In Mid-Missouri, there's always someone who will step up and lend a hand.
The community nominated 11 local residents who fit the description of a good Samaritan, and five of those nominees will be recognized Saturday night as Fisher Family Good Samaritans.
The News Tribune and Redemption Inside the Walls partnered to honor five people with the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award. The community voted on who they think is most deserving of the award, and the News Tribune selected the other four individuals.
The five award recipients will receive their awards at the Redemption Inside the Walls concert Saturday, which is being headlined by Aaron Shust, and be featured in the Sunday edition of the News Tribune.
The 2021 Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award recipients are:
Connie Cashion who operates From His House to Your House Free Store in Fulton, where everything is free and the store is run by volunteers and funded by donors, according to her nomination. After seeing a need in the community, Cashion used to collect donations and drive around the Mid-Missouri area before setting up her permanent location in Fulton.
Cashion was voted the community choice for the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award.
Alicia Edwards who is executive director of the local nonprofit Building Community Bridges, where she works to ensure programs are developed and implemented that will truly serve those in need, including a free lunch program for children and a food pantry, according to her nomination. Edwards works to support the local community and those in it.
Chris Jarboe who heads Operation Bugle Boy, which seeks to honor and support troops, veterans and first responders. Each year, Jarboe organizes hundreds of free meals and gift bags, as well as countless events to highlight those who serve the community, state and nation, according to his nomination.
Bill Graham who is a volunteer at the railroad station in Jefferson City and often gives rides to passengers when they have no other transportation upon arrival, even going to Lake of the Ozarks and other nearby areas, according to his nomination. He is often helping others, from providing financial assistance to a high school student to helping a stranded traveler get safe lodging and transportation.
Jeff Brondel who is always there to lend a helping hand, especially when there is no recognition or praise for the work, according to his nomination. Brondel often volunteered for the St. Martins Knights of Columbus and Special Olympics Missouri. Despite health issues that once left him wheelchair bound for two years, Brondel continues to be active in the community, volunteering at St. Martin Catholic School.
The other six nominees were: David Zumbehl, Josh Varner, Paula B. Backues, Liz Johnson, Lynn Marty and the Rev. James Jackson. Nominees are invited to attend the concert and receive a certificate in recognition of their service to the community.
Those interested in attending this year's Redemption Inside the Walls at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds can purchase tickets at redemptioninsidethewalls.com and at the entrance of the event. Adult general admission costs $30 per ticket, while general admission for children 4-12 years old is $15 per ticket. Children 3 and younger may enter free. The concert also offers VIP seating, reserved seating and group adult general admission tickets. The full list of ticket prices can be found on the event's website.
The event starts at 5 p.m. Saturday with Redemption Worship United with Heidi Neeley, then the Special Learning Center helping with the National Anthem before the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award presentation, followed by Aaron Shust taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the concert will go to The Healing House and New Beginnings, a Christian recovery ministry.
The concert was initially started as a way to raise funds for Leah Hargrove, a Centertown child who was born with several disabilities. While funds from the concert will go to The Healing House and New Beginnings, New Hope Baptist Church will have a tent with silent auction items, and proceeds from that auction will go to Hargrove.