Monna Stafford, General Manger and Radio Host of Bott Radio Network, recently interviewed three Branson business leaders who shared their impressions on the restoration efforts following the damaging F2 Tornado that struck Branson, Missouri on Leap Day, February 29, 2012.

The two-minute interviews (links below) were with Lynn Berry – Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Jim Barber – Branson Entertainer & President of the Branson Theatre League, and Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley.

Though these interviews are all edited short for radio, each of the three leaders shared their personal expressions of concern for the families, neighborhoods, and businesses that sustained damage due to the storm.  As tourism is the driving force behind Branson’s economy, each interview encouraged listeners to come vacation in Branson soon.

Related websites: Bott Radio Network, ExploreBranson.com, VolunteerBranson.org, Hamner Barber Theater, Branson Show League, City of Branson

Contact: DOUG JORDAN, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF TANEY COUNTY, (417) 230-6960; or BRIAN FOGLE OR LOUISE KNAUER, CFO, (417) 864-6199

The Community Foundation of Taney County, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, has established the Branson Tornado Relief and Recovery Fund to accept donations to support clean-up and rebuilding efforts following the Leap Day storm.

Donations to the Branson Tornado Relief and Recovery Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. Decisions on the use of the fund will be made locally by a grant review panel established by the Community Foundation of Taney County.

Eligible grant recipients would be 501(c)3 non-profit agencies that will be providing direct services for storm-related needs  or groups with similar tax-exempt status such as government or faith-based organizations.

Donations can be made online at: www.cfozarks.org/donate; or by mail to: Community Foundation of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801. Please note “Branson Tornado Relief and Recovery Fund” in the fund/program box online or on checks.

“We believe there will be a number of needs or gaps in funding from other sources that can be addressed through the generosity of private donations,” said Doug Jordan, President of the Community Foundation of Taney County. “This type of fund gives us the flexibility to offer grantmaking as circumstances warrant during our community’s rebuilding and recovery.”

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has been involved in post-disaster community rebuilding for more than a decade.

“We are committed to ensuring that the donations stay in the community and that decisions are made locally because we believe that local leaders are best positioned to recognize where the needs are greatest,” CFO President Brian Fogle said.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a regional public foundation established in 1973 with assets of about $185 million in more than 2,000 funds. Its network includes 44 affiliate foundations, such as the Community Foundation of Taney County, established in 2002 and with assets now of about $3.7 million in 50 funds. The CF of TC has distributed more than $700,000 back to its communities since its inception.

         Community Foundation of the Ozarks

425 E. Trafficway

Springfield, MO, 65806

(417) 864-6199

Fax (417) 864-8344

www.cfozarks.org

facebook.com/cfozarks

twitter.com/cfozarks

“We want to give you an indication, much better than still images do, about what exactly has occurred here on West Highway 76.” – Ross Summers

“The Strip is now back open… this just happened yesterday. The City and all of the First Responders have done a remarkable job of getting things back in order.” – Ross Summer

If you would like to volunteer with restoration activities please visit VolunteerBranson.org.

“We have taken a hit, there’s no doubt about it. There’s been considerable damage to several of our lodging facilities, about 3 of our theaters only, and some restaurants. But we invite you to Branson, we’ve still got about 18,000 hotels rooms that are in great shape, and lots of restaurants, and of course all of our major theaters, with the exception of about 3, will opened up and running.” – Ross Summers

“If you’ve got plans of coming to Branson, we want you to keep those plans because we will be here for you. If you’re looking for a place to take a nice family vacation this summer, we invite you to come. If you’ve never been here before, Branson is a wonderful place to bring your family.” – Ross Summers

“Remarkably, no deaths in Branson and a few injuries… very fortunate and blessed to have had no deaths here in town… Many, many businesses are operating as normally as possible. There are those that have not been quite as lucky and have lost businesses and have lost homes. We obviously want to remember and pray for those folks that have lost property. But we can put the property back together… We had no loss of life, that’s what we’re truly thankful for.” – Ross Summers

Call the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-334-4084 with questions and visit ExploreBranson.com.

The 3rd Annual Dancing with the Stars of Branson hits the boards at Dick Clarks American Bandstand Theater on February 29th in support of seven community organizations. Building upon the success of his highly anticipated fundraiser, Producer Bob Nichols promises an even bigger and more entertaining evening of dancing, laughing and surprises.

