Four Maries County residents were honored for their exceptional volunteer service and community leadership during the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s (MRPC) Annual Awards Banquet on October 23 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory.
Among this year’s recipients was Wade Guffey, a longtime member of the Belle Community Betterment Association (BCBA) and the Belle Fair Board, who was nominated by MRPC Board Member Steve Vogt, also a BCBA member. Guffey was recognized alongside Rhonda Rodgers, Victoria Busch, and Reese Snodgrass for their dedication to improving life in Maries County through volunteerism, leadership, and hands-on service.
For more than ten years, Wade Guffey has been a cornerstone of community life in Belle. As a member of the Belle Fair Board, he’s the kind of volunteer who steps in wherever needed—whether setting up the carnival, maintaining the track for the demo derby, staffing the concession stand, or fixing water and electrical issues before events.
Beyond the fairgrounds, Guffey has given countless hours to the Belle Community Betterment Association, helping organize community fundraisers like trivia nights, the fair’s beer garden, and the Park Extravaganza Swap Meet. His most recent project involved overseeing the replacement of the Belle Park front gate—a major effort that required fundraising, working with contractors and volunteers, and contributing significant labor himself.
Guffey also serves on the Planning and Zoning Board and is helping plan future projects such as the Flag Park along the Rock Island Trail State Park—another testament to his commitment to improving his hometown for future generations.
“It was so good to come together in person and honor our volunteers,” said MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge. “We are only able to honor a few volunteers each year, yet we extend our gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers in our region who truly make our region such an amazing place to live, work and visit. We are successful because of our volunteers. We hope that by recognizing a few volunteers, we can inspire others to volunteer their time and invest in their communities.”
The banquet, hosted by Dent County, the City of Salem, and the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, featured live music, dinner catered by Vintage Apron of Salem, and a silent auction that raised over $1,400 to offset event costs. More than 180 people attended the celebration, highlighting the strong community spirit that drives the Meramec Region.
For full details about the event and all honorees, visit Meramec Region.org.
Are you interested in volunteering at one of our events, or want to know more about the Belle Community Betterment Association? Contact us today to learn more.