Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) welcomed six new Provisional Members to their first Chapter meeting as Active Members in May. Women initially join as Provisional Members to determine if they wish to make a commitment to become Active Members with the organization to serve the community. These women participated in service and finance projects and completed their training during the 2017-2018 year. It is always a happy day for JATC when women decide to stay with the organization and become more involved in our community. JATC is pleased to announce that new Active Members for the 2018-2019 year are Joannie Bolles, Jeannie Horton, Sue Kelly, Sharla Mooney, Mary Kay Moore, and Tiffany Yarnell.

Officers for the new fiscal year were also installed and will start their official duties May 1, 2018. These ladies are: President, Bobbie Wydeen; Vice-President, Marcia VanderLaan; Treasurer, Paula Eighmy; Assistant Treasurer, Anna Morrissey; Recording Secretary, Colleen Neill; Corresponding Secretary, Lajean Wild; Education Chair, Carol Harris; Finance Chair, Paula Gillispie; Projects Chair, Tammy Bellis; Membership Co-Chairs, Cathy Brown and Mary Jo Green; Ex-Officio, Sara Henderson.

Three JATC Board members attended the National Association of Junior Auxiliary Meeting in Mobile, AL. Bobbie Wydeen, President, Marcia VanderLaan, Vice President, Colleen Neill, Recording Secretary, attended workshops to enhance their knowledge and skills for their board positions. Madeline Allin, a Life member of our organization also attended the meetings.

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 as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

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. The membership drive for this next year is starting in June. Contact Cathy Brown, Membership Chair, for more information.

JATC projects include Tender Critters for children in trauma; Santa’s Gift House; College Scholarships for a senior at all four Taney County public high schools; Scholar Care provides financial and monthly support for a college student each year; 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 in Easter Taney County; Hip Hop into Fitness at the area’s elementary schools where kids get exercise in various fun obstacle stations; and Homework Helpers for children who live in extended-stay 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 held in the spring each year. This year the 18th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction was held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on April 14, 2018, and raised over $22,000, all of which was reinvested in our community. This year the theme was 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, Paddle Party, 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, AAA Insurance Agent-Mary Ann Dailey, Sir Speedy Printing, Edward Jones-Mitch Holmes, The Farmhouse Restaurant, Judge Tiffany Yarnell, and many more.

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 94 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.

Published by: Tri-Lakes News, Saturday, May 26, 2018