Cynthia Fisher Lawhorn, Other Local Talent Highlight NWMEF Fundraiser

Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation hosted a fundraising event “Bringing Home the Talent”, Sunday afternoon, March 13 at Mary Linn Auditorium on NWMSU campus with around 400 in attendance. Talent was in abundance with the performers that were absolute crowd pleasers. Pre-show artists featured represented the six counties in NWMEF service area were from: Atchison County, Jason Riley of St. Joseph; Adam Showalter, Springfield, MO, originally from Holt County; Tammy and Andy Heath, Overland Park, KS who originally made their homes in Stanberry and Mound City (Gentry and Holt Counties); Jeff Anslinger of Savannah; and Cynthia Fisher Lawhorn, Osage Beach, MO, calling Worth County her homeland. The pleasure of Fred Mares, National Hy-Vee Greeter from Maryville, MO provided excellent entertainment while guests were seated and featured a concert in itself.

Following an intermission during which time all the performers had the advantage to sell their recorded CDs, featured artists, Todd Bradshaw of Grand Jubilee, Branson, MO and his comedian friend, Terry Sanders of Silver Dollar City then took the stage. They kept the crowd awed with a variety of numbers. Bradshaw portrayed several different well known artists, and Sanders’ hilarious comedy acts as Homer Lee, Grandma Bradshaw and Joan Rivers made for a grand ending to an afternoon of great entertainment.

Sharing Emcee duties were Doug Schmitz, Bethany /Cameron - General Manager of KAAN AM/FM, WKFM & KMRN Radio Station and Marilyn Alldredge of Fairfax, NWMEF Fundraising Coordinator for the event. Both Schmitz and Alldredge were originally from Stanberry. During the course of the afternoon performance, Annette Weeks, NWMEF Facilitator spoke of the Free confidential services provided to businesses and entrepreneurs in the six county area. Alldredge and Weeks also presented MO Rep Mike Thomson and MO Senator Brad Lager with plaques of appreciation for their assistance to this group.

All the entertainers were brought back to the stage for one last round of applause and were presented with plaques of appreciation and an apple pie for “coming home” to share their time, talents, professionalism and willingness to assist in the continuation of the works of NWMEF. “Alldredge stated,” We could not ask for better entertainers, or for a smoother program process than what we experienced. The proceeds we gained will assist in keeping NWMEF important economic services ongoing. We are so grateful for all the support gained thru this event”.

Much appreciation went to the Sponsors for the event: $500 - Northwest Missouri Cellular, Maryville – Rock Port; Kincaid Gardens, Gary & Gayle Kincaid, Savannah; Maryville Daily Forum, Maryville. $250:Fairfax Agency, Inc., Bob & Marilyn Alldredge,Fairfax; Catholic Charities, Kansas City- St. Joseph; Laukemper Motors, Joe & Susan Laukemper, Mound City; Lower Marketing & Advertising, LLC; Jim Lower, St. Joseph; Colflesh Financial Services, Tarkio, David Colflesh, CLU, ChFC. $100: Hy-Vee – Maryville; Bank Midwest, Maryville; Oswald Brothers, Richard & Marion, Fairfax; Drs. Robert & Betty Bush, Maryville; Aunt Martha’s House Bed & Breakfast, Fairfax -Martha Shaffer – Owner; Sisters of St. Francis - Savannah.