Difference Makers adds band, open to public

To say there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the Daily American Republic in preparation for this year’s Difference Makers banquet would be a huge understatement.
Since the last time I wrote about the program, we have added a band, silent auction, games with chances to win cash, and a cash bar.
It’s going to be an enjoyable evening as we honor volunteers who help make our community a better place to live.
The DAR’s third annual Difference Makers banquet will be Aug. 19 at the Black River Coliseum. Doors will open at 5:50 p.m. and the event will start at 6:30.
The newspaper will continue to take nominations until July 25, and the nominees will be narrowed to 10 by a panel of judges. Those 10 finalists will be honored at the banquet, and their families and nominators will be invited to participate.
This year’s event is open to the public and the cost is $10. That includes a meal and all the activities. Everyone will need a ticket to attend, and it must be purchased in advance. You may purchase a ticket at the DAR’s office at 208 Poplar St. in downtown Poplar Bluff or call in your order and use a credit card.
We started the Difference Makers program to highlight volunteers who help with many different projects in our area. They are the people who work behind the scenes who normally don’t want any credit. But the DAR believes they deserve recognition, and hopefully others will step up after learning what these volunteers do.
Our first Difference Maker of the Year in 2019 was Becky Winters. She helped start the Project Christmas Promise program in Poplar Bluff over 10 years ago.
Winters is program director for AmeriCorps, which operates under the umbrella of the Poplar Bluff School District.
She helps bring joy to many children in the area come Christmas time thanks to the money she helps raise.
Winters has also served as the bell-ringing coordinator for the Salvation Army’s annual red kettle collections in Poplar Bluff each holiday season. Winters additionally is an active member of the Poplar Bluff Rotary and its efforts to support good behavior programs in the Poplar Bluff School District.
Last year’s Difference Maker of the Year was Dave Elledge. He helps dozens of children through his involvement with Poplar Bluff’s Buddy Ball.
Buddy Ball is a non-profit organization, which provides sports services at no cost to persons with mental and physical developmental disabilities.
Elledge is also involved with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer effort that provides beds to children who would otherwise not have their own place to sleep, and Bright Futures, which meets many needs for Poplar Bluff youth.
Elledge is co-pastor at The Bluff Church in Poplar Bluff.
To nominate someone, go to darnews.com and click on the Difference Maker logo and fill out the form. Please share as much information as possible about your nominee to help the judges determine the finalists.
The DAR is excited to announce the Just Enough band will perform before, during and after the event. They will begin playing at 5:50 p.m.
Band members include Brandon Bates, Justin Parker, and Kenneth Lamb from Poplar Bluff, David Nance from Grandin, and Andrew Faulkner from Piedmont.
According to the band’s Facebook page, the group enjoys “Taking new and old hits and jams and putting our spin on them. Country, rock, pop, even TV themes. We cover it, and we strive to bring you the best show possible and the ‘Just Enough’ sound!”
A portion of the DAR’s net profits from the event, along with all money raised that evening with a silent auction and fun games, will go to this year’s charity recipient, 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.”
Last year’s charity recipient was The Bread Shed, and the 2019 recipient was the United Gospel Rescue Mission.
Items collected so far for the silent auction include:
• A Wahl hot/cold massager from Allen Wellness valued at $40.
• A $400 framed print from Artfully Framed.
• An Echo hand sprayer from B&W Lawnmower Repair & Sales valued at $55.
• A $100 electric toothbrush from Blaich Family Dentistry.
• Billiard balls and other pool items from Charles Schalk.
• A Mammoth cooler from First Midwest Bank valued at $115.
• Wooden lanterns from Hefner Furniture valued at $250.
• A Kate Spade Purse from My Friends Shop valued at $250.
• A flag fence from Orscheln valued at $15.
• Two bottles of Boete’ reserve cabernet valued at $100.
If your business would like to donate to the silent auction, please contact Christy Pierce, Stacie McElhaney or Page Schalk at the DAR.
Those in attendance on Aug. 19 will have the opportunity to win some money.
There will be between 15 and 20 bottles of wine for sale at $20 each. Each bottle of wine will be assigned a number, and near the end of the evening a number will be drawn. The winner will receive $100.
There will also be a 50-50 drawing. There will be an envelope at each table, and those at that table can participate by putting money in the envelope. The winning table (selected by a drawing) will win the 50-50 pot and the other half will go to FosterAdopt Connect.
Also new to this year’s event is a cash bar. It will be provided by Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Businesses that are partnering with the DAR for the Difference Makers program are Saint Francis Healthcare System (presenting sponsor) Poplar Bluff School District, Productive Staffing, Kurt Knodell-Poplar Bluff Realty, Rick Lansford-Century 21, Envy Boutique, Blue Relics & Revivals, Baker Implement, Lisa Reynolds Insurance, Christian Tire & Automotive, Kramer Family Vision, Key Drugs Pharmacy, Quality Air, Bank of Missouri, Kissinger & Kirkman and First Midwest Bank.
The DAR’s staff is excited to host this year’s event. Not only will we be honoring our Difference Makers finalists, this year’s charity recipient has the opportunity to receive some additional dollars because of the new activities.
Please reach out to the DAR if you would like tickets to the event — they are only $10 each — and go to darnews.com to nominate a Difference Maker.
And thank you for reading the DAR.
Chris is the publisher for the DAR and can be reached at cpruett.dar@gmail.com .