Difference Makers moves to Black River Coliseum in 2021

A Daily American Republic employee set a goal a few years ago to eventually host our Difference Makers banquet and celebration in the Black River Coliseum.

The idea for that came when advertising director Christy Pierce first learned of the program and had hopes of it becoming so big the largest venue in Poplar Bluff would be needed.

Her wish has come true.

The newspaper’s first Difference Makers event in 2019 was at the Holiday Inn banquet room and it was a fantastic venue. Little did we know when planning for the event that so many people would show up. It was a little crowded.

Last year’s event was turned into a virtual celebration because of COVID-19.

This year, on Aug. 19, the DAR will host its Difference Makers event in the coliseum. We haven’t decided yet how many people will attend, but it will be many more than the 220 at our first one. We would like to open it up to the public.

“Difference Makers is such an enjoyable program we do each year and we get to honor so many outstanding individuals who help our community,” Pierce said.

“This year, with the extra space the coliseum offers, we will be able to do even more. We’re all looking forward to Aug. 19.”

Difference Makers is a program the newspaper put together in late 2018 and implemented in 2019. We ask our readers to nominate people in our community who volunteer their time and talents to make our area a better place to live.

A panel of judges then narrows the nominees to 10, and those 10 — along with the nominators and families — are honored at the banquet. A Difference Maker of the Year is named that night as well. All of the finalists receive a wonderful gift package from the DAR and area businesses.

A meal will also be served.

“I didn’t know what to expect when we hosted our first event. The room was decorated so nice, people enjoyed the fellowship, and the finalists were so emotional telling their stories,” Pierce recalled.

Since last year’s event was virtual, the 10 finalists will be invited to this year’s banquet and they will be recognized along with the 2021 finalists.

The DAR believes in giving back to the community as well. Part of the Difference Makers program is the newspaper giving a portion of its net profits to a local charity.

This year’s recipient will be FosterAdopt Connect.

The organization’s website states, “FosterAdopt Connect works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative tools, a dedicated professional staff, and over 20 years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems, we’re equipped to connect children with families that provide love, healing, and stability for a brighter future.”

The organization will conduct a Sock & Undie Rundie fundraiser on May 15 at McLane Park. Entry fee for the 5K run/walk is $25 plus new socks and underwear for children. The event starts at 9 a.m.

If you would like to participate or help sponsor the event, please contract program director Mary Haldeman at 573-552-4295.

In 2019 the DAR contributed $3,633.60 to the United Gospel Rescue Mission, and The Bread Shed received $3,029.26 in 2020.

We’re hoping to conduct a silent auction on the night of the banquet to raise additional funds.

Several area businesses have already joined the DAR to help sponsor this year’s event.

They include:

• Presenting Sponsor — Saint Francis Healthcare System.

• Gold Level — Kissinger & Kirkman.

• Silver Level — Key Drugs, Quality Air, and Bank of Missouri.

• Copper Level — Poplar Bluff Schools, Productive Staffing, Kurt Knodell, Century 21-Rick Lansford, Envy Boutique, Baker Implement, Lisa Reynolds, and Christian Tire.

There is still time to become a sponsor for the event. If you’re interested, contact Pierce or Stacie McElhaney at 573-785-1414. All sponsors receive an advertising package for their business and also recognition with all promotional material.

Thank you for reading the DAR.

Chris is publisher of the DAR and can be reached at cpruett.dar@gmail.com