister, I got comfortable with it.”

She also found an inspiration. Today, Spence is one of the success stories aided by the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper – a PGA Web.com Tour event that has long benefited local charities for more than 25 years, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

Businesses and golf fans who support the PCCC should know their dollars can be extremely effective – and positive.

For example, the charities receive the full amount of the $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes tickets they sell. Fans who purchase the tickets not only receive entry into the tournament but also chances to win gift cards as well as $10,000 and even a 2015 Ford Mustang.

Businesses can sponsor various events of the PCCC and also donate gift cards valued at least $25 each.

For Spence, the charity’s support led to a Big Sister who helped her tap into a passion for the arts. Now Spence is completing her freshman year at Penn State University and chasing a dream, double majoring in African-American studies and digital directing. It could lead to a career in setting up scenes and photo shoots for movies and commercials.

“She helped me discover things that I didn’t know I was good at,” Spence said. “I used to doodle, and she encouraged me to enter into art contests. In fact, she bought water paint sets, and she entered me in contests – and I won. She really pushed me to be more involved in art.”

The tournament, scheduled Aug. 13-16 at Highland Springs Country Club, has raised almost $12 million for local charities, including a record $1 million-plus last year.

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SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES

SUPPORT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE OZARKS: Mainly, the organization is always in need of adults who can mentor youths. Call their office at 417-889-3196.

BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses also can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams.

DONATE GIFT CARDS: Restaurants, clothing stores and entertainment stops, can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of their charity of choice, for the daily Golf Ball Charity Auction.

FOR GOLF FANS, WIN PRIZES: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket means a four-day pass to the PCCC on Aug. 13-16 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as daily chances to win gift cards from the local businesses. You’re also automatically entered to win a $10,000 prize and a 2015 Ford Mustang.

FOR TICKETS: Contact the local charity of your choice, simply because they receive revenue directly from those TLC Property Charity Sweepstakes tickets marked with their names.

CONTACTS: Call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.

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Keiva Spence is now a freshman at Penn State University after finding inspiration through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.
Keiva Spence is now a freshman at Penn State University after finding inspiration through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

HOW THE PCCC HELPS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

PCCC dollars supplement Big Brothers Big Sisters’ budget, Executive Director Katie Davis said. The small staff tries to recruit and market to area adults whose positive, one-on-one mentoring could lift up children from challenging backgrounds.

“We’ve seen that at the one-year mark is where the positive effectives start occurring in the children,” Davis said.

By partnering with the PCCC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks also tries to meet a major need – men as Big Brothers.

“The more our name can be out there the better,” Davis said. “Especially at a golf-related event that is tailored for a male audience, it hits our target.”