“Leap day, (Feb 29) is the perfect day for a Dancing event” said Nichols. Dancing with the Stars of Branson (DWSB) works very similar to the original television show on ABC. Our “Stars” are ordinary citizens from our local community who are paired with a Branson dance professional. Together they create a dance number to present in this annual effort to raise funds for the arts. Nichols reminds us that, “… it’s not a dance contest, it’s a fundraiser” The couple that raises the most money for their charity wins the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Past winners include Tom Boyce, Boyce Construction in 2010, and the 2011 Champion was Bill Tirone from the Hilton Convention Center. Funds are raised through dollar voting at intermission, after all the couples have danced. Attendees line up to “encourage” their favorite couple, by stuffing their ballot boxes with their dollars, each dollar equals one vote.

View one of last year’s featured dance teams, Jim Barber from the Hamner Barber Theater and Ashley Gadd.

Our dancing stars this year are: Cy Bortner, Herschend Family Entertainment; Justin Clark, Legends in Concert; The Cook Twins, Branson High School; Renee Johnson, Branson Show League; Jeff Long, Creative Printing; Brenda Meadows, Downtown Branson Main Street Assoc; MeKenna Medley, Bill Medley Show and Chuck O’day; Hollywood Wax Museum. Each of these active members of the community will be dancing with a Branson pro, our list of volunteers includes: Ashley Gadd, Elisha Conner, Lymartin Chattman, Larry Foster, Cory Pichoff, Michael Maples, Stephanie Richardson.

View one of last year’s featured dance teams, J. Fotsch from the Power 96.5 and A.J Heard.

New for 2012, each dancing couples is allowed to select their own charity to support. This widens the benefit to the local community and allows for more robust fundraising since each couple is working to support their own passion. Benefitting organizations this year include: The Branson Arts Council, The Branson Center for the Arts, Jesus was Homeless, Hollister High School Band, The Caring People, Tri-Lakes Community Theatre and Day for Shay and Pals.

The evening begins with our exclusive “VIP Party with the Stars and Pros” in the upstairs VIP area at Dick Clarks Theater. Champagne, non-alcoholic too, and delicious hors d’oeuvres are abundant at this “Pre-Show Mixer”. VIPs party it up with our Stars and Pros from 5:30 to 6:30 then they’re off to get ready to perform. VIPs have exclusive table seating for the entire evening for a donation of just $50. After the first half, and the voting at intermission, you will enjoy the best numbers from all four of our local dance studios and learning facilities.

We are excited to present troupes from Premiere Dance Academy, Midwest Dance Revolution, Sonshine Dance and Fitness and Dance Branson.

The Show begins at 7 PM and this year, and tickets, just $15, are by reservation only! Sit close to catch the pithy commentary of our celebrity judges. In 2012 our Judges are Steve Willoughby from Hometown Radio KRZK-KOMC; Michelle Willadsen from Midwest Dance Revolution and Camille Davis Langford.

Have fun! Support the community! See your friends and neighbors do something you’ve never seen them do before… Get your VIP tickets, or reserved seats, today by calling 417-339-3003, more information is available at DancingwiththeStarsofBranson.com.

Branson, Missouri, dubbed the “live music show capital of the world”, is the perfect place to escape the winter blues during January and February and Branson’s 18th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect event to sample a wide variety of shows and performers jam-packed into one exciting show. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater will be sizzling on Monday, February 6, at 7:00 pm with an exciting line-up of Branson stars and shows.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show provides the audience an opportunity to see portions of several shows that are open during the winter months of January, February and March. The Big Show will be emceed by popular Branson entertainer, Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Shows on stage include Legends In Concert, it from the Hughes Brothers Theatre, Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show, SIX, Joseph Hall’s Tribute to the King, Grand Jubilee, Hamner Barber Variety Show, Take It To The Limit-Eagles Tribute, Comedy Jamboree, Tribute To Marty Robins, Todd Oliver & Friends, Baldknobbers Jamboree, and more.

Tickets for Branson’s 18th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater directly at 417-339-3003.

“The Big Show has become a tradition for many visitors who plan their trip to Branson around the event. It’s also something local residents enjoy because they get to see some of their favorite shows and because the proceeds are used to help market the Branson/Lakes Area,” says Jim Barber, President of The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and nationally known ventriloquist and co-owner of the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Theater.

