by: Veronica Barrientos

There are so many positive reasons to entice someone to donate blood. For example, did you know that just ONE donor can give the amount of blood needed to save THREE lives? How else would one be able to save a life by just taking thirty minutes or so out of their day and sit in a comfortable chair? Nothing comes to my mind.

Tomorrow between the hours of 1 PM and 6 PM, visit Walmart on Branson Hills Parkway in Branson to help the efforts of the American Red Cross.

What is it in for those that donate? Glad you asked!

Each donor will be eligible to win a brand new Gibson guitar, courtesy of the Gibson Foundation. There isn’t just ONE guitar being given away, don’t worry. There are MULTIPLES! So your chances are even greater.

Next, each donor will receive a free Rock-N-Roll T-Shirt to wear and promote that they made a difference that day. Hey. You just gave the necessitites needed to save THREE lives. Sport that tee!

Lastly, for the younger donors (ages 16-21) they can enter to win a $5,000 college scholarship! In other words, young people… FREE MONEY!

All in all, it’s a WIN-WIN situation. So check out the details below & go Rock-N-Roll Up Your Sleeve!

Walmart Branson Hills
Branson Hills Parkway
May 23, 2012
1 PM – 6PM
(There will be a bloodmobile in Walmart parking lot.)

Wow! The 2012 Derby Day for Strays was quite the event! The annual fundraiser for the Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society was held at The Point Branson at Pointe Royal Golf Village this past Saturday evening and The Vacation Channel was a premier sponsor. Bouncing off the theme of the Kentucky Derby Horse Race, which ran Saturday evening as well, women wore large hats and came dressed in their finest Derby attire.

Upon arriving to the classy event, attendees were given a packet that included a bid number, $500 in fun money for casino games and a special auction, and then shown their way to the silent auction room. The top left picture does no justice of the amount of items that was available for auction. Bidders could choose from show tickets, special gift baskets, tanning packages and much, much more!

After placing my bid on 2 Springfield Cardinal tickets,  I made my way into a large banquet room where a live-broadcast of the Kentucky Derby was being shown on a jumbo-screen! I have never watched the Derby before, but it’s easy to see what all of the excitement (that cannot be contained by large hats) is about.

Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society Fundraising Coordinator, Michele Bourk, then welcomed the well-over 100 guests to the 2012 Derby Day for Strays and explained what additional events were to come that night. An extravegant buffet, a live auction and casino-style games were enjoyed throughout the night. It was a wonderful and very well-thoughtout benefit for the animals at the Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society. The benefit event raised more than $5,000!! The money will be applied to the ” Get Acquainted Area” & walking trails at the humane society. Stop by the Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society in Branson & give the pups a visit. I’ll BET you will want to take one home with you.

Friday, April 20:
5 PM – Elvis Meet & Greet Dinner at Midtown Café
8 PM – Legends in Concert Show (Tickets are required. Call the box office for reservations.)
10:30 PM – Elvis Karaoke at Dean Z’s Club 57 (No cover charge!)

Saturday, April 21:
9 AM – 4 PM – Elvis Vendor Village (Purchase unique Elvis merchandise @ Dick Clark’s American Bandstand)
10 AM – Hound Dog Contest (Proceeds go to Shepherd of the Hills Humane Society)
7 PM – Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (At Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater – $24 Entry fee)
10:30 PM – Elvis Karaoke at Dean Z’s Club 57

Sunday, April 22:
10 AM – Gospel Hour at Dick CLark’s American Bandstand Theater
8 PM- Elvis Contest Winner Performs

Call (417) 339-3003 for tickets to these exciting and sure to be entertaining events!

Presenting “The Finalists Live!” tour, the Moon River Theatre will host “Branson’s hottest summer show” featuring 15 Top 10 finalists from FOX’s hit show, American Idol.

Two groups of artists will make an appearance in Branson. Group one begins May 14 through June 16.  Expect to see these finalists perform:
Lee DeWyze (2009 Winner)
Blake Lewis (2007 Runner-up)
Elliot Yamin (3rd Runner-up in 2006)
Kimberly Caldwell (2nd season finalist)
Thia Megia (2011 finalist)

Group two runs June 18 through July 21. See these artists:
Diana Degarmo (2004 Runner-up)
Scott Savol (5th place in season 4)
Siobhan Magnus (Season 9 finalist)
Ace Young (2006, season 5 finalist)
Alexis Grace (Season 8 finalist)

Then, later in the summer, Branson will welcome Ruben Studdard, 2003 Winner of American Idol, Bo Bice and more! This tour is a hot one and won’t be one you’ll want to miss!

Stay tuned to The Vacation Channel as we bring you more information on this exciting event. Don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook for additional Branson events & information.

Visit View Branson Bargains to receive the discount or stop by our office at 225 Violyn Street in Branson. We offer certificates from local shops and services to great restaurants in town.

They’re going quick and this deal won’t last long, so act fast!

Deal Expires: April 9, 2012
Promo Code: Easter (be sure to capitalize the E)

Branson is working hard to recover  from last month’s tornado that  damaged several Branson attractions and theaters. The Vacation Channel captured only a small  amount of the community’s efforts as the rebuilding process continues shown in the pictures shown above. We want to stress that Branson is open and ready for all of our wonderful tourists to visit us as we celebrate Branson’s centennial birthday!

Special Performances Include:
Buckets N Boards
Clay Cooper
American Idol’s Jason Yeager
Hughes Brothers
SIX
& many more!!!

The Vacation Channel is offering YOU a special VIP Day pass at the price of only $4. This VIP pass admits one for the two-day event. Children 12 & under are FREE. To purchase your tickets, call The Vacation Channel at (417) 334-1200. We’ll see you there!

For a complete list of guest speakers and seminar times, click here.

Items Needed Most:
Buckets
Brooms
Rakes
Work Gloves**
Furniture**
Mattresses**
Assorted household supplies

**- Deliver to Thrift Store only.
17799 Business 13
Branson West, MO 65737
(417) 272-1121

Christian Associates would like to assure you every donation will go directly to the victims. Monetary donations by check can be made to Christian Associates and in the memo area mark “tornado donation.” Financial donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your continued support!

Items being accepted are:

new, packaged food
toiletry items
diapers
formulas
and other necessary items for the displaced residents.

If anyone knows any individuals or families who are in need of assistance, please contact Anna at Botanas. She is working with and has information on various resources to help.

“As always, $5.99 Lunch Specials and the best prices on the freshest, most delicious Mexican, Latin, and Caribbean foods in the area!” – Botana’s Restaurant.

Need an oil change? Your tile cleaned? Going out for dinner?
We can help you save.
Receive up to 30% OFF ALL certificates.
Visit Cheap Branson Deals to receive the discount, call the station at (417) 334-1200 or stop by our office at 225 Violyn Street in Branson.
We offer certificates from local shops and services to great restaurants in town.

PROMO CODE: President

They’re going quick and this deal won’t last long, so act fast!