As the year comes to a close, the Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation reflects on a remarkable journey filled with giving and community spirit. We accomplished so much this year and couldn’t be more proud of the growth in our community and partnerships!

This year, the successful 1st Pickleball Tournament was hosted at Grover Park, where Barry & Diane presented a check for $1,870 to Chris Deal, Director of Warrensburg Parks & Recreation. This money helped fund the construction of a fence to separate the six new courts, enhancing the playing experience for everyone!

This spring, we also celebrated the opening of the Blaine Whitworth Disc Golf Course at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 12th. This collaborative effort with UCM Student Activities Office and the UCM Alumni Foundation is sure to bring joy to disc golf enthusiasts!

The official ribbon cutting and dedication of The Blaine Whitworth Disc Golf Course.

Sigma Kappa-Delta Eta’s women supporting the dedication & ribbon cutting.

Barry and members of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity working on the disc golf course.

The Foundation proudly supported the Sherwood High School Wrestling Team with a $500 donation as they prepared for the state finals. This initiative traces back to Blaine’s efforts in 2002, when he successfully petitioned for wrestling to be included in the school curriculum, resulting in the flourishing program we see today! Additionally, in memory of Erin Hook, a purple javelin was donated to the UCM Women’s Track Team, symbolizing our ongoing support for local athletics.

Sherwood High School Wrestling Team headed to State Finals!

The purple javelin purchased in memory of Erin Hook for the UCM Women’s Track Team.

In May, the Foundation awarded six scholarships of $500 each to graduating seniors at Sherwood High School, investing in the future of our youth. Our commitment to support education continued as the Foundation awarded $500 to Sarah Bradford, the beloved theater teacher at Sherwood High School, to bolster the Theater Department. This donation holds special significance as Mrs. Bradford directed the high school’s production of Footloose, in which Blaine once starred.

Pictured front row: Lanee McKenzie & Ashley Kagarice Back Row: Cheryl Glazier, Foundation Board Member, Diane Whitworth, Karter Schrock, Kadynce Hill, Natalie Klinkenberg, Luke Mainard & Barry Whitworth

Diane and Sarah Bradford with the donation to support the Theater Department at Sherwood.

In the realm of disaster relief, Barry presented a check to Ashley Goodman for a project sending aid to Hurricane Relief in North Carolina, contributing a total of $1,000 to Samaritan’s Purse. Furthermore, a $1,500 check was presented to Suzanne Taylor to support the Emergency Fund for Whiteman Airmen, demonstrating our commitment to military families in need.

Barry and Ashley Goodman with a donation to help send aid to Hurricane Relief in North Carolina.

The Whitworths with Suzanne Taylor with their donation to help support the Emergency Fund for Whiteman Airmen.

The Foundation made a significant investment in local agriculture by presenting a $5,000 check to Travis Hume, Manager of UCM Farms, for the purchase of a bull named Blaine, supporting the “Grow The Herd Program.”

The Whitworths with Travis Hume and Tori Swofford as they present their donation to UCM Farms.

Finally, in December, the Foundation also spread holiday cheer by providing Christmas throws to the Garden City Ministerial Alliance, ensuring that local families had warmth during the winter season.

This year has been a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation is proud to serve and support our community, and we look forward to even greater initiatives in the coming year. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our efforts and made a difference!