On May 26, we celebrated 40 years of providing services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Boone County.

A large crowd turned out to celebrate with us at the Riechmann Pavilion at Stephens Lake Park – kicking things off with a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. We also enjoyed a cheerleading performance by the SOMO Spirits Special Olympics Missouri Cheer Squad and dance performance by DanceAbility presented by the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. Food was catered by Sophia’s and guests enjoyed a photo booth by J. Kelley Photo & Photo Booth.

Our Executive Director, Robyn Kaufman, and retired Executive Director, Les Wagner, both gave comments about the history of BCFR and Trish Wallace, parent of a person served by the agency, also spoke of the role BCFR has played in her son’s future. Boone County Commissioner, Janet Thompson, who also serves on the BCFR Board of Directors, presented Robyn with a County proclamation naming May 26, Boone County Family Resources Day.

Guests celebrated with cupcakes and enjoyed time visiting with one and another and sharing their memories over the last 40 years of the agency’s service. View photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Also at the celebration, we debuted a special video created by an MU Service Learning student, Kahlie Kilcher. She put in more than 40 hours of work interviewing persons served, staff members, board members and volunteers as well as reviewing historic newspaper articles and hundreds of pictures. We thank her for all of her outstanding efforts.

Please take a few moments to watch our video.

We will continue the celebration of 40 years of service at our annual agency picnic hosted by the Elks Lodge #594 on September 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Leech Pavilion at Bethel Park in Columbia. Save the date – invitations will be mailed soon!