JOPLIN, Mo. — Jasper County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) announced the recipient of the Willcoxon Dream Big Award at the annual Light of Hope Luncheon on May 14. Last year, Jasper County CASA received an important donation from Bob & Dot Willcoxon that has allowed CASA advocates to “Dream Big” for the foster children they serve. Dot Willcoxon worked with CASA staff to identify opportunities that allow children to experience normal childhood activities and experiences that most of us take for granted. Because of this gift, children in foster care have been able to visit the zoo, attend a Chiefs game, take swimming lessons, get new bikes, a cello, ACT study materials and much more. This fund has also supported advocates who log many miles for children who are placed in foster homes, group homes, or hospitals outside of the area.
“The Willcoxon Dream Big fund is truly a dream for CASA, and we are so thankful for the Willcoxon’s generosity and the opportunities it provides for CASA kids,” said Jeremy Drinkwitz, Jasper County CASA Board President. To recognize this generosity, Jasper County CASA created the annual Willcoxon Dream Big Award to honor an organization that has shown dedication and commitment to improving the lives of children in our community. The 2025 recipient of the Willcoxon Dream Big Award is Soroptimist International of Joplin.
Since 1937, Soroptimist International of Joplin has been committed to empowering women and girls both locally and globally. Camp Soroptimist is one of its most impactful programs. For over 40 years, this week-long summer camp has provided a life-changing experience for children in foster care in Jasper County.
Camp Soroptimist offers a safe, supportive space for children to escape the chaos of foster care, build resilience, and grow. “This is a camp that some of our members started 41 years ago. There are about 50 kids that come out for the week, and they just get to be kids. They get to do horseback riding, fishing, and crafts. It just allows them to forget they’re in the foster care for a while,” said Courtney Barnard, Co-Chair of Comedy for Camp & S’more.
Comprised of 66 members made up of professional women of all ages, Soroptimist International of Joplin is a volunteer service organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
Jasper County CASA is a nonprofit organization providing trained volunteers from the community to advocate for children in foster care, who have been abused and neglected. Upon completion of training, CASA volunteers are sworn in by a judge and paired with a child or sibling group in foster care in Jasper County. A CASA is often the most consistent person in the child’s life and is the one who stands up and speaks up for their best interest.
