Nov. 24, 2020
O’Reilly Challenge Fund doubles $50,000 donation for endowment
A fundraising challenge started in 2017 has once again doubled an endowment gift for Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
In October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Danny and Jewell Little, founders of Lamar-based Show Me Wagyu Charities, donated $50,000 to establish the Show Me Wagyu Charities BCFO Children’s Fund. The gift is matched by O’Reilly Challenge Fund, established by Mary Beth and Charlie O’Reilly with a $500,000 pledge to encourage others to make endowed gifts to BCFO. Mary Beth founded the organization in 1999 to support local families affected by breast cancer.
To date, 11 donors have taken advantage of the O’Reilly Challenge Fund, turning $322,000 into $644,000 to forever benefit the people served by BCFO. Matching funds are still available for any individuals, families or organizations that wish to establish endowment funds for BCFO. For more information on this matching opportunity, contact Winter Kinne.
For the Littles, the challenge fund was an opportunity to maximize their charitable gift and do the most good for those indirectly affected by breast cancer — the children of patients. Support from the fund will provide clothing, school supplies, childcare, continuation of orthodontic treatment, funding for activities and other basic needs.
“Jewell and I both have had family members and friends affected by breast cancer and realize the hardships it can place on families with children while parents undergo treatments,” said Danny Little. “We plan to continue supporting the fund through Show Me Wagyu and hope others will as well.”
The Show Me Wagyu Charities Breast Cancer Foundation Children’s Fund is a component of the Barton County Community Foundation, one of the CFO’s 51 regional affiliate foundations. Assistance from the fund will benefit children across BCFO’s service area.
“The timing of this gift couldn’t be better,” said Joe Daues, CEO of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. “So many women delayed getting a mammogram because of COVID in 2020 and we fear the need for assistance will be even greater next year.”
For more information about BCFO, call (417) 862-3838 or visit bcfo.org.
