The fifth annual SOS Strong campaign has come to a close, but funds are still coming in.
During the annual celebration dinner, Thursday evening at the Lyon County State Bank meeting room local strongmen and SOS Board members enjoyed a steak dinner — courtesy of the SOS Board — and had time to reflect on this year’s campaign. While some of this year’s strongmen were unable to attend the dinner, and with some funds still needing to be collected, SOS Child Advocacy Center Director Lucas Moody and SOS Director Connie Cahoone were pleased to announce they have already reached over $19,000 of their $20,000 goal.
Cahoone says SOS Strong has garnered great attention from Lyon and surrounding counties over the years, and now it, along with SOS’ other programs, has even garnered state-wide notoriety. During the dinner, Cahoone and Moody informed those in attendance that SOS recently received two major awards from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence with SOS Strong being recognized as the program of the year.
Of course, the success of SOS Strong would not be possible without the 20 men from Lyon and surrounding counties who are selected to participate each year. SOS Strongman BJ Bayer of Emporia was recognized during the dinner as the “Most Unique” in terms of fundraising.
Bayer had the help of his family when it came to collecting donations and says he was proud to set an example for his children.
Fellow SOS Strongman Corey Linton was participating in his second SOS Strong campaign and says for him spreading awareness of SOS and its numerous programs was just as important to him as the funds he collected.
Along with Bayer who received the most unique award, Mike Argabright of Lyon County received the fastest $1,000 raised award and Jeff Harshman of Chase County received the most money raised award with over $4,000.
Final totals will be announced by next week.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}SOS Strong Celebration Dinner{/gallery}
