Overheard

The state returned a record $3.5 million in unclaimed funds and property in October. So far this fiscal year, Missouri Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division has returned more than $10.4 million, and it is on pace to break last year’s record of nearly $23 million in returned property. The Treasurer’s office receives unclaimed money or property through insurance policies, stocks, checks, tax refunds, safe-deposit boxes and checking accounts. The state currently holds about $450 million in unclaimed funds or property, and the 14-member staff of the Unclaimed Property Division is responsible for finding the owners or heirs of the unclaimed property. An unclaimed property list is available at www.showmemoney.com. The list can be searched by county, name or Social Security number.

Happy Travels

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is accepting nominations for the Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards to be presented Feb. 28 at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center. Awards are presented in five categories: Pinnacle Award, for individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years; Hospitality Award, presented to an attraction, lodging facility or restaurant that demonstrates outstanding hospitality to the traveling public; Diplomat Award, presented to a government official, organization or employee who has provided significant support to the Springfield-area travel industry; Spotlight Award, presented to an individual, business or organization not usually considered part of the travel and tourism industry for noteworthy contributions; Ambassador Award, presented to individuals or organizations who generated significant economic impact for the area by working to encourage tourism or secure a major convention or event in Springfield. Nominations are due by Dec. 14 and can be submitted at www.springfieldmo.org/nominations/index.htm.

$10,000 Dining Room

A prized dining room will be raffled off during the Nov. 16 Ronald McDonald House’s Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour. The room, valued at $10,000 and decorated in 18th Century furniture with contemporary lines, is available for viewing 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily at 949 E. Primrose St. For each $25 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities, contributors will receive one of 600 chances to win the dining room collection. The 12th annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour, which runs 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, features six homes decorated for the holidays. For more information, call (417) 875-3522.

Slice of Nice

McDonald’s of the Ozarks’ restaurants presented Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks with a $20,342 check during the Oct. 29 BCFO Charity Golf Tournament at Millwood Golf & Racquet Club. The funds are part of the Aug. 27–Sept. 23 Eat Good Feel Good campaign, which generated for BCFO 50 cents from every premium salad sold at the more than 50 area McDonald’s stores. The check presentation marked the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BCFO emphasizes the importance of early detection of the disease. BCFO provides resources and support for local individuals affected by breast cancer and their families.[[In-content Ad]]