A Unique Tradition in St. Patrick, Missouri In the heart of St. Patrick, Missouri – a town with a population of just 23 – an exciting and unconventional event draws participants from near and far. Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling, now entering its 13th year in 2025, has become a beloved annual tradition. Scheduled for Saturday,…
Difference Maker: Mr. & Mrs. Clause Some heroes wear capes, and other heroes wear wigs and Santa suits. Sit with me while I get the opportunity to ask Julie questions about how she and her husband give back and provide Christmas cheer well beyond the Christmas season. Q: How did you and your husband begin…
Difference Maker: TOYS FOR TOTS Western Central Illinois “This year has been one of the hardest years of my life financially, and this is the only Christmas my kids will be getting this year & because of you, they can still believe in the magic of Christmas. God bless you.” This was just one of…
Difference Maker: Tri-State Service Foundation “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi said it best. The Tri-State Service Foundation (TSSF) was created out of the simple need, the simple want, that at the end of the day, we can find ourselves by helping others.…
Difference Maker: Veterans Assistance Commission of Adams County What is the Veterans Assistance Commission of Adams County (VACAC) and why have a Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)? The VACAC is a County-wide organization that acts as a Veteran Assistance Organization for all of Adams County and our Veterans. The VACAC was officially adopted by the Adams…
Difference Maker: Bernadette Mayoral Illuminating Hearts: Bernadette’s Journey of Compassion and Resilience In the bustling streets of Keokuk, nestled among the shops and cafes, stands a whimsical haven of joy known as Little Tots Playhouse. But this past winter, it became more than just a place for children to explore their imaginations; it became a…
Difference Maker: Jason Watkins Jason Watkins has been a difference-maker for as long as memory serves. Immediately upon graduating from Quincy Notre Dame, Jason agreed to sacrifice everything and enlisted in the Army. It was during his basic training that the unspeakable events of September 11th, 2001, occurred. Jason left for Iraq in April of…
Difference Maker: Kevin Blickhan Difference maker? “I don’t think of myself as a difference maker.” -Kevin Blickhan Story By Kari Vogel & Kaitlyn Wegs Making a difference is a goal most people in the service field have, but they don’t always know the ways in which they are making a difference unless someone points it…
Difference Maker: Amy Peters I would describe a difference-maker as a person who embraces their fears and hesitations to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. A difference maker is a passionate individual who can’t just sit by and hope someone else sees the need and takes the initiative. Above all, a difference…
Difference Maker: Kim Runquist I met Kim at an engagement party for my sister, Kim’s husband Andy is good friends with my brother-in-law, and immediately I knew I liked her. She has this amazing bright smile, a bubbly personality, and a sweet, disarming demeanor. We’d chat over the next few pre-wedding get-togethers, and the more…
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