By Jeff Murphy,
December 2, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO 鈥� Honoring the legacy of a 欧美视频 alumnus
whose life was tragically cut short, the Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation
has provided a financial gift to help a student in need.
The parents of Blaine Whitworth - Barry and Diane Whitworth - were on campus Nov.
30 to present a $1,000 check to staff members at the Military and Veterans Success
Center (MVSC). Two members of the Foundation board also were on hand for the event
in the Elliott Student Union.
Delilah Nichols, in-reach and out-reach programs, services and special events coordinator
for Military and Veteran Services, said this is the second time the Blaine Whitworth
Go Big or Go Home Foundation has provided funds to help students at the MVSC who are
pursuing their education at UCM.
鈥淭his individual did not ask for assistance. After overhearing a conversation we approached
this person,鈥� Nichols said. 鈥淭hey were very reluctant to receive help.鈥�
With no other sources of financial assistance available, MVSC staff contacted the
Foundation. They found a willing source of help at this student鈥檚 time of need.
鈥淭his is a bridge when there aren鈥檛 other programs available,鈥� Barry Whitworth said
in talking about the value of Go Big or Go Home Foundation funds.
The Foundation was established in memory of the Whitworth鈥檚 son, Blaine, a young entrepreneur
and Warrensburg business owner who was killed outside his home on Sept. 1, 2012.
Known for his giving nature, his family and friends established the Foundation to
honor his memory and to continue the work he was doing in the community to help make
a positive difference in other people鈥檚 lives. Whitworth鈥檚 favorite slogan, 鈥淕o Big
or Go Home,鈥� has become the motto for those celebrating his legacy. Events such as
an annual Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home 5K Run/Walk, which will take place in
downtown Warrensburg April 8, 2017, help raise funds to assist those in need.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very involved with the university, and last year, a lot of the veterans came
out and helped,鈥� Diane Whitworth said in talking about the annual fundraising run/walk.
鈥淲e also have a silent auction that enables us to be able to give back.鈥�
She noted that her son had a strong desire to help others who were less fortunate
than him. His generosity included taking in a homeless veteran who was living with
him and attending college at the time of Whitworth鈥檚 death.
Helping veterans 鈥渨as very important to Blaine. He wasn鈥檛 a veteran but his grandpas
were,鈥� Mrs. Whitworth said. 鈥淚t is important that we do things in his memory.鈥�
Individuals who want to learn more about the Military and Veterans Success Center
can contact Nichols at 660-543-8977 or email nichols@ucmo.edu. To learn more about
the Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation, call 816-547-3829 or visit blainewhitworthfoundation.com.
