Midwest DeaFest Raises over $2K for NAD

Four state associations from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma worked together to host the Midwest DeaFest to benefit the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) on Saturday, August 8 in Branson, Missouri. Held at the Pointe Royale Resort and Clubhouse at a central location between all four states, the Midwest DeaFest served up a delicious Southern style dinner amid a cozy environment that was enjoyed by all who attended. NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins served as keynote speaker, presenting on the NAD, its history, mission, vision, current activities and plans for the future.

The event, which attracted over 100 people from the four states, was an evening filled with wonderful food, deaf trivia, entertainment, a live auction, and heartfelt dialogue on the importance of the NAD and its work. It was born out of concern for the NAD after state association delegates at the 2008 NAD Conference in New Orleans learned that the NAD was struggling financially due to changes in the economy and declines in charitable giving. Holly Ketchum, president of the Arkansas Association of the Deaf met with the presidents of three neighboring state associations: Ella Eakins (Missouri), Ann Cooper (Kansas) and Glenna Cooper (Oklahoma); together they agreed to host the joint fundraiser to help support the work of the NAD to protect the rights of the American deaf community.

Michael Davis, a deaf Latino from Fremont, California had many people in the audience laughing. He moderated a Deaf Trivia game that featured questions about deaf history, sports, organizations, and well-known deaf persons, and the winner was Bobbie Beth Scoggins! The evening concluded with Ernest Northup, Arkansas Association of the Deaf treasurer and former NAD board member, who performed as auctioneer for the live auction. Approximately $2,200 was raised for the NAD through combo ticket purchases and live auction proceeds, supplemented by sponsor donations and in-kind contributions from the four state associations. In addition, several people became members of the NAD. Many who attended encouraged the four state associations to plan future fundraising events to support the NAD.

Special thanks goes to Holly Ketchum for contributing this report, and in her words – “Our appreciation goes to everyone who helped make our first Midwest DeaFest a rousing success!”

The NAD is grateful to the four state associations and Midwest DeaFest attendees for their generous support and confidence in the work of the NAD.