The Ninth Annual Auntie M Project will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, March 3, at the offices of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy.
As a preschooler in 2009, Emma Kate Worley, daughter of Ben and Belinda Worley, wanted to raise money to help find a cure from cancer after losing her aunt, Marilyn Williams, to the disease. Williams represented what was the 159th District as State Representative and was the owner of Fiddler's Restaurant in Dexter. Cancer claimed the life of Williams in September 2009 after a two-year battle in September 2009. Her niece, Emma Kate, began painting abstract art pieces that were framed, with each backed with the story of how Emma Kate's "Auntie M Project" began.
Over the past nine years, an Auntie M Project day has been held each year, with all proceeds going to Stoddard County Relay for Life, of which her parents play a major role in organizing.
Each year, a different art project is afforded area children and adults for a $20 fee.
This year's project is Easter themed. As she has for the past few years, local artist and T.S. Hill Middle School art teacher, Stephanie Monroe, will provide painting instructions.
Two sessions will be offered to the public on March 3. The first session will begin at 1 p.m. The second will begin at 4 p.m. The fee is $20 to take part in the project.
Pre-registration is appreciated and should be directed to Belinda Worley at 703 Ellare Lane, Dexter, Mo. 63841. Registration should include the name of the person(s) attending, which session is preferred, their address and parent's name.
Through the efforts of Emma Kate Worley and the Auntie M Project, almost $70,000 has been donated to cancer research through the Relay for Life organization.
For additional information, contact Belinda Worley at 573-421-1100.
Bootheel Pediatric Therapy is located on the west side of Dexter's Chamber of Commerce building on Market Street in Dexter.