This year’s Difference Makers banquet was the biggest and best yet, according to Daily American Republic publisher Chris Pruett.
“When we started this program four years ago, we had a goal to honor the many volunteers we have in our community and do so in a big way,” Pruett said. “We have grown from just over 200 guests at the banquet in 2019 to almost 450 here this evening. This is a testament to the many caring people we have in our communities.”
He went on to say many of the volunteers nominated shy away from the spotlight, but honoring their hard work and selflessness is important.
“The DAR believes we need these types of volunteers, and without them, a lot of things in our community wouldn’t get done,” said Pruett.
Attendees were eager to publicly honor volunteers of all stripes.
“I think it brings the community together,” said Danica Deering.
This was her first time attending Difference Makers.
Another first-timer, Lori Quinton, said, “I think it’s a fabulous idea to recognize volunteers, they need to have the inspiration to be able to do this.”
“I think because this is such a small, caring, volunteering community, we need to recognize everyone who works to better Poplar Bluff,” said Wendy Long, who is vice president of the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri.
The 2022 Difference Maker award went to Jessica Billings, who is featured in today’s edition. The other nine nominees had the following words to say about what their nominations meant to them:
“It’s just been a tremendous honor,” said LuWanna Forister, manager of charitable gift shop The Violet Patch.
“I feel really honored. I didn’t expect it,” said Donna Gause, a prolific animal rescue volunteer.
“It’s very humbling,” explained Judy Gregory of the Widow Women’s Society and the Risen Church in Dexter. “It’s so good to see so many doing so much for others.”
Linda Martin felt privileged at her inclusion in a “very, very elite group.” She has served are children for decades at Naylor R-II schools. “Knowing the community has supported me all these years, and being appreciated — it’s great.”
Craig Meador insisted his nomination was only made possible by his fellow volunteer weather spotters.
“Without this bunch of people right here, this would be nothing. I’ve got so many people I need to thank,” he said.
“It’s great. I don’t think anyone here ever did anything with any idea there’d be any recognition... People are noticing — it’s a nice, fuzzy feeling,” said Gary Pennington.
He and his wife Liesa were nominated as a couple for bringing high school football back to Doniphan high schoolers.
“It was an honor. I was shocked and humbled by it. I’m passionate about the kids and I was proud people in the community saw my passion and my love for them,” said Stacy Ritter.
Also of Doniphan, Ritter directs the DON’s Den afterschool program.
Social worker Amber Tyler believed other nominees were more deserving of the recognition, but, “It’s been nice — I’m thankful for the people I have and that they have so much faith in me.”
Karen Vallow, leader of the United Methodist Quilters, was glad to see her fellow quilters applauded for their time and effort. But for herself, the attention was “embarrassing.”
She joked, “I’m going to go home and have a stiff drink.”
True to the spirit of community recognition, the DAR and its partners raised more than $11,000 for Haven House this year through Difference Makers campaign proceeds, a silent auction and raffles. Businesses from around the Butler County region donated auction items including decor, restaurant vouchers, gift baskets, outdoor equipment and even an air rifle.
The raffles items were $500 of gas cards, courtesy of the DAR and Tracey Edington of Money Mizer, and two $50 door prizes. The final contest was the 50/50 drawing, wherein the winning table split a pool of donated cash with Haven House. Vallow’s table of quilters, number 14, won the drawing and elected to give their winnings back to Haven House.
Haven House is a women’s rehab ministry in Poplar Bluff. Previous beneficiaries were United Gospel Rescue Mission, the Bread Shed and FosterAdopt Connect.
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