The Southtown Council extends their thanks to the following organizations that renewed or joined their 2009 Council membership in September:

New Members:
Beautiful Madame Beauty Supply

KC CASH (Creating Assets Savings and Hope) is a coalition established in 2003 by non-profits, financial and educational institutions, government organizations, and the business community. KC CASH offers free preparation of federal and state tax returns to low/moderate-income working families in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas. During the 2008 filing season, 267 volunteers prepared over 4,400 federal returns, generating and over $5.2 million in federal refunds. More good people are needed to help make a difference!

Southtown is pleased to announce that Will Shields, retired Chiefs and Founder/Director of the Will to Succeed Foundation will be honored as the Southtown American Citizen Luncheon on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at the Muehlebach Hotel. Mitch Holthus, the “voice of the KC Chiefs,” will emcee the event. There will be a special reception before the luncheon for sponsors and donors. Watch for your invitation and plan to attend. For more details on sponsorships, ticket costs, etc., call Southtown at 816-523-5553.

The Southtown Beautification Committee selected Carol’s Coin Laundry, 1422 E. 55th St., for the September Sparkle Award! Tired of looking at the deteriorating building located at the corner of 55th and Paseo across the street from their property- Paul’s Liquor and Groceries, Jimmy and Frank Scola purchased the property and decided to make a difference! And a major difference was made! Within two years, the property was transformed: plumbing and electrical service replaced; new heating and cooling equipment; walls and flooring torn out and replaced; and new signage was installed.

Kudos to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCAAD) for receiving the 2009 Prevention and Education Meritorious Award! In 2009, NCAAD provided services to over 10,000 community members in Greater Kansas City! Services included HOW to COPE, CAN, and CARE Family Programs; Prevention events; ME First/Motivational Enhancement Classes; Crisis Hot Line; and the distribution of informational and education materials. Director Molly O’Neil says, “Thank you, Kansas City, for your support.

KC BizCare, which opened June 1, is a free resource, advocacy, and information center for owners of new and existing businesses operating within the City of KC. The center, located at 1118 Oak St., provides business owners with information and assistance in understanding and complying with city, state and federal requirements for operating a business. Some of the specific services that will be provided include: