It was a festive and fun evening a few weeks ago when members of Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) and their families and friends held their 2nd Annual Quarter Mania Paddle Party at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center. Over 65 people attended this fundraiser and approximately $1800.00 was raised through the Quarter Mania. The Paddle Party featured 15 home-based businesses, including Tupperware, Perfectly Posh, Young Living, Thirty-One, LuLaRoe, Pampered Chef, Norwex, Scentsy, Butter Braids, Perennial Arts, Modere, Mary Kay, The Cocoa Exchange and Magnabilities. Lillee’s Catering provided delicious food to keep the energy and fundraising going.

Each business donated 2 items valued at $25.00 and above for the Paddlers to donate quarters and vie for a chance to win the item. In addition, the shopping spree provided additional fun and revenue opportunities for JATC. This event is one of the ways that JATC raises money for its many service projects,

Currently, JATC members finance and operate eleven projects including Santa’s Gift House; College Scholarships for a senior at all four Taney County public high schools and ScholarCare, a renewable 4-year scholarship; Prom Dresses for girls in need; Tender Critters for children in trauma; Heart of the Arts supporting arts activities for clients of the Developmental Center; Learners Today-Leaders Tomorrow providing materials and volunteer support to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies at Mark Twain Elementary School; financial and labor support for The Crisis Center; and School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools in Eastern Taney County. Through these and other activities JATC’s 40+ members contribute more than 4000 volunteer hours annually as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County. Check out the organization’s website, JATCMO.org to learn more about this great group.

Members raise money for these projects through one major event - a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction held in the spring each year. This year the 19th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on April 6, 2019, and all of the proceeds are reinvested in our community. The theme will be Down by the Sea. JATC also raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, Schwan’s Cares, AmazonSmile, Mr. G’s Annual JATC Days, grants and individual donations.

Generous local businesses and individuals also donate to JATC’s various events including Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Binswanger Glass, Chateau on the Lake, Big Cedar, State Park Marina, Central Bank of Branson, First Community Bank of Branson, Branson Hot Tubs & Pools, Branson Bank, Lowe’s, Ozarks Family Vision Center, Sir Speedy Printing, Edward Jones-Mitch Holmes, The Farmhouse Restaurant, Judge Tiffany Yarnell, and many more. Recently, Palmerton & Parrish, Inc Engineering and Treat Architects, P.C. provided assistance for our “Playground Project” at the Women’s Crisis Center.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Published by: Branson Tri-Lakes, November 7, 2018; Branson Daily Independent, November 9, 2018