Business Power Network members are not only quality business-folk, many members of our chapter are heavily involved with local charities as well, and as usual, this summer will be full of charitable events.  Take a moment to read through what’s coming up, and consider donating or helping out with one (or more) of them.  Thank you!

So many events are going on right now that I’ve already missed two of them: the March of Dimes “March For Babies” (supported by BPN member Josh Jones of Linda’s Flowers) and the Alzheimer’s Association Wine Auction & Gala (sponsored by, and with artwork designed by BPN member Chris Jarratt of Revel Advertising).  Both great causes; sorry I did not get the notice out here in time!  Be sure to get them on your calendar for next year, or follow the links for more information.

The Lost & Found Grief Center of the Ozarks will be holding their 3rd Annual Memorial Balloon Release on Thursday, May 24th at Jordan Valley Park.  This year they have added an evening 5K Run/Walk to the event.  To donate or help out with this cause, contact BPN member Lisa Cox of Silpada Designs.  You can also keep up with current Lost & Found happenings by visiting their Facebook page.

No BPN members in this next event, but BNI member Amanda Brown of 417 Pet Sitting, and my good friend, Christy Snelling, are both on the Board of Directors for SAAF, the Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation.  The event is the Annual Big Hair Ball, and is coming up quickly this Friday, May 11th, at Historic Firehouse No. 2 on Commercial Street in Springfield.  To attend, donate, or otherwise help out, see the Facebook event page.

Of course we couldn’t have a post about charity without mentioning the American Cancer Society’s Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball, to be held on August 18th at the Darr Agricultural Center, as so many of our members are involved in this event.  In conjunction with the Ball, for the first time this year, the ACS will hold a “Shave To Save” event at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center on July 26th.  BPN member Cary Prater of Ollis & Co. has volunteered to be a “shavee” for this cause (!), so to help out Cary and the ACS, you may donate online here.   Cary needs to reach $1,000.00, so don’t let him (or us) down! Look for more about the Cattle Baron’s Ball in future posts.

We’ll close today by mentioning that our own “pet charity”, Safe Harbor Outreach, founded by BPN member Karen Monnier and her husband Mike of The Sugar Baker, has officially submitted its 501c(3) application to the IRS and should soon become a fully accredited charity.  We are all so proud of the work Karen and Mike are doing with this charity, and happy to be continuously contributing!  For more information or to help out, follow the link above, or order some sweets from The Sugar Baker!