Connie Cahoone is leaving a wide-ranging legacy at SOS, including a financial one.
The annual Hope-A-Palooza event Friday night featured the base total for the Connie Cahoone Legacy of Hope Fund, designed to give discretionary, non-grant funding availability to new Executive Director Mickey Edwards and future directors. Cahoone has stated on multiple occasions that her primary focus has been to leave behind a legacy that would continue to serve those in need once she is gone.
Once the fund’s total was announced, Cahoone spoke with KVOE News through tears of joy saying it was an amazing feeling for that goal to now be a reality.
Cahoone is officially retired now after almost a dozen years leading SOS, overseeing a period of increasing use of the agency’s crisis services while also spearheading the consolidation of services and programs at the SOS Community Advocacy and Outreach Center at 1420 C of E Drive. Edwards, who was part of SOS for nearly 20 years by leading the local CASA program before overseeing the state program and then going to the United Way of the Flint Hills, is looking to build on the foundation built by Cahoone and her predecessor, Susan Moran.
Meanwhile, Joseph Hall brought his Elvis Rock-N-Remember Tribute to help the celebration.
Another piece of the evening’s festivities included the recognition of SOS’ annual award winners. The SOS Agency Partner of the Year was Adrienne Burris, Volunteer of the Year went to SOS Board President Tyler Curtis, the CASA Volunteer of the Year was Lindy Whetzel and the Donors of the Year were Brandon, Natalie, Ridge and Ryah Cahoone.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
