“Picture it, Poplar Bluff, 2022 – a room full of like-minded folks that are passionate about making our world a better place,” Christy Frazier-Moore said, before asking those at the Daily American Republic’s annual Difference Makers banquet to take a look around.
“You are among some of the most giving hearts in not only Southeast Missouri, but in the country.”
A banker, volunteer, wife and mother, Frazier-Moore said, “I am honored to be here in a room full of giving individuals fueled by a passion to make a difference in our communities.”
Anyone, at any given time, can make a difference, she said.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you make, what color you are, what stage of life you are in, everyone can help someone and leave footprints of their own,” Frazier-Moore said. “I strongly encourage you to not discount the small things, as these are things that build the foundation that leads to greatness. Start small, but just start.”
As some may have picked up on by the ‘picture it’ introduction, Frazier-Moore admitted to loving the Golden Girls. And Betty White is the character she loves the most.
“I have looked up to her since I was a little girl. She was not only an iconic actress, but also had a desire to help others.” Frazier-Moore said. “White once stated, ‘Everyone needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving footprints.’ I would like to talk about leaving footprints.”
Once upon a time, she told the crowd, she was sitting as a nominee at the first Difference Makers event.
“I was surrounded by amazing nominees and I was humbled to be in the mix,” she said.
Frazier-Moore had been active with several local organizations, but started a group called Chi & Company in the junior high to help girls with self-esteem, kindness and really to just help stop the mean girl club.
“It all started when my daughter came home upset because other girls were being mean to her,” Frazier-Moore said. “I wanted my daughter, Kenzie, who is now 10, to grow up knowing kindness matters and she is beautiful inside and out.
“So I stepped outside my comfort zone and started Chi & Company.
“Talk about nerve-racking — speaking to 400 plus pre-teen and teenage girls. But I put myself out there, and I set out to make a difference in their lives, but I can assure you, they have made a difference in mine.”
Frazier-Moore was born and raised in the hills of Shannon County in Eminence and she said, “It is as Mayberry as they come.”
Two of her favorite places are sitting on the banks of the Jacks Fork River and at the dinner table of her parents, Butch and Patty Frazier.
“It is in this home I was groomed to have a philanthropic heart and the footprints the Frazier kids have to follow are plentiful. It was not about money in the Frazier household, it was about giving your talents. Let’s face it, those talents are priceless,” she said, adding, “Please indulge me a bit, I would like to brag on my parents for a few minutes and share with you how they have left pretty large footprints.”
Her dad goes to his wood shop, where he builds things for friends, family members or an organization that may be in need.
“His furniture pieces are beautiful and created with love,” she said.
Her mother is often in the kitchen baking treats for friends, family members and again those who may be in need.
“So while these examples may not seem big, it is big to me, my siblings and friends,” she said. “This is what nurtured making my own footprints throughout life.
“If you close your eyes, you can see their footprints and how they are being multiplied. Butch and Patty’s reach of a small town of roughly 500 people has now had a reach to Butler County, approximately 40,000 strong.”
Oftentimes, the catalyst for giving back is not as simple as having amazing role models.
It often is through the oppositions and ironies of life a person can make a difference, she said. It can come from a place of sorrow or even survival.
The nominees this year come from vast backgrounds and reasons why they do what they do.
Frazier-Moore stressed, “This evening, I want to light a fire in your belly and encourage you to use your God-given talent to help others, just like our nominees are doing. You might be thinking you are perfectly content where you are, in your safe zone, thinking you can’t make a difference. I would say baloney.”
What if you had a little push, a little extra courage to step out and do something? It could be life-changing for not just you, but others as well. What if you listened to that little nudging in the back of your mind, knowing you could potentially make an impact in your community?
“You all know that nudging I am talking about, we have all had it,” she said.
Admitting she had that nudging, but “like some of you, I was filled with self-doubt. What a horrible thing.”
A good friend, Janet McNece, helped Frazier-Moore get out of her own head and encouraged her to chase those dreams.
“Guess what, she is the reason why I am standing in front of you today,” Frazier-Moore said. “I want to be that person for each of you. Listen to your gut and soak in my words of encouragement — I have no doubt you can and will make a difference all while making your own footprints.”
Expressing an “awe of our nominees,” Frazier-Moore said, “Each and every one of them has a story of how they arrived here and why they are passionate about what they do. Thank you — for following your heart and making a difference. Your footprints are invaluable in our community.”
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