Springfield Business Journal_2020-10-26

19-118.335672.V3.10.2020 www.AmericanNational.com Why American National Cares Helping Legacy Event Thrive to Serve Ozarks Families Ronald McDonald House helps families stay close to their ill or injured children, and Tooth Truck helps children gain access to dental care who otherwise would have none. This year would have marked the charity’s 25th anniversary of their annual event Cup O’Cheer that features a tour of homes and holiday tea and market. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances the event will not occur. But, it still stands as a lasting legacy for the charity. Board member Donna Powers brought the idea for the Cup O’Cheer event with her when she moved to Springfield from Naperville, Illinois in the mid-1990s. While the event was slightly different then, it culminated with attendees receiving a teacup and saucer to take home. That tradition remains and Obelisk Home designs an exclusive teacup and saucer for the event each year. Cup O’Cheer draws a large crowd annually, with people coming from all over the country. Many of those meet up in groups and make a weekend of it, including several who have attended every year since the event’s inception. “We’ve got some really strong partners in the community that help us out,” says Bonnie Keller, president and CEO. American National is one of those community partners. American National support continues of Ronald McDonald House despite the unusual and unexpected shift away from in-person fundraising events. Keller adds while the relationship began with employees volunteering for projects with Ronald McDonald House, some relationships grew deeper. One American National employee has become an indispensable advocate for the nonprofit and sits on the board. This year, American National was also a high-level sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Gala fundraiser. “Having them step up, especially since we had to go virtual this year, means a lot,” says Keller. “It always means a lot but this year it just means more.” Keller mentions that American National sponsorships don’t end with the writing of a check. “There’s such a personal element to everything they do. It just makes it that much more special.” Springfield nonprofits enrich our quality of life and assist our most vulnerable citizens for the betterment of our overall community. American National proudly supports dozens of charities with financial and volunteer support annually. Each of their 928 local employees receive a paid day to volunteer with a local charity of their choice. Sponsored by PAID ADVERTISEMENT