Aspire Award presented for dedication to cause

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) recently honored Brad Hill, owner of State Farm Agency in Monett, with an Aspire Award for his outstanding support in strengthening the local blood supply.

Hill has long played a key role in growing Monett’s community blood drives by donating gift cards, recruiting sponsors, and actively promoting donation events through social media and the Chamber of Commerce.

Hill also hosted a charity challenge at the Monett Community Blood Drive on May 27 at the Monett Area YMCA. 

The challenge was set to engage local charities to encourage donor participation.

Donors could request their donation go toward one of eight local charities or organizations. 

Charities included were the Monett Library, Monett Main Street, Coalition of Charities, Children’s Center, SWMO Animal Rescue, Crossline of Monett or Scouting America,Ozarks trail Council.

Representatives from each organization were at the event to educate the public and offer resources.

“We’re trying to highlight some of the work these other non-profits do in our community as well as share with fold why it’s important to donate.” said Kendra Burnham, of CBCO.

The winning non-profit will receive a donation of $750 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third place. The prize money is being donated by Hill and State Farm Insurance. 

This year also marks a milestone for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks as it celebrates 30 years of service.

Originally created in 1995 as a local solution to overcome challenges from being dependent on a national provider, CBCO is now the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to over 40 hospitals across southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas.

For more information on how to donate, visit their website www.cbco.org, or call 417-227-5006.