VAC's unique programs are designed to address unmet needs in our community, giving low-income people the opportunity to gain independence, overcome crisis, meet their basic needs, and improve their quality of life. VAC also provides volunteer information, training, and recognition, encouraging our community to respond to social problems and community issues.
What's CurrentTuesday, June 23, 2009
Now that summer is officially here, the Voluntary Action Center is assisting low-income households with a fan. Fans are distributed to households with infants and young children, pregnant moms, the elderly and the disabled, since these populations are particularly vulnerable to the heat. So far this summer, VAC has already distributed 104 fans to people who need them.
The fan program relies entirely on donations from the community. Contributions of new fans, or cash donations to purchase fans are greatly appreciated, as we have had many recent requests as a result of the high temperatures. Help us achieve our goal to make 2009 a comfortable and safe summer for local families. Contact VAC if you are interested in supporting this program or if you are in need of a fan.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Christmas in July
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town this summer! Though the temperatures may be soaring, and thoughts of snow are far away, Santa will make his 18th annual local July appearance at VAC's Christmas in July picnic on July 14.The purpose of this event is to raise awareness that there are people in need throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. The Christmas in July celebration will provide a picnic meal for hundreds of low-income families, with the help of community donations. Families will enjoy good food, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa! The picnic will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 at Missouri United Methodist Church on the 14th. This year there will also be a ribbon cutting and celebration before the picnic in honor of VAC's 40th Anniversary!
This event is made possible through small donations from the community. These donations...
- Provide an evening filled with holiday spirit for someone in need.
- Support VAC's programs, making it possible for VAC to continue to provide basic and essential services to those in need in our community.
- Enter the donor into a drawing for great prizes! (one entry for each $10 donation)
There are two fantastic grand prizes this year. The first is a Family Day at Big Surf Waterpark (including 6 tickets, a cabana, and food for the day). The second is two season passes to the 2010 "Hot Summer Nights" at the Missouri Theatre. Other prizes include a gift certificate to The Marc Salon, a clipshot mini digital camera, and gift certificates to Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream, Bambino's Italian Cafe, G&D Steakhouse, and Jimmy's Steakhouse.
Donations can be sent to VAC at 800 N Providence, Suite 220, Columbia, MO 65203.
If you would like to attend the 40th anniversary ribbon cutting, or help out at the picnic, please call VAC at 874-2273.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Spring Into Action was a huge Success!
VAC's Spring Into Action fundraiser was a success again this year, raising $21,000 to support VAC's services.
Thank you to everyone who contributed or attended this fun event!
Visit VAC's fan page on Facebook to see all the great pictures from the event. Also check out VAC's latest newsletter, which lists all our generous event sponsors and auction item donors.
Congratulations again to all our honorees!
- Bob Duncan was presented with the Hazel Riback Award
- Bo Fraser was presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award
- Lynda Baumgartner was presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award
- David and Jackie Pittman were presented with the Heart of VAC Award
- Gordon and Mickey Burnam were presented with the Heart of VAC Award.
Thank you to everyone who contributed or attended this fun event!
Visit VAC's fan page on Facebook to see all the great pictures from the event. Also check out VAC's latest newsletter, which lists all our generous event sponsors and auction item donors.
Congratulations again to all our honorees!
- Bob Duncan was presented with the Hazel Riback Award
- Bo Fraser was presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award
- Lynda Baumgartner was presented with the Outstanding Community Service Award
- David and Jackie Pittman were presented with the Heart of VAC Award
- Gordon and Mickey Burnam were presented with the Heart of VAC Award.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
VAC Newsletter
VAC's June/July Newsletter is now available on the Documents and Publications page of this website! This edition of our newsletter includes lots of information about VAC's summer programs, including Lunch in the Park, the Summer Fan Program, Christmas in July, and Stuff the Bus. There is also a list of fun things for you and your family to do around Columbia this summer, as well as the current listing of volunteer needs in our community.Go check it out!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Spring Into Action
With the arrival of spring, friends of the Voluntary Action Center are preparing to Spring Into Action on behalf of our services and programs.Join us!
The Club at Old Hawthorne
Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 p.m.
Joe Moseley will host this evening of awards and a live auction while guests enjoy a wonderful dinner and great company. This year Bob Duncan will receive the Hazel Riback Award for service to the Voluntary Action Center, Bo Fraser and Lynda Baumgartner will each receive the Outstanding Community Service Award, and David & Jackie Pittman and Gordon & Bonnie Burnam will each receive the Heart of VAC Award. VAC is honored to have the opportunity to recognize such deserving people in our community!
In addition to honoring these wonderful people, guests will have the opportunity to support VAC's services by bidding on auction items donated by local businesses.
Old Hawthorne is the place to be on May 26! The food will be delicious, the auction fun, and seven remarkable people will be honored for their generosity, service, leadership, and involvement in our local community. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to discuss corporate sponsorship options, call the Voluntary Action Center at 874-2273.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Recent VAC Publicity
The Voluntary Action Center was featured in the May digital issue of Columbia Home & Lifestyle Magazine! Whitney Gibbens wrote a great and very informative article highlighting the services and programs that VAC provides for our community. There is also a sidebar with information on VAC's upcoming event, Spring Into Action, which will be at the Club at Old Hawthorne on May 26. Go check it out!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Announcing the 2009 HERO Award Winners!
The 8th annual Columbia Daily Tribune HERO Awards reception was held on Thursday, April 23, recognizing all 27 individuals and groups nominated for the awards, and announcing the three winners for 2009!
The winner in the Group Category was the Aktion Club, whose members are clients of Woodhaven Learning Center working under the guidance of local Kiwanis organizations. The Aktion Club has made Columbia a more beautiful place by contributing many hours to Cleanup Columbia Day and the Adopt-a-Spot Beautification Program. Its members have also volunteered for the Salvation Army, Columbia Head Start, and other groups in Columbia. Aktion Club members show great dedication and enthusiasm for every task they undertake.
The winner in the Youth Category is Karis Ann Crosby. Over the past five years, Karis has given hundreds of hours of time to TRYPS, positively impacting the lives of thousands of children. She has used her theatrical talents to enrich others' lives by bringing characters to life in plays, educational skits, and workshops, teaching children in theater classes, and organizing fundraisers. Karis' volunteer efforts also extend to other groups, including a K-Life Youth Group, Turkey Hill Bible Ranch Camp, and the Ronald McDonald Kids Cure Cancer Club. Karis has given endlessly of her time, effort, and compassion for others and developed a strong foundation for a lifetime of volunteerism.
The winner in the Individual Category was Max Lewis. As an attorney, Max provides legal representation pro bono for people unable to afford attorneys, and advocates for people with disabilities in local and state government. Max's quadriplegia has given him an uncommon empathy for people facing physical challenges, but has never been a barrier to his efforts to help people in need. He also serves on the boards for Services for Independent Living, Boone County Family Resources, the Columbia Housing Authority, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services, and developed and teaches an adapted gymnastics program for children with disabilities, helping build their strength and confidence. Max has displayed great strength and wide-ranging talents in his acts of heroism in our community.Congratulations to all the 2009 HERO award nominees and winners!
To see all of VAC's pictures from this event, visit our fan page on Facebook!
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