RT McCain has been volunteering his whole life.
Photo provided
RT McCain will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Difference Maker banquet. A previous finalist, he hopes to emphasize the importance of volunteerism and giving back to the community.
“I have always been involved in volunteering,” McCain recalled.
He grew up as the son of a pastor, and his father’s example of service gave him something to aspire to.
“That has shaped a lot of what I do,” McCain added.
“We are so excited every year to be able to highlight the good works that people like RT do in our community,” shared DAR Publisher Chris Pruett, “They are the people who help make our community better every day, without asking for recognition.”
McCain started an organization called Dream Construction with a group of peers to help reach troubled youth 10 years ago.
While the membership of the group and level of activity have fluctuated over the years due to life circumstances, he is now in the process of finalizing the paperwork to make the Poplar Bluff Juneteenth Celebration Committee an official 501(c)(3) non-profit.
“We know that the work of starting a program and seeing it through, or of supporting an existing program, is never that simple,” Pruett added.
During his speech, McCain will emphasize the importance of one’s peer group.
“Have a mentor,” he stated.
McCain also cautioned to select one’s friends carefully. In 2021, McCain shared that different groups carry the torch of improving the community at different times.
“He said that he and friend Jason Matlock happened to be wherever the torch was,” Pruett said.
Some events McCain and his group have put on include the Stop the Violence Back to School Bash, block parties, festivals and hay rides. He also noted his participation in the growing annual Juneteenth celebration.
“We see mentorship and camaraderie all day,” McCain recalled. “We definitely are proud.”
He first learned of the Difference Makers when he was nominated several years ago.
“Since then, I definitely love the fact we have a Difference Makers program in this area,” McCain remarked.
In his speech, he will, “encourage people to give back and volunteer.”
McCain praised the efforts of everyone who contributes to the culture of volunteerism in the region.
“Those are the people we need to recognize that are good hard-working people in the community,” McCain added. “It makes the volunteerism movement stronger.”
“Difference Makers is an opportunity to honor their efforts and share all of the ‘good news’ that happens all the time in our community,” Pruett stated, “Thank you to RT and all of past and current Difference Makers for what you are doing.”
The banquet will be held Aug. 29 at the Black River Coliseum. Tickets are free and are available at the Daily American Republic office at 208 Poplar St. The evening includes entertainment, silent auctions and raffles, as well as the recognition of the 2024 Difference Makers. A Difference Maker of the Year will be named during the event. A check will also be presented to this year’s charity, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The annual Difference Makers campaigns have raised more than $50,000 for area charities since they started.
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