Collaboration has power, says Difference Makers keynote speaker

“What can you do today to make a difference?” RT McCain challenged audience members Thursday evening during the sixth annual Daily American Republic Difference Maker Banquet.

The banquet celebrated the unsung heroes of the community and raised $11,199 for the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace. SHP is a charity specializing in building and distributing beds to children in need.

McCain was the keynote speaker for the event, and said he hoped members of the audience would take the spirit of the event home and turn it into action.

“The power of collaboration can really give a ripple effect,” he recounted. “The best things happen when we work together.”

He hoped everyone present would find some way to make a difference.

“Every effort counts. Every hour matters,” McCain stated. “Volunteerism is the backbone of a strong community.”

The Difference Maker’s event is organized each year by the Daily American Republic with the help of sponsors like Missouri Highlands Healthcare and other businesses.

DAR Publisher Chris Pruett described Difference Maker’s growth from the first event.

“We wanted to find a way to honor those who were behind the scenes,” he remarked.

From 200 individuals at the first banquet, this year’s boasted more than 450 reserved tickets. In the previous five years, the event has raised $40,000 for local charities.

Karen White of Missouri Highlands brought a cadre of staff to help present the awards. The staff was Molly Black, Carl Harbison, Misty Morrison, Alex Hathcoat and Jessica Mabry.

“It’s so important to be community-facing,” White asserted. “We love serving alongside each of you.”

This year’s finalists were Dr. John Blaich, Corretta Bishop, Amber Brown, Mike Fleetwood, Gina Ginocchio, Travis and Amanda Gowen, Laura McElroy, Michael “Mikey” McKuin, Rev. Sandra Mick-Shockey and Chris Waite. Mick-Shockey was named as this year’s Difference Maker of the Year. The nominees volunteered in the community in capacities from women’s ministry to children’s health care.

McCain also highlighted those who support and teach volunteers, like his parents’ contribution to his love for volunteering.

“The secret behind my success is none other than Ronald and Donna McCain,” he said.

Many people do things that aren’t recognized, shared state Rep. Hardy Billington.

“It’s great of the DAR to take the time out and really recognize people,” he said.

“This is the best of Poplar Bluff,” city councilman David Boyer affirmed. “It shows the people of our city are caring, helpful and love each other.”

Trisha Lambert and her husband came to the event to support volunteerism in the region. She works for FosterAdopt Connect as a family advocate.

“Everybody likes to be recognized,” Lambert noted.

2021 Difference Maker of the Year recipient Michelle Hessling was also in attendance. She received the award for her work with those struggling with homelessness.

“Being here showed me the support of the community,” Hessling recalled. “It really opened everybody’s eyes to the amount of homeless we have.”

She currently works as a public health educator for the Stoddard County Health Department. Hessling applauded the event’s continual celebration of volunteerism and said it spawns more giving back from everyone.

Butler County Emergency Manager Robbie Myers said he has come to the banquet every year with the only exception being a virtual attendance last year.

“We have so many people who volunteer their talents and efforts. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate some unsung heroes,” he shared. “It’s a great tradition that the DAR has started. It’s a great asset to our community.”

“We’re fortunate to live in the community we do,” Myers said. “People pull together.”

Food was made by the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

UGRM Executive Director Greg Kirk praised the nominees’ efforts, “Nobody’s doing it because they have to. They do it because they want to.”

The evening finished with a speech by this year’s Difference Maker, Rev. Sandra Mick-Shockey.

When Pruett presented the check from the event’s proceeds to the team of SHP, Elledge expressed his gratitude.

“This is amazing,” he affirmed. “When you walk out of a home and the child has a smile on their face and a bed, that makes it all worth it.”

He continued, “We are very humbled and appreciative...We always need resources.”

Pruett concluded the evening by encouraging attendees to think of nominees for next year’s event and to seek opportunities to give back to the community.

Sparklight set up free wifi for the event. The evening included a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and the chance to win $500 in gas at Money Mizer.