On January 18, six teams from around Taney and Stone County competed in the first annual Branson’s Amazing Race. The event served as a benefit for Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks, joining other nonprofits during Human Trafficking Awareness Month in raising awareness of sex trafficking in southwest Missouri and educating citizens about ways to fight it.
Styled like a reality show competition, Branson’s Amazing Race involved figuring out clues to find each participating location and then the team members performing a skill or challenge. The Coalition gives a hearty thanks to the awesome location sponsors who hosted and facilitated the challenges:
Fritz’s Adventure
Cross Fit Branson
Starbucks
Chick-fil-A
Majestic Theater
Branson Fire Department
Hollywood Wax Museum Mirror Maze
Andy B’s
Branson Landing served as a main location sponsor and hub for the watch party, where friends and supporters gathered to see video of the participating teams as they completed the various challenges. Additional generous sponsors provided delicious food:
Great American Title
Unite Table Rock Lake
Branson Bank
Parlor Donuts
Kilwins
Downing Street Pour House
Joe’s Crab Shack
At the end of the Amazing Race, the Phelps Four came out on top. This group of friends, roommates and neighbors from Springfield’s Phelps Grove neighborhood said they believed in the cause, wanted to help and enjoyed the competition. Second place went to The Fantastic Four; other participating teams included the Bunco Babes, Branson Landing Crew, Branson Upstaging, and Branson Clue Chasers. Teams represented a variety of ages and professional backgrounds, with plenty of camaraderie and joking about various strengths in figuring out the clues and actually performing the challenge feats, but all had a good time and all encouraged other businesses, friend groups and civic groups to assemble teams for future events.
Many people fail to realize the seriousness of trafficking in the Ozarks, with no community unaffected and an average starting age of 12. Social media is the primary means of entry, as online predators seek out youth displaying vulnerability online and eventually gain their trust. It can happen in any family demographic or income level.
Pathways Project Coalition provides educational resources at community events; provides training for law enforcement, healthcare professionals and others who may encounter victims; and partners with other nonprofits to provide resources for rescued victims. With assistance from a Skaggs Foundation grant, the Coalition is bringing educational awareness to local school districts with age-appropriate assemblies as well as parent meetings.
Pathways Project meets the third Tuesday of each month, at 12 noon at the Stone County Health Department; a Zoom link is also available. Anyone who wants to learn more or serve as a volunteer at community events is encouraged to attend. Visit the Facebook page or contact info@pathwayspco.org to get involved.
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