Trivia night a huge success for local nonprofit

The wild west came alive at the recent Junior Auxiliary of Taney County Trivia event. The 24th Annual JATC Trivia Night featured members in their western attire, carrying out the theme of "Saddle up and get those boots on." 

Held at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel, the fun filled night included an online auction, raffles, photo opportunities and much more. Branson's Jim Barber served at MC for the Trivia Night, and music was provided by the talented Mike Cathcart.  Chairperson for this year's event was Marcia Vander Laan.

Winners of the raffle prizes included Brandon Williams ($500 cash donated by Doug Baker State Farm Insurance), Jane Anderson (Eureka Springs, AR, package valued at $800, donated by Binswanger Glass), and Kathie Williams (Mountain Creek Ranch Package, valued at $550).

Some of the signature items available in the auction included a $3,500 Radio Branding/Marketing Package from Ozarks Dynacom, framed artwork from local artist Mike Krone, a Clean Car for a Year package donated by Benders Body Shop and more.  

An exciting trivia contest was the evening's main event. Teams with creative names such as "The Outlaws," "The Dusty Trail Thinkers," "True Grit," "Trail Blazers of Missouri" and "Table Rock Outlaws" competed to answer 80 questions in such categories as "Chuckwagon Lingo," "In the Saloon" and "In the Outhouse."  

"Box of Rocks" took home top honors and will have their team name engraved on a plaque announcing winners through the years. "True Grit" placed second and "Wrong Side of the Bridge" was the third place winner.

The Trivia Night, JATC's biggest fundraiser of the year, brought in approximately $18,000, from table sales, raffles, silent auction, donations and sponsorships. All of the proceeds are used in projects that benefit children and families in our community, including Tender Critters, Santa's Gift House, Kindness Effect Cards, and Grape Stomp. Funds are also used to provide college scholarships and care packages, and replenish school supplies for local schools mid-year.

For more information about all of the Junior Auxiliary of  Taney County projects, visit their website, JATCMO.org or their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County.