Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake award 2025 grant funds
- Cynthia J. Thomas
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
At their monthly luncheon on Monday, March 10, Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake presented Service Grant Awards for their 2024 grant cycle, helping to fund the work of several valuable nonprofit organizations that serve children and families in Taney and Stone counties.
After opening prayer, review of the NFTRL Mission Statement, and introductions of new members and guests, the award checks were officially presented to representatives of the recipient organizations. Members of the fundraising committee thanked NFTRL members for their assistance with fundraising projects, reiterating the importance of each officer, committee member and volunteer in helping accomplish the goals.
The awards totaled over $80,000 for this grant year. Grant amounts ranged from approximately $1,500 to approximately $4,000, with some helping fund specific initiatives that might not otherwise be available to the community. The recipients included the following nonprofit organizations:
● Answers to Prayers
● Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks
● Chances of Stone County
● Children’s Smile Center
● Elevate Branson
● Gateway Branson
● Harbor House Domestic Violence Center
● House of Hope
● Imagine Technical Institute
● Junior Auxiliary of Taney County
● Kimberling Area Library Association
● Kimberling Area Senior Center
● Lake Area Child Advocacy Center
● Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch
● Northern Stone County Food Pantry
● Pregnancy Life Line
● Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks
● Skaggs Foundation
● Southern Stone County Food Pantry
● The Brook Wellness Center
● Tri-Lakes Humane Society
● Veterans of the Ozarks
● Weekend Backpacks for Kids
Recipients were enthusiastic in expressing their appreciation. Rosie Robinson of The Brook Wellness Center shared that the grant money will be used to help fund their annual Toy Drive for children of client families in need, including not only toys but also things like socks and underwear; nearly 500 children were served last December. “This grant is a blessing to us and we could not do this without their support,” said Robinson. “A huge Thank You!”
“Mac” McAllister, president of Veterans of the Ozarks, said the NFTRL funds will help continue VOTO’s suicide prevention initiatives, including the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training the group offers on a regular basis. This valuable program teaches community members to recognize signs that a family member or friend may be at risk for suicide and take steps to help them.
“The funds I received from NFTRL will support our March 2025 Elevate Work class,” said Donna McConkey, who directs the program at Elevate Branson. “I appreciate the support from community organizations that understand the importance and value of work! I look forward to reporting to NFTRL the success stories that come from their generous support.”
The Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake vision statement includes “foster friendship among its members and assist in their introduction into community, social, civic and educational causes; and to undertake and promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.” The group meets monthly at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church in Kimberling City, with meetings generally alternating between “just for fun and fellowship” events and speakers presenting valuable local information. As an example, in addition to the award presentations, the March 10 meeting featured an update by Kyle Cook of the Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on area economic development initiatives, with time for Q & A; the April meeting will feature a fashion show.
If you’re new to the area, or perhaps newly retired, and looking for a great way to get involved in the community, NFTRL welcomes you! Check out the membership information and more coming events on the website, https://www.nftrl.org.
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