After nearly 20 years, Tri-Valley Developmental Services had entertainment during their annual Boardwalk BBQ, held on April 4. Robbi Bell, a musician from Coffeyville Kansas said she was delighted to perform during the event.
“Chanute is one of the first places I played after starting back and trying to do solo, and having children and all that. So I’m very excited and really happy to do something for the community,” Bell said. “And it’s all for a good cause,” Bell said.
Special Projects Coordinator Tricia Campbell said this was the first year the event offered live music in roughly 18 years. The Boardwalk BBQ has been held each spring for 21 years.
“This is really the start of our fundraising season,” Campbell said.
Last year the event brought in roughly $15,000. This year, Tri-Valley Developmental Services wanted to raise $20,000.
“All money raised goes directly to providing affordable and quality houses for individuals within our eight-county area,” Campbell said. “Presently we have 16 sites that are home for 81 individuals.”
Two of the biggest challenges in building such homes are funding and staffing, according to Campbell. However, she said she enjoys getting to know the people she works with, and appreciates knowing that the organization’s work will benefit deserving individuals.
“Sixteen houses in 24 years is not too bad,” Campbell said.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services CEO Bill Ficus said the community of Chanute plays a pivotal role in the success of their fundraising efforts.
“We appreciate all the support that the community gives us,” Ficus said.
In other fundraising efforts, the nonprofit will offer a drawing of a 2025 Ford F-150 Platinum in June. Campbell said tickets cost $50, or eight tickets for $350.
“We’re also having three golf tournaments this summer,” Campbell said.
Those tournaments will take place in various cities in the region. On June 28, the first tournament will be held in Fredonia; the Aug. 2 tournament will be held in Erie; and the final tournament will take place on Sept. 13, in Fort Scott.
The eight counties Tri-Valley Developmental Services serves include: Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. To learn more about the organization, upcoming events, or the raffle, visit https://www.tvds.org.
