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Go Blue Fore Autism Raises Awareness

Sunday, July 29th was the last day of the Price Cutter Charity Championship Golf Tournament (PCCC) at Highland Springs Country Club but it was also the day The Arc sponsored Go Blue Fore Autism. The Arc was set up at the 18th green under a big blue tent. Individuals from The Arc volunteered their time to give information about The Arc’s autism services as well as handed out blue goodies. Blueberries and cream popcorn donated by Ozark Mountain Popcorn were a huge hit. Everyone in attendance was encouraged to wear blue to show support for The Arc and increase autism awareness. Families affected by autism were admitted free. 

Many spectators attended to watch a great game of golf and support their favorite local charities. This was the PCCC’s 29th year and 50 local children’s charities were involved. The Arc of the Ozarks has been involved with the tournament for 13 years. The Arc also sponsored VIP Parking for the entire tournament.

The champion of the Price Cutter Charity Championship, Martin Trainer fired rounds of 62-68-65-68 to finish at 25 under, one shot clear of Henrik Norlander.    

Over the course of the weekend, thousands of people came out to the tournament and supported organizations such as The Arc of the Ozarks, Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks and The Hope Foundation. All of the funds raised were directed to programs each organization offers for children. The Arc’s No Limits Summer Camp program will benefit from our participation in this event. The Price Cutter Charity Championship was a huge success. We look forward to next year!

Five From The Arc Complete Rigorous LEAD Program

The Arc held the graduation ceremony for the first LEAD participants on June 20th. The LEAD program was designed to prepare Arc employees for career advancement through the development of leadership skills and promote a smooth transition from entry-level positions to positions in management and administration. LEAD emphasizes the importance of learning, empowerment, appreciation, and development as key components for success in leadership roles at The Arc. 

The program was rigorous, but five individuals from departments across the organization completed the program. These individuals include: Sarah Olson, Mary Wilcock, Jeff Crawford, Will Baker and Ryan Coleman. The program consists of 6 full-day interactive training sessions over the course of one year on key leadership topics. Field assignments and meetings with a mentor were key components to ensure knowledge retention and application. At the end of the program, the LEAD participants presented a communication plan to executive staff members with focus on policy, podcasts and developing a communication committee. 

“When I was promoted to a management position many years ago, The Arc invested in my leadership development by providing opportunities for learning and personal growth,” stated Lori Pace, Director of Training and Staff Development. “The LEAD program was designed to provide similar opportunities to prepare the next generation of leaders through a combination of classroom and experiential learning. It has been an honor and privilege to work with these new leaders and be a part of their personal and leadership journey. I am excited to see what the future holds for Will Baker, Ryan Coleman, Jeff Crawford, Sarah Olson, and Mary Wilcock!”

“What I have gained verses what I came to the program with, is quite a bit. It helped out a lot with my skills at leading a group of people or being a person that people look to as a leader,” stated Will Baker. “I am so glad I took the chance and applied for this great leadership program. The Arc of the Ozarks is taking the time to invest in all of us. That’s pretty cool!”  

The Arc is proud to continue the LEAD program into the future. More information on the next LEAD class will be released fall 2018.  

Sweet Car Show Raises Lots of Dough

On June 9, the 3rd Annual Doughnuts Not Donuts Car Show was held at The Arc of the Ozarks Program Services office. This event proved to be another success with 80 cars in attendance. The Ozarks Z Club, 417 German Autostil and The Arc of the Ozarks were able to raise $6,000 to support The Arc’s CounterPoint Autism Department.

Doughnuts Not Donuts was an event for all ages. Children had the chance to jump in the bounce house, create water color paintings and enjoy a doughnut from the presenting sponsor, Krispy Kreme, who was on hand providing doughnuts to all attendees. Twisted Mikes, Trailer Perk Coffee and Jack’s Ice Cream Truck provided great food and beverages to beat the heat throughout the day.

Trophies were awarded for “Best in Show” in 17 different divisions: Classic American, Modern American, Classic Euro, Modern Euro, Classic Asian, Modern Asian, Rat Rod, Antique, Supercar, Service Vehicle (police), Sport Bike, Cruiser Bike, Trucks & Jeeps – Lifted, Low Rider and Best Custom. This event would not have been as successful without the support of the many sponsors who contributed to this event. The Best of Show award went to Jim Berry for his 1948 Purple Anglia Sedan. The Ozarks Z Club, 417 German Autostil and The Arc of the Ozarks would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and everyone who came out to support The Arc. 

Thank you again to all our sponsors: Krispy Kreme, Blu Current Credit Union, Davis Properties, Youngblood Auto, Abilities First, Pride Auto Detailing, KDS Customs, WCA Waste Management, Q & Company, BJ’s Trophy Shop, Casey’s General Store, Dings & Things, Overhead Door, Renewal by Anderson and The Manor at Elfindale,

We can’t wait for next year!

