The current state of the economy has significantly increased demands on the local food pantry for Taney County residents operated by Christian Action Ministries (CAM). Branson’s entertainment family, the Duttons, hopes to help "beef up" the CAM food pantry with a benefit performance at 8 PM on Saturday, August 9th.
According to Ben Dutton, a member of the CAM Board of Directors, "Everyone in our family feels a strong responsibility to help the less fortunate in the world, but particularly within our own community. For over two decades, CAM has provided the backstop to hunger in Taney County with their food pantry. It is our duty and our privilege to help them with their efforts through this benefit performance."
This is also a great opportunity for local residents to see the Duttons’ all-new 2008 production that has been playing to rave reviews. Tickets for this benefit performance at the Dutton Theater on Highway 76 will be available for $5, with all proceeds going to CAM.
Under the pressure of growing demand, CAM is currently raising funds for normal food pantry operations, as well as a building fund for a larger capacity facility. All of the ticket proceeds will go towards the operational and inventory needs of the food pantry. Larry Johnson, Chairman of the CAM Board, explains, "Our primary focus is on the continued funding of the food pantry. However, during the intermission, we will also unveil our fundraising efforts for the purchase of a 7,500 square foot building on Highway 76 East."
Additionally, all attendees will be presented with a bright yellow Dutton pennant for their vehicles. By displaying the flag during the summer months, local residents are eligible for over $10,000 in prizes being awarded during the Dutton "Flag Tag" promotion which runs through August.
At a random time each day the Dutton Prize Patrol is sent to a computer-selected location to find one lucky person displaying a Dutton flag on their vehicle. The Prize Patrol then awards a surprise gift. Thanks to local businesses, typical daily prizes include cash, dinners for two, savings bonds, gas cards, show tickets and more. Each month a grand prizewinner is selected from the daily winners for a vacation trip for two, including airfare and accommodations, to a surprise resort location.
For more information or to reserve seats, contact the Dutton Family Theater at (417) 332-2772, stop by the box office at 3454 West Highway 76 or visit the Dutton website at www.theduttons.com.