Competition drives $70K gift to food bank

Ozarks Food Harvest yesterday received its largest company donation of 2020 with a gift from Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and NASCAR driver Richard Childress, according to a news release. At over $70,500, the gift will allow the food bank to provide more than 282,000 meals.  

The donation was a result of some friendly competition. In June, the release said Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing donated $25,000 to Ozarks Food Harvest. Johnny Morris then committed to match Childress’ donation with an additional $25,000, and challenged Bass Pro Shops team members to chip in. Ultimately, 800 team members contributed nearly $20,000 and another $1,200 was donated from the sale of special smoothies and meals at Bass Pro’s Clearwater Cafe, according to the release. 

“We are so thankful to Richard Childress, Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops for their gift to help folks struggling with hunger through the pandemic,” said Bart Brown, president/CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest, in the release. “One in five children and one in seven adults face hunger in the Ozarks, a figure that has grown due to the pandemic, and these dollars will help them tremendously.” 

The release said the donation fills a void for the Springfield nonprofit, which had to cancel signature fundraising events this year due to COVID-19 precautions. 

“This year has presented challenges like we have never seen before, and it has led us all to come together and support one another to get through these difficult times,” Johnny Morris said in the release. “We are honored to support the great work Ozarks Food Harvest does to help so many in our beloved Ozarks community.”