May is here, and we’re kicking off the month with something truly special! This edition is all about coming together for a cause that means so much to us—honoring Avelyn’s legacy and shining a light on children’s Bibles through the Let Your Light Shine Walk & 5K. Plus, we’ve got a sweet treat from a local legend to brighten your day and a look at how this community is making a real impact.
It’s Tammy Booe here, your Executive Director at MICOCF.
If we haven’t met yet, I’d love for you to check out this article that shares a little more about me and my journey to MICOCF. I’m so excited to get to know you all better and continue making a difference together!
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| Before we move on, I’d love to invite you to join the MICOCF family online. Follow us to share your thoughts, ideas, and be part of our growing community. |
Let’s spread the Love 💖
Since stepping into this role, I’ve been blown away by the kindness and generosity of Miami County.
Y’all are amazing. This community is built on people who truly care, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Whether it’s a fun event, a great cause, or just a moment to connect, I want to make sure you have every opportunity to be part of the magic happening right here in our hometowns.
May Events You Won’t Want to Miss
| The Avelyn Sonshine Journey—Support Children, Celebrate Community, & Honor Avelyn |
| As Executive Director of the Miami County Community Foundation, I’m honored to share an opportunity that is both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.Our fields of interest fund—The Avelyn SonShine Journey—is hosting the 11th Annual Let Your Light Shine Family 1 Mile Walk & 5K on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The main event will be held in Goodland, Kansas, but Miami County friends can join virtually, walking together in spirit and solidarity from wherever you are.This special event was created in memory of Michele’s daughter, Avelyn, who passed away in 2014. Through this walk, Avelyn’s light continues to shine; spreading hope, faith, and love in a tangible way. The funds raised are used to purchase children’s Bibles, which are donated to churches and families both in Goodland and right here in Miami County. |
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| We at the Foundation are proud to be Platinum Sponsors again this year, and we invite you—individuals, churches, businesses, and families