Ozarks fundraisers, philanthropies recognized
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Ozarks Region Chapter held its annual National Philanthropy Day awards Nov. 19, recognizing eight individuals and organizations with awards for their role in advancing philanthropy around the Ozarks. The winners were:
- Outstanding Fundraising Campaign or Event of the Year: Ball of the Wild, Friends of the Zoo
- Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year: Amy Jardell, Ozarks Literacy Council
- Fundraising Rising Star of the Year: Carl Peterson, Harmony House
- Outstanding Philanthropic Business or Organization of the Year: Volt Credit Union
- Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation: CoxHealth Foundation
- Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year: Jon Risdal
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year: Abby Glenn
In addition, The Community Foundation of the Ozarks presented its Humanitarian of the Year award to Sheila E. Michaels, and Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation presented its Child Advocate of the Year award to Rana Post, MBA, CCLS, CPST. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Region Chapter meets the second Friday of everyMonday, January–October. For more information, visit afpozarks.org.
Reece promoted to major at Springfield Police Department
The Springfield Police Department announced the promotion of Capt. Eric Reece to major. With 26 years of dedicated service to the Springfield community, Reece has been a pillar of leadership within the department.
As major, Reece will oversee the Uniform Operations Bureau, which includes SPD’s patrol operations, Special Response Team, and Community Services Section.
Reece began his career in 1998 in the 44th police academy. He has served on patrol as well as taken on specialized assignments in the Community Services Section, Special Investigations Section and Criminal Investigations Section. Reece is a graduate of the Missouri Police Chief’s Command College, Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute of Policing, and FBI National Academy. Reece has served an integral role in the creation of SPD’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program and department wellness initiatives.
Drury opens new campus clinic
Drury University celebrated the opening of the Mercy at Drury Panther Clinic with a formal blessing Nov. 18.
The campus clinic, on the west side of Weiser Gym, will offer a range of healthcare services, including medical consultations, immunizations, testing services and health screenings. The clinic serves full-time day students, international students, Drury GO students, graduate students, full-time faculty and staff, and their dependents covered under Drury University’s health plan. Children aged 18 months and older, accompanied by a parent or guardian, are also eligible for care.
Hodges joins Carnahan Evans
Carnahan Evans PC announced the hiring of attorney Brett A. Hodges as an associate attorney in the Transactional Practice Group.
Prior to joining Carnahan Evans, Hodges attended college at the University of Alabama, where he simultaneously earned both a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance. Upon graduating from Alabama in 2021, Brett attended the University of Missouri School of Law, where he completed the Tax Concentration with honors, graduating in 2024. Hodges is admitted to practice in the State of Missouri and is a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association.
Branson chamber/CVB wins ‘Best in State’ awards
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB of Branson was awarded two “Best in State” Awards of Excellence by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri. Through training, education and a strong network of peers, CCEM provides Chamber executives and associations with the resources needed to operate successful chambers and promote the vitality of their communities.
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB was honored for its TCED Tax Renewal marketing strategy, and 2023 By the Numbers video. The awards were presented at the CCEM’s annual conference in Blue Springs. Categories for the awards included electronic communications, advertising materials, special publications, member and community communications, and programs and campaigns, with chambers from all over Missouri competing for the coveted titles.
CPO renames tool library after beloved volunteer
Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) has renamed its Springfield Tool Library the Laverne Schell Tool Library in honor of the late Laverne Schell, a beloved and dedicated volunteer who was committed to CPO and its mission to create resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods and communities.
CPO will host an official renaming dedication with Schell’s family on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 3-4 p.m. at the O’Reilly Center for Hope. The Tool Library, located at the 1518 E. Dale St. facility, works like a traditional library but lends tools instead of books.
Schell discovered CPO through Springfield’s Give 5 program, a free “civic matchmaking” program that connects retirees with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Schell’s work with CPO included building the much-needed original Tool Library Shed that was used to store tools and equipment for the program. To learn more about the Tool Library and how it works go to the Tool Library section of the website, CPOzarks.org.
Ozarks Food Harvest earns 13th consecutive 4-star rating
Ozarks Food Harvest received its 13th consecutive Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator, based on their performance across multiple metrics. The rating designates Ozarks Food Harvest as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that The Food Bank is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.
The four key indicators that determine a nonprofit’s score are Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, Impact & Results and Leadership & Adaptability.
Ozarks Food Harvest — the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri — reaches more than 70,000 individuals monthly and provides more than 21 million meals annually across its 28-county service area. In the past year, Ozarks Food Harvest has purchased more than $2 million worth of food and awarded $400,000 in grant funds to its network of over 270 faith-based and community charities to meet the increased demand for food across a third of the state of Missouri.