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Sharing with the community that helped him
It's been two years since former Joplin, Mo. resident Chris Howard experienced a tornado of historic proportions, but he hasn't forgotten the open arms that welcomed him back to Fort Scott shortly after the tornado.
Howard, owner of Stateline Garage Doors, was so overwhelmed by the support he received from residents of the Fort Scott community, he decided he wanted to do something to pay Fort Scottians back. It was then that he decided to organize a fundraiser at Gunn Park to support The Sharing Bucket, a non-profit organization that helps local cancer survivors.
The Stateline Garage Doors 2nd Annual Frisbee Golf Tournament and Fundraiser will be Saturday, April 27 at Gunn Park and all proceeds from the event will benefit The Sharing Bucket
"I wanted to do something local and I heard about The Sharing Bucket and it kind of stole my heart for what they do for people," Howard said. "It's truly amazing."
The Sharing Bucket, a volunteer organization, assists local cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with expenses such as fuel, transportation, food, utility bills, hotel stays and other items pertaining to treatment.
Howard's fundraiser last year raised $3,400 and Howard is back again this year with an even loftier goal - this year he's hoping to raise $5,000 for the group.
"That's a goal that I would really like to hit," Howard said. "It would be absolutely amazing if I could."
The day will begin with a 5K run, with check-in at 7:30 a.m. There is a $20 per person entry fee for the run. In case running isn't your cup of tea, there are other options available as well. Disc Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know they haven't been left out of the mix. At 8:30 a.m., there will be team check-in for the two-man Disc Golf Tournament. Entry Fee is $25 per team.
Interested persons or businesses also may sponsor one of the 18 holes. For a donation of $25 or more, a plaque will be placed on one of the holes on the course, noting the donors sponsorship of that hole.
Howard also said there will be food available for a free-will donation.
"If you want to give a dollar, that's fine, If you want to give $10 that's fine too - whatever people feel like they want to give," Howard said.
Howard hasn't forgotten the younger set at all.
The event will also feature inflatable games, including a bounce house and obstacle course for 50 cents. Howard said Heidrick's True Value Hardware donated the use of the inflatable games. In addition, there will be kiddy train rides for 50 cents and a visit from the Eagle Med Helicopter.
There also will be numerous items up for grabs at a silent auction, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and run until 2:30 or 3:00 p.m., Howard said.
Among the items available at the auction will be numerous Christmas decor items donated by Goody's through its Community Counts Program.
Goody's Sales Associate Bethany Golden and Manager Melinda Collins both have been affected by cancer and wanted to do something to benefit the Sharing Bucket.
Golden's grandmother, Ruby Keith and Collins aunt, Helen Green are both cancer survivors.
Howard said there also will be a wide array of other items available for bid at the silent auction. There also will be a bake sale and a cake walk at the event. Though details have not been worked out, Howard said there will be some form of music at the event.
Howard said he hopes residents will show their appreciation to The Sharing Bucket by coming to the event. There is still time to donate money or items to the silent auction. For more information, call Howard at (620) 215-1078.