AIA – Athletes in action
We chose this charity after being approached by the son of a family friend who attended Michigan State University. He was a pitcher on their baseball team. He explained how difficult the transition was going from a small town to such a large university. He himself was approached by AIA at a time when he was homesick and considering coming home. AIA helped him through that difficult time by reminding him of his Christian faith values and worked as his friend and mentor. This experience meant so much to him that after his graduation he, too, is taking a year to mentor other college athletes who may feel like they are a long way from home and have lost their way. We were so impressed with this young man we decided to participate whole-heartedly.

Elks Crippled Children
This is an important charity to us as Randy has been an Elk’s member for 34 years. Not only are they wonderfully charitable to those families in need, but our hometown Elks plays a huge part in its success. They have held a dart tournament and auction to benefit these kids for the past 14 years and have raised more than $250,000.00!
We have been fortunate to witness what this great charity can do, on a first hand basis. A family that we are very close to was in need of their services after their daughter, Brittany, contracted RSV at 5 month’s old. Due to the respiratory disease she did not walk at the normal stages. Elks Crippled Children’s treated her from the age of 8 months to 2yrs. Brittany was treated by their physical therapists at her home and, later, they were even dispatched to her daycare. This came at no cost to the family and today Brittany is a healthy 10 year old.

Murphysboro High School, Volleyball, Football, and Dazzlers
We feel strongly about supporting kids, especially kids participating in sports in our home town. Sports has played a big part in both of our lives. We were multi-sport athletes in high school and feel we gained wonderful life lessons because of it. All too often the first thing a district is compelled to cut during tough financial times are the sports programs. We feel cutting the sports programs is a bad decision. Sports helps teach leadership, self control, teamwork, pride and a sense of accomplishment. Students that choose to participate have to work twice as hard to keep up with class work and family obligations. We feel these lessons are just as important as the ones taught in the classrooms. We are proud of you kids……Go Devils!!!

St. Francis Care Animal Shelter
Randy was approached by a friend who was helping coordinate a not-for-profit animal shelter in our community. We knew several of the good hearted people associated with this project on a personal level. We decided to participate, instantly. We donated the concrete and labor for this shelter because it makes us very proud to help when we feel it benefits a real need in our community.

Southern Illinois University Women’s Golf Team
We have supported the SIU Women’s golf team for seven years, now. As stated above we like to participate with sports teams that benefit young athletes. Coach Diane Daugherty is a great person and coach and we feel she has a special talent mentoring young women on her team. This is evident when her graduated team members descend on Carbondale every May to participate in the biggest fund raiser held for the team. It’s a fun golf scramble where they sacrifice themselves to be auctioned off as “A” players. These women come from all over the United States to help support the coach and team they love. Most are in careers and married with families of their own, now. It speaks volumes when past athletes feel that kind of connection to their coach. We will continue to associate ourselves with this charity for many years to come.

Southern Illinois University Scholarship Fund
The scholarship fund at SIU is a way we help support many athletes, simultaneously. This is our largest charitable commitment and we are proud to help student athletes who desperately need scholarship money. Nancy is an SIU alum, and we take great pride in contributing to this first class university.

Murphysboro Fire Department
Stewardship comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is as simple as buying someone’s lunch. We recently hosted lunch for our local fire department. Not only do they serve our community selflessly, but they take time to support our high school athletes, as well. From escorting our Football Team home after beating their biggest rival to escorting the Volleyball girls through town after winning a 20 team tournament. This fire department makes those kids feel special. They are great men who deserve to be reminded they are appreciated by this community.

Murphysboro Lions
The Lions are a new charity on our list. We have only participated with them for 2 years. Every October we sell candy at our office for their candy drive which helps blind and visually impaired kids go to camp.

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Sometimes charity doesn’t need an explanation!