John Marsh and Carlos Graham serve s’mores. Mario and Princess Peach host a round of Mario Kart with a side of banana candy. Barbie and Ken hand out wraps and rosé.
These were just a few of the perfect couples present at the second Perfect Pairings fundraiser for the Special Learning Center.
During Thursday night’s fundraiser, SLC chief executive Stephanie Johnson announced a capital campaign to fund a new facility. The Special Learning Center has already purchased its property at 905 Weathered Rock Road.
While the total budget for the facility is $13 million, only $3 million is earmarked for the campaign.
The SLC has already raised approximately $10 million, of which $7.5 million was included in the 2023-24 state budget.
The money raised on Thursday evening will not be used for the capital campaign. Organizers hoped to raise more than $100,000 for programs offered by the center.
Johnson said the center served a record 929 clients from 11 counties in 2022. The center offers programs for children with developmental delays and disabilities from birth to 6 years of age. Programs include child care, therapy, education and family services.
“Tonight we are raising money to fund the life-changing work we do every day,” Johnson said Thursday.
The money was raised through table sales (which sold out) and through auction items, including a trip to Colorado, lunch and a tour of the Missouri Capitol with Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe plus a bowling party package for 24 at Strikers.
The evening’s final pairing was “to be paired with wanting a child,” Johnson said.
“Some of them want to walk, others want to learn to talk, learn to ride a bike. So, for different donation amounts, you will be paired with a wish for a child,” she said.
Kara Ready knows firsthand the importance of the center’s work. Her son was cared for from the age of 18 months until kindergarten age.
“He certainly wouldn’t be where he is today without her,” said Ready.
Kennedy Hartmann, the event’s 5-year-old ambassador child, spent her first 15 months in MU HealthCare’s NICU after being born at 1 pound and 3 ounces.
“Since she came home, the Special Learning Center has been taking care of her,” Johnson said.
Andy Fechtel said it was his first year participating in the fundraiser. He worked alongside his brother-in-law, Kyle Trimble, who sits on the board of directors of the SLC, and ran a double stand. Their booth was the “Yuengling with the Ying-Yangs” exhibition and activity. At this stand, participants could grab a beer and combine it with a safe game of darts.
“They raise an insane amount of money in three hours,” said Fechtel. “Our community is so fortunate to have something like the Special Learning Center.”
To keep the fundraiser fresh and new, Johnson said the pairings and local celebrities change every year.
Wade Middaugh, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, said the matter is important because there aren’t many places in Missouri that offer services for children with developmental disabilities.
“It’s really important to raise funds for this so people have an option,” Middaugh said.
Josh Cobb/NewsTribune. Shaun Sappenfield plays a game of Yueling with Ying Yang Balls during the “Perfect Pairing” fundraiser being held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel on Thursday night. Proceeds from the fundraiser, which includes interactive events, food and drinks, will go to the special learning center.
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