JOHNSON COUNTY — The Johnson County Board of Services Foundation is hosting its annual fundraising event, the Breakfast Blast, on March 27 after canceling last year’s fundraiser due to COVID-19.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, but due to COVID-19 we had to cancel our 2020 event,” JCBSF Board President Suzy Latare said. “The board has been working hard to come up with a safe and fun alternative for 2021 and I'm excited to share our plans with the community.”
JCBSF Executive Director Liz Hargrave said many of the individuals the organization assists are in the high risk category for the virus, so JCBSF decided to cancel 2020’s community event to avoid putting these individuals at risk.
Hargrave said without last year’s Breakfast Blast, the foundation’s budget for the year took a considerable hit. She said the cancellation did not affect the Johnson County Board of Services’ operations, however, as it is funded through Medicaid.
The 2021 Breakfast Blast will take place from 7 to 10 a.m. March 27 at RISE Community Services, 607 N. Ridgeview Dr.
Hargrave said that while the organization is bringing the event back this year, it will look different from previous years.
This year, breakfast will be served as a drive-thru to abide by COVID-19 safety measures.
Hargrave said the event has typically featured more community aspects such as raffles and auctions after the breakfast.
Due to COVID-19, she said the auction will not be hosted this year. However, the organization will still be hosting a raffle through an online format.
JCBSF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization running entirely on donations that builds awareness and raises funds to support the work of the Johnson County Board of Services.
The Johnson County Board of Services works with local agencies to provide targeted case management for individuals with developmental disabilities in the county. The organization also works to request Medicaid funding for county services to ensure they can continue operation.
Hargrave said through the donations JCBSF receives, it also assists families and individuals with developmental disabilities by providing items and services such as educational items, adaptive equipment and inclusivity camps.
Tickets for the 2021 Breakfast Bash are available online through Eventbrite at bit.ly/3q7s3Ob or by searching for “JCBS Foundation Breakfast Blast and T-shirts!” on Eventbrite.
Attendees can purchase a ticket for a full breakfast with either bacon or sausage, and can also purchase “Be the SPARK” T-shirts on the same event site.
“Be the SPARK” references the Board of Service’s mission statement of “Supporting People with developmental disabilities with Advocacy, Resources and Kindness.”
Breakfast tickets are $10 for those 12 and older and $5 for those under 12; T-shirts are $15 and if ordered before March 15, they can be picked up at the event.
Breakfast tickets are also available at the Johnson County Board of Services office at 200 N. Devasher Road, RISE Community Services at 607 N. Ridgeview Dr., the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce at 100 S. Holden St. and Green Truck Bakery at 127 W. Pine St.
To take part in the online raffle or for more information about the Breakfast Blast and other JCBSF fundraising activities, visit the JCBS Foundation Board Facebook page.
In addition to Breakfast Blast, JCBSF also hosts smaller fundraisers throughout the year including fundraisers at local restaurants such as Wendy’s and Chipotle. Hargrave said the organization is also planning on conceiving more large-scale fundraisers in the future.
