Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) held its 16th Annual Trivia Night on April 2nd, and rocked the house from the time the doors opened at 5:30 until the last guest left at 10pm. The theme was “Rock Around the Clock” and more than 200 guests joined in the fun at the Radisson Hotel Branson. Matt Muhoberac and Amber Campbell from Branson’s show, “#1 Hits of the 60’s & 50’s Too”, were the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, keeping the energy and music going. Others who generously gave their time to keep the guests in poodle skirts, bobby socks, and Thunderbird jackets entertained were Mike Cathcart and Jeanna Kilbane.

The Radisson ballroom sparkled with period décor including wall posters, table signs and fantastic centerpieces, reflecting the Rock-Around-the-Clock theme. Life size cut outs of James Dean, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe accompanied guests in multiple photos. Generous local and national businesses donated raffle prizes and auction items. The Branson High School jazz band, led by Dave Opperman, played music from the era, from 5:30 to 7:00, while guests enjoyed their dinner and bid on the more than 200 Silent Auction items.

JATC members and Car Hop Girl Sarah Vega, walked the room hawking raffle tickets and their efforts resulted in raising over $5200.

Lucky winners of the raffle prizes were Misty Codillo ($500 cash); Mary Jo Green (All Day Pontoon rental at State Park Marina + $200.00 State Park Marina Gift Card); Anne Symington (Two-night stay at Falls Lodge at Big Cedar + $200.00 Big Cedar Gift Card); and Lynn Cobb (Two-night stay at Chateau On the Lake + $200.00 Chateau Gift Card). Cash and gift card prizes were donated by Doug Baker State Farm Insurance of Branson, Missouri.

Silent auction items included $2500 certificate for Opie’s Landscaping & Maintenance; shower enclosure from Binswanger Glass; 4 One Day Hopper Passes at Walt Disney; Trust and legal services from Law Offices of Donald Ingrum, LLC; 6 month family membership at Cox Hospital Fitness Center of Branson; 4 hour Pontoon rental from Rock Lane Marina and Lilley’s Landing; $500 certificate from Holiday Planners; golf at Branson Hills Golf Course and Point Royale Golf Course; St. Louis Cardinal tickets; Downstream Casino stay; airline tickets from Branson Airport; scuba diving lessons; health and beauty services/products; tennis lessons; art and home décor items; pet care items; jewelry and accessories; food and certificates for many of the wonderful shows, restaurants, attractions and entertainment centers in Branson and Springfield.

In addition, Clyde Michael, officiated a live auction for a green amethyst and diamond ring donated by Tatman’s Jewelers and a Stay & Play package donated by Historical Downing Street Merchants in Hollister. There were also 12, Table of 8 Drawings, where each member received something of value from various restaurants such as Kilwin’s at The Landing, Center Stage Bar & Grille, items from Binswangers, and a favorite was a dozen donuts for each person from Krispy Kreme, plus many other contributors.

The main event for the evening was a lively trivia contest in which 24 eight-member teams competed to answer eighty questions. After four rounds of four different categories, the participants had a break where there was a dessert bar serving root beer floats and sundaes.

At the end of the break, bidding ended for silent auction items. This interlude was enlivened by a show-stopping performance by Jeanna Kilbane. She rocked with songs from the 50’s and 60’s and had people out on the dance floor rockin! Before the Trivia Challenge began, Junior Auxiliary honored Betty Nell and Mike Tatman, for their continued support to JATC and the children of Taney County.

Experience proved invaluable in the Trivia Challenge: all three top scoring teams were JATC trivia veterans. “Mickey Mouse Club”, under the leadership of Autumn Porter, took the first prize. They will have their team name engraved on the plaque that honors all the winners through the years. “Wrong Side of the Bridge” last year’s winners, headed by Kelly Trimble, took second place, and “Gris Gris Revelers”, headed by Paul Norman, came in third. Each winning team took home prizes related to the theme.

JATC’s 16th Annual Trivia Community Challenge, was Co-chaired this year by Madeline Allin and Mary Jo Green. JA’s major fund-raiser surpassed expectations, earning almost $20,000, through table sales, raffle, auctions, wine pull and sponsorships. These funds are used to support JATC’s numerous community projects. A complete list of all the many donors and more information about the event and JA’s projects, 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.

The funds raised through this event are 100% reinvested in our community, supporting a variety of projects aimed at addressing the needs of children and families. This includes School Supplies; Tender Critters; Santa’s Gift House; College Readiness; ScholarCare; Prom Dresses for girls in need; support for the Women’s Crisis Center; Heart of Arts, supporting adults with disabilities at Developmental Connections; and Book Swap/Homework Helpers, where children in extended-stay motels receive snacks, enrichment programs, reading and homework help.

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it is 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 as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

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”.

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, Saturday, April 23, 2016