JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

Each year JATC assesses the community’s needs and establish service projects to address those needs. Many JATC projects have been sustained for years, such as College Readiness programs, scholarships for Taney County high school students, prom dresses for girls in need, Tender Critters, and support for the School Backpack Program.

Several newer projects include Santa’s Gift House, which provides affordable holiday gift shopping for children; Journey, a mentoring project for young women; support for the Women’s Crisis Center, in which they provide home improvement and monetary support for one of the cottages; and Book Swap Stop/Homework Helpers, in which they provide snacks, enrichment programs, reading and homework help for children who live in extended-stay hotels/motels.

Members raise money for these projects through one major event - a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction. This year the 15th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on March 28th, 2015.

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. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website JATCMO.ORG, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

Published: Hometown Daily News Website, Nov. 18, 2014; Branson Tri-Lakes News, Nov. 19, 2014

Radio spots on 106.3, 100.1

On Wednesday November 26th the Andy Williams Christmas Show Starring The Osmond Brothers and The Lennon Sisters will be more than just a fabulous celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. The Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) invites everyone to come out for a pre-Thanksgiving night of entertainment and help raise funds to benefit the children and families of Taney County.

Through the generosity of The Moon River Theater, tickets purchased by patrons who tell the box office they are members, friends or supporters of JATC or Junior Auxiliary will be able to purchase a ticket for $15.00 and proceeds from each ticket will be donated to JATC. Tickets may be purchased in advance or the night of the show. There is no limit to the number of tickets that can be purchased at the special $15.00 price.

The regular price for the show is $44.50 and the price for a local ticket is $15.00. Patrons from Taney and Stone Counties who purchase a local ticket for $15 will also be contributing to JATC because The Moon River Theater will also generously be contributing proceeds from each local ticket purchased. But for one night only, anyone who mentions JATC will get the “JATC” price of $15, even if they are not residents of Taney or Stone County. Children 12 and under get in for free.

The Andy Williams Christmas Show Starring The Osmond Brothers and The Lennon Sisters is at 8:00pm at the Andy Williams Moon River Theater at 2500 West Highway 76. Call the Box Office at 800-MOON-094 (800-666-6094) and say that you are a supporter of JATC to purchase your tickets for the November 26th show for $15.00. You will be contributing to a worthy organization and enjoying a wonderful evening of entertainment.