It was a night full of appreciation on February 22nd, 2018 when Circles of Joplin held their first ever Volunteer Appreciation banquet. As part of the 2018 five year anniversary of Circles of Joplin, past volunteers were honored by current (and former) Circles Leaders and Allies. Bud Sexson, Circles of Joplin's first Board Chairman, was joined onstage by Renee White, another early Circles Board member. Bud and Renee told the story of how the initial concept of Circles organized and developed.

Current Circles Director David Heltzel was just barely able to fit all of the accomplishments our Leaders and Allies have accrued over the past five years into his allotted time

From our children's division, Crystal Hope composed a special song for the evening titled, appropriately, "Thank You," which she then performed, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar.

Chairman of the Circles Board Scott Vorhees was on hand to offer the Board's sincere appreciation for all of the volunteer work that has benefitted Circles immeasurably over the past five years.

All of that and a great dinner as well! Everyone at Circles of Joplin wanted all of our volunteers to know that the work couldn't even begin to be done without them. Lives are changed every day thanks to the hours, days, and weeks of thankless volunteer work for Circles. Well, maybe not "thankless" any more. Thursday, February 22nd was our attempt to thank so many people who have given so much.