The award winners are listed below:

Most Club attendees – 417 German Autostil

Best Cruiser – Tyler Gray with 1967 Red Chevy C-10

Classic American – Lucas Forrest – 1979 Orange Camero

Low Rider – Wyatt Reed – 2016 Fiesta ST

Best Wheels – Westin Easley

Best License Plate – Terry Gaylor

Best Lifted Truck – Tyler Officer – 1997 Chevy K-1500

Modern American – Chuck J – 98 VEL

Classic Euro – Don Craig – 1974 Mustang GT

Davis Properties Choice – David Blackwell – 1968 Ford Mustang

Blu Current Choice – L. Kassehaum – 2013 Dodge Challenger

Super Car – Kwang Shim

Rat Rod – Chris Davis – VW Rat

Best Custom – Cobra

Best Engine – 1979 Camero – Lucus Forrest

The Arc Choice – 1948 Anglia Sedan Purple – Jim Berry

Country Girls Choice – Mustang G 350 R

People’s Choice – 1979 Camero – Lucas Forrest

Modern Asian – 2016 TC – Andrew Williams

Cosmetically Challenged – Chris Davis

Murica Award – Dustin Smith FRS

Euro Spec – Donny Etan

Best Sport Bike – Dean Ross

Best Cruiser Bike – 1967 America Bike – Vince J.

Best Interior – 2011 CRZ – Richie Lyans

Antique – 1948 Anglia Sedan Purple – Jim Berry

Classic Asian – 1984 White 300 Zx – Matt Knaup

Modern Euro – 2014 Jetta – Sean Hennessy

Krispy Kreme Choice – Hyundai Genesis Coupe 8 – Matty Kelly

Best of Show – 1948 Purple Anglia Sedan – Jim Berry

A Day of Pampering Means so Much

Most women love to be to be pampered and Becky is no different. Becky thought it would be great to make a day out of doing everything she loves, but even better. She started off the day with a stop at the spa for a manicure and pedicure.  Becky could not believe all the colors she could choose from and she was excited to learn she was able to have one color for her toes and another for her fingernails. During her pedicure she told the young man doing her toes, “I never had rocks rubbed on my legs before.”

After her spa treatment, Becky headed to Pizza Hut to meet a group of her friends. Becky was able to catch up with them and enjoy her favorite food, cheese pizza. After lunch, nothing says “pamper me” like shopping. She went to Hobby Lobby on both the South and North side of town. Along the way, she had a few stops in-between at another favorite, the Dollar Store. Becky’s highlight of the day was “all the attention from the guys at the spa,” along with the free coke & snacks. April was another great month – thank you J-Mark for investing in Becky’s life and allowing her to have special experiences like this.

15th Successful Year for Monett Golf Tournament

The 15th Annual Monett Golf Tournament was held on Friday, May 4.  With lunch being served at 11:30am, 20 teams hit the links for a beautiful afternoon of golfing. This year, the tournament raised funding to make the Monett office kitchen accessible for community and client classes. of The winning team from Freedom Bank took 1st in the A-Flight with a score of 51 while the team representing EFCO took 1st in the B-Flight with a score of 61.

The past three years, the tournament raised funding to build a pavilion at the back of the Monett office for clients and staff to enjoy year round. With support from the Monett community, this project was completed in early April.

With revenues of $7,000, the event was a big success! “It is often unheard of to hold a successful fundraising event for 15 consecutive years. We are so appreciative of how the Monett community embraces and supports this tournament year after year,” said Doug Wallner, The Arc Board Member.

Mark your calendars for next year and get your backspin ready for our 2019 Golf Tournament on Friday, May 3 at Windmill Ridge Golf Course.

Open Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament Raises Money for No Limits Summer Camp Program

Fishermen from across Missouri hit the waters of Table Rock Lake in the early morning hours on Saturday, April 28 to see who could reel in the largest fish. The tournament was held in support of The Arc of the Ozarks No Limits Summer Camp program.

No Limits is an unfunded program that allows children and young adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to build  social skills and independence through therapeutic recreation.

“We were honored to aid The Arc of the Ozarks with their first Open Buddy Bass Tournament. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. We had over 50 boats in the first year. I call that a huge success,” stated Glenn Rosser, owner of Anglers Obsession Guide Service and coordinator of the tournament.  

While the anglers were on the water, a few of The Arc clients had the opportunity to experience fishing for themselves by going on a pontoon boat. One of the clients explained that it was his birthday weekend and was excited that fishing was a part of his celebration.

Out of the 50 boats competing, the biggest bass caught weighed-in at 4.58 pounds. The first-place winners of day had a total weight of 15.41 pounds of the five-fish limit.

It was a beautiful day of fishing and The Arc staff consider the tournament a success, raising significant funding for the No Limits Summer Camp program. 

Payouts were awarded to first through fourth place. The biggest bass of the day weighed in at 4.58 pounds and was caught by Jeremy Van Vorst and Shane Angus.

1st Place – Total weight: 15.41lbs – Bobby Flood and Mac Macnesty
2nd Place – Total weight: 12.26lbs – Andy Eustler and Les Morris
3rd Place – Total weight: 11.26lbs – Dereck Dirschuweit and Jim House
4th Place – Total weight: 11.04lbs – Brian Makesty and Sam Poulous

At the end of the tournament, a weigh-in party was held to announce the winners and to draw for prizes of a raffle and attendance gifts.

Thank you to all the participants, volunteers and donors for a successful first year. We look forward to growing the event next year!