Silver Dollar City Foundation

Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids Makes A Greater Impact On The Lives of Children

October 20, 2021

25 years of serving celebrated and over $2 million donated

(Branson, Mo Fall 2021) Recognizing a quarter-century of service to the region, Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids program is announcing 2021 marks more than $2 million donated to area kids in need. As the number of families and young people in need continues to grow in these challenging times in the counties of Stone and Taney, the Foundation’s goal of meeting the many needs of area children facing hardships is increasingly necessary. Families receive medical care, clothing, essentials and some extras.

“These funds allow educators to observe a child in need, like the girl who is too afraid to ask for a prom dress because she knows her family can’t afford it. The boy who misses out on a field trip because his family had limited funds. The kid who could make the team, but can’t afford new shoes. The girl who wants to play an instrument, but knows her parents don’t have the means to allow her. These funds give kids an opportunity to fit in, learn and experience more in life.”

John Baltes, President, Silver Dollar City Foundation

Currently, the Foundation is collaborating with Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson to increase the funding distributed to each of the 14 school district in the two counties. Collectively in this school year, more than 5,000 students have directly benefited from the program, with schools spending $124,687.00 in the following categories:

Rent/utilities/fuel $42,027
School supplies $26,364
Coats/clothing/fuel $19,270
Vision/dental/medical $16,489
Food at school/home $11,110
School activities $8,011
Misc $1083

In addition to the increase in donations and participants, the Foundation recognizes a 25-year anniversary as a 501c3 private foundation. Created in December 1996, the Foundation sets out to provide grants to support youth and adult ministry programs and projects strengthening families. “Our organization would not have been possible without all of the hard work and dedication from our community and wonderful volunteers. 25 years ago the Foundation set out to improve the lives of those in need, and today we continue to do just that,” said Baltes.

Silver Dollar City Presents The White Glove

October 14, 2021

~ The Rehearsal Eve of An Old Time Christmas ~
Exclusive Benefit Friday, November 5, for Care For Kids

Guests to Silver Dollar City’s special benefit event, The White Glove, will be the first to see the special features of the park’s An Old Time Christmas while helping area kids at the same time. The White Glove takes place at the park on Friday, November 5, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids program.

Silver Dollar City Foundation Director John Baltes says, “White Glove is an opportunity to donate to a very good cause – the kids. This year we are increasing the donation rate because school superintendents say now, in this challenging time, even more kids are in great need of necessities or even for a few extras that might make them feel like they fit in.” Baltes adds nearly $2 million has been donated in approximately the last decade. “Those dollars go to 14 school districts and are not designated for specific use, allowing educators, who know best, to use their judgement,” Baltes said.

Guests of the benefit will be the first to see two new Broadway-style productions, Home For Christmas and a complete rescoring of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Christmas Carolers, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade, an 8-Story Christmas Tree and 6.5 million lights will illuminate the night sky to begin the Christmas season. The event also includes a holiday feast with all the trimmings.

The White Glove event is limited to 400 tickets, with a special price of $100 per person. Tickets are available by calling 417.336.7100. Silver Dollar City’s acclaimed festival An Old Time Christmas runs November 6 – December 30.