Once again this year, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) will be offering a scholarship to one graduating senior from each of the four high schools in the county who are pursuing higher-level education in a two or four-year accredited college or university. This scholarship, a one-time grant of $750, is awarded to graduating seniors based on a demonstrated commitment to volunteerism in the community.

In addition, JATC is offering one “Scholarcare” award to a graduating senior from Taney County. This scholarship provides a grant of $750 along with monthly care packages and support letters from JATC members. This “Scholarcare” scholarship is renewable throughout the student’s college career provided basic requirements continue to be met. This scholarship is designed to assist a student who, due to his or her circumstances, may need extra encouragement and support to stay in school.

The scholarship and “Scholarcare” applications are available on-line at www.jatcmo.org/community-projects and from High School Counselors at Bradleyville, Branson, Forsyth, and Hollister. Applications must be submitted between January 2, 2018 and March 30, 2018.

JATC is proud to be able to provide support and encouragement to students as they pursue their education and move into adulthood. Scholarships and “Scholarcare” are just one of the many projects and services offered in Taney County by the members of JATC. More information about the organization and its projects is available on the website, JATCMO.org.

Other JATC projects include Tender Critters for children in trauma; Santa’s Gift House; Prom Dresses for girls in need; Heart of the Arts supporting arts activities for clients of the Developmental Center; financial and labor support for the Women’s Crisis Center including birthday parties and child watch for the children; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools; Homework Helpers for children who live in extended-stay motels; and Hip Hop into Fitness which promotes “fun exercise” through various activity stations.

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. 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.

Members raise money for these projects through several fundraisers and 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 18th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on April 14, 2018. Last year nearly $20,000 was raised, all of which was reinvested in our community. This year the theme is Sherlock Holmes; after all, “It’s elementary, my dear Watson.”

Also, JATC raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, Schwan’s Cares, AmazonSmile, Mr. G’s Annual JATC Days, the Branson Women’s Expo, grants and individual donations. Generous local businesses also donate to JATC’s various events including Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Mr. G’s Pizza, Binswanger Glass, Chateau on the Lake, Big Cedar, State Park Marina, 417 Fundraising, Usborne Books, Central Bank, Dale Sanders American Family Insurance, Great Southern Bank, and Branson Bank.

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 by: Branson Tri-Lakes News, Wednesday, December 27, 2017; Branson Daily Independent, Friday, December 29, 2017