“Marketing the months of January, February, and March as Hot Winter Fun started in 1994 as a way to let our guests know they could enjoy the Branson experience year ‘round,” says Cindy Merry, marketing chair for The Branson Show League. “The Hot Winter Fun Big Show was created to raise funds to market Branson. We hope to create funds to allow us to run a good television schedule in one of our target markets, similar to what we did in 2009 where we ran a $300,000 TV ad buy in the Dallas market. It was a cooperative marketing program with the Branson Airport and the Branson/Lakes Area CVB.”

The Branson Show League sponsors the annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. All of the entertainers donate their performances and many volunteers and local businesses including the News-Leader, KY3.com, Branson Tri-Lakes News, Ozark Mountain Newspaper and others help to market and sponsor the show.

For tickets call 417-339-3003 today. Tickets are $30 plus tax and service charge for adults, $ 9.95 plus tax and service charge for children ages 4 through 12.

About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League)

The Branson Show League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” — Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family friendly vacation destination. The League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between the shows and theaters as well as throughout the Branson community.

For more information visit: ShowsInBranson.com

Help promote the show: Download a printable Hello Dolly! poster!

Now in it’s 29th season, the Tri-Lakes Communtiy Theatre is a non-profit 501c3 organization supported solely by donations of patrons and ticket sales of its productions.  It is based upon the principles of Entertainment, Opportunity and Education and has distributed approximately $30 thousand in scholarships for area youth over the last fifteen years.

HELLO, DOLLY! is an ebullient and irresistible story of the joy of living, glittering with happy songs, shining with loving scenes, alive with the personality of one of the most fabulous characters on the musical stage…Dolly Gallagher Levi!

Classic musical numbers include Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Ribbons Down My Back, Before the Parade Passes By, Elegance, It Only Takes A Moment, So Long, Dearie… and the well known classic theme song made famous by Louis Armstrong, Hello Dolly!

The musical is produced by Kim Hale and directed by Trisha Garrison.  Assistant producers are Lisa Murphy and Gail Tilden.  Musical Director is Danielle Ryan with Choreography by Michelle Willadson and Matthew Mattney.

Branson resident Diane Barber is cast in the leading role as Dolly Levi. Diane has an extensive background in musical theater having performed in many regional theaters along the East Coast Circuit including the Bucks County Playhouse, Poconos Playhouse, Bristol Riverside Theatre and the Falmouth Playhouse in Massachusetts.

She studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute and the Terri Schreiber Studio as well as vocal performance with Patricia Carey and Bob Marks in New York City. She earned her Bachelors of Music Education in Music Thearapy from the University of Kansas as well as a Masters Degree in Dance Education from Temple University in Philadelphia.

In November and December of each year, Diane performs along with her husband, comedian Jim Barber and illusionist Dave Hamner in the holiday production The Wings of Christmas at the Hamner Barber Theater and is a full-time interior decorator and owner of Interiors by Decorating Den.

In addition to the role of Dolly Levi, there are many enjoyable leading characters in the musical production that are portrayed by very talented actors and singers from around the Branson Tri-Lakes area. These performers include:

Norman Cochran as Horace Vandergelder
Nathan Sutherland as Cornelius Hackl
Michael Phillips as Barnaby Tucker
Brianne McGill as Irene Molloy
Somer Jones as Minnie Fay
Greg Lilley as Ambrose Kemper
Heather Beyer as Ermengarde
Marla Sullivan as Ernestina
Jim Ellis as Rudolph Reisenweber
Trey Hale as Stanley
Paul Gibbs as the Judge
Sean Myers as the Policeman
Corey James as the Clerk and Bandleader, as well as dozens of other actors of all ages playing the townspeople, waiters and chorus.

Special Gala and Silent Auction

New this year is the first annual Tri-Lakes Community Theatre Gala! and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, February 4th at 5:30pm in the atrium of the Starlite Theatre.  The price for this special Gala! event is $25.00 and includes dinner, entertainment and VIP Seating to the production of “Hello Dolly!” in the main theater at 6:30pm.  Semi-formal to formal attire is suggested for women, with Black Tie optional for men.

Tickets on Sale January 25th

Mark your calendars! Beginning January 25th tickets can be obtained by calling the Starlite Theatre box office at 417-335-4241. Adults are $15 and children $8.

For the Gala! and Silent Auction VIP reservations, call 417-546-0095.

Related Links: Tri-Lakes Community Theatre