As the crisis in Joplin, Missouri enters it’s second week, financial contributions are still urgently needed to continue the assistance to the survivors of this tragic tornado which killed 134 residents and injured more than 900 others.  More than 8,000 homes and apartments, and more than 500 commercial properties, were damaged or destroyed by the tornado. Many organizations, businesses and individuals across the country have given generously, and others are currently planning fund raising activities in their own areas.

Branson, Missouri is approximately 90 miles (110 drive miles) to the South East of Joplin, and several fund raising efforts in the live entertainment mecca have already occurred, or are currently in the works.

An annual benefit show for the Branson area Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913 held on Monday, May 23 (the night after the tornado disaster) used the opportunity to also raise hundreds of dollars for the Joplin relief effort.  These funds were immediately donated to Convoy Of Hope, a faith based organization headquartered in nearby Springfield, Missouri that has served the needs of more than 43 million people around the world through disaster assistance and community outreach.

Assisting Joplin Seniors In Need!

An example of an upcoming benefit event include the Kimberling City, Branson and Forsyth Senior Centers Golf Scramble at Murder Rock Golf Course this Friday June 3, 2011 at 8AM. This scramble was originally intended to benefit the Senior Centers and their programs, but in light of the devastation in Joplin they decided to direct their efforts to help those Seniors in Joplin also.  The Joplin Senior Center was destroyed which displaced many senior citizens who depended on the nursing home care, medication and other needs including glasses, dentures, durable equipment, and a host of other things too numerous to mention. These centers along with the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging are dedicated to help seniors in need. If you are in the Branson area this Friday and would be able to “Take Time Out for Seniors” and play in the scramble or send a donation for this cause, please contact Chris Thompson the Branson Senior Center Director at 417-739-5242 or via email at christineT@swmoa.com.

The scramble is $100.00 per person or $400.00 for a team. The 19^th hole and silent auction will be at Time Out Sports Bar and Grill.

Cash donations may be sent to the Branson Senior Center, 201 Compton, Branson , Mo.65616 and they will be forwarded to the Joplin Area Agency on Aging to distribute to those in need.

You can help with Tornado recovery in Joplin!

You can help immediately to support the purchase of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities by making a cash donation to these organizations that are already on the ground serving in the Joplin area:

• American Red Cross
• Salvation Army Disaster Services
• Convoy of Hope
  

Donate Blood and Save Lives!

There continues to be demand for all blood types and donations are needed.  If you are able, you might consider participating in a blood drive in your own area of the country to help others in your own backyard who are in need.  Volunteer Blood Donors in the Springfield-Branson area have been advised to watch www.RedCross-Ozarks.org for updates about when blood drives in the Ozarks will be scheduled.

Text A Small Joplin Donation Today!

• Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross, or donate, give blood or volunteer by signing up online.

• Text “JOPLIN” to 864833 to donate $10 to the Heart of Missouri United Way, which has dispatched medical help to the affected areas of Kansas and Missouri. Volunteers are also welcome by signing up either online or at 1-913-764-5200.

• Text “CONVOY” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Convoy of Hope, which is delivering disaster supplies to victims. Donations may also be made online or by calling 1-417-823-8998.

Donation Points in the Branson Area

• Country Mart on Hwy 248 (Budget Rental Truck in Parking Lot)
  The Caring Cupcakes are accepting donations through Tuesday 9 p.m.
  Needs: Bottled water, bedding, blankets, pillows, personal products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, wipes, etc), pre-packaged food
• Tri-Lakes Motors (Parts Department)
  Accepting donations Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Needs: Food and clothing that will be donated to Convoy of Hope
• Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors
  Call 417-338-4437 to coordinate donation
  Needs: Blankets, nonperishable food items, personal care items
• Options Pregnancy Clinic (192 Expressway Lane (across from The Mansion Theatre)
  Accepting donations Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Needs: Diapers (all sizes), wipes, formula, bottles, car seats, bassinets, clothing or other new/gently used infant supplies
• First Baptist Church Branson Community Life Center (400 S. Sunshine, Branson)
  Accepting donations through Thursday afternoon
  Needs: Ready-to-eat food, first-aid supplies, infant needs
• America’s Best Campground (Buena Vista Road) / The Mansion Theatre / Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
  Call 417-336-4399 to coordinate donation
  Needs: Clothing, food, cash, baby supplies
• Branson Travel Office (120 N. Commercial St.)
  Accepting donations during office hours through 9 p.m. Wednesday
  Call w/ questions 417-544-1944
• Love In the Name of Christ is collecting items that will go to the students and staff of the Joplin School District. They will accept (gently used) clothing, towels/blankets/bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies and ready-to-eat foods. For more information or to donate contact them at 417-336-7056.

