Difference Makers leave their mark on our area

“Go out there and leave your own footprints. Leave a mark.”

We would like to second the words of Christy Frazier-Moore, the keynote speaker Thursday at the Daily American Republic’s Difference Maker banquet.

Frazier-Moore has left her own mark, through the creation of Chi & Company, a group that visits junior high girls to try to help them learn self-esteem and kindness.

A previous Difference Maker finalist, Frazier-Moore helped us recognize the 2022 finalists and Difference Maker of the Year Jessica Billings.

Her words, and the work of all of our Difference Makers, are something we just can’t help but be inspired by.

As Frazier-Moore explained, “(Difference Maker) gives some much-needed accolades to those in our community that are doing good and not only them, but also to their organizations and their causes.

“There are so many people out there that I had no idea were helping do all this good.”

Without the 2022 Difference Makers, we wouldn’t have a local warning system for severe weather, a disabled person might not have a job in the Doniphan community, students wouldn’t have much-needed after-school support, and a child might not get to experience the sweet puppy kisses of a rescued canine.

“These people right here in Southeast Missouri are making a huge impact and leaving their own footprints,” she said. “I’m so in awe... Each and every one of them have a story of how they arrived... at what they do.

“Thank you for following your heart. Your footprints are invaluable in our community.”

The more than 400 people who attended the event also helped raise more than $11,000 to support Haven House, a shelter and support system for victims of domestic violence.

The community’s amazing support is why Haven House can continue doing this work, said Amber Tinker, executive director, in accepting the donation.

She asked attendees to remember who helped them the last time they faced a problem in their lives. Where did they turn? And then, she said, imagine that support wasn’t there.

Haven House offers a support system, a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader and much more for women who have nowhere else to turn, Tinker explained.

The Daily American Republic is grateful for all of the people doing good works in our community, and for those who helped us recognize these programs this week.

If you know of someone who is doing great things, we hope you’ll nominate that person or group in 2023 for our next group of Difference Makers.

We can’t wait to share more positive and inspiring stories from the people who step up and make our communities stronger every single day.