Additional Information

If you have relatives or friends in the Joplin area that you have not been able to contact, please visit the Red Cross’s Safe and Well registry.

Health Professionals and other volunteers can sign up to help with disaster recovery at ShowMeResponse.org

Missouri State Emergency Management Agency

Branson-Area Agencies: If your organization is responding in the Joplin area, please contact the Chamber of Commerce/CVB at 417-334-4084 to let them know of any needs you may have.

Please visit ExploreBranson.com for updated info about other drives planned in the Branson area.

2nd Annual Fundraiser For Area Youth

For the second year in a row, Dancing With The Stars of Branson returns to raise funds in support of Branson High School’s Project Graduation and the Branson Arts Council.

The event takes place on Wednesday, February 16th at 7:00pm at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

Event producer Bob Nichols of Associated Artists returns with his line up of Branson celebrities and professional dancers for a night of fun, entertainment, and fundraising to benefit of youth in the Branson community!

Video Production will once again be sponsored by The Vacation Channel.

Last year’s winners were Tom Boyce & Shanda Watts. Stars participating in this year’s event include, Tony Orlando, Paul Harris, Steve Willoughby, Jim Barber, Bucky Heard, Fotsch, Bill Tirone, Billie Naioti, Laveeta VanBuren, Police Officer Kip Teitsort and there will be a special appearance by Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley!

Tickets Go on Sale next week at the Dick Clark Theater! For information call 417-339-3003.

Your Participation Creates “Funds & Laughter”!

Open Auditions for the Second Annual Branson Gong Show will be held Friday, January 14th and Friday, January 28th at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, Branson, Missouri.

If you know of anyone who is talented, or not talented but like to have a great time being fun and zany, please share this information with them today!  There will be cash prizes for the winners, but for the rest, the wonderful feeling of satisfaction knowing they are donating their time and talents for a great local area cause, the Meals On Wheels Program of the Branson Senior Center.

For more information call: 417-335-4801 or 417-334-1548.

Make Plans To Attend The Show!!!

Mark Your Calendars for Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:49PM to attend the Second Annual Branson Gong Show at the Jim Stafford Theatre. Then get ready to laugh your head off while raising funds to help assist our area Senior Citizens who have difficulty getting around town on their own.

Several highly respected Branson entertainers are volunteering to raise funds for the Branson Senior Center’s Meals-On-Wheels program. Master of Ceremonies for the event will once again be ventriloquist and comedian Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Returning as Celebrity Judges for the event are the incredible Branson illlusionist Dave Hamner, one of the greatest impressionists in the world, Bob Anderson, and the astoundingly talented musician and singer George Trullinger.  Providing support to our judges wil be two new additions to this year’s show, the beautiful and multi-talented entertainer, Patty Davidson, and the amazing vocalist Jeff Brandt as the Gong Show Announcer.

The Gong Show Band also returns under the direction of musical genius Bogie Bohinc.

Last but certainly not least, the entire event will once again be produced by veteran TV producers Carolyn & Harry Waterson (“Golden Girls,” “Benson,” “Evis: Aloha From Hawaii”).

Watch Sarah Rackley From Last Year’s Branson Gong Show

The Second Annual Branson Gong Show will feature a dazzling array of amazing and not-so-amazing (but great fun) family friendly acts from across the Ozarks. The performers will be competing for cash prizes and the chance to be the reigning Branson Gong Show Champion.

Get Your Tickets Early!

Tickets can be pre-purchased at The Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive, in Branson (417-335-4801) or at the Historic Downtown Branson Office, 112 W. College (417-334-1548)

On the day of the show, tickets can be purchased at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

There will be giveaways and surprises during the show.  Cash Prizes for the winning contestants are: 1st Place $500.17, 2nd Place $101 and 3rd Place: $49.99.

This will be a terrific evening of fun benefiting a great cause!

Related Websites: Official Branson Gong Show on Facebook, Harry Waterson Credits, Hamner Barber Variety Show, Bob Anderson, Patty Davidson, Bogie Bohinc, Jeff Brandt , George Trullinger, Jim Stafford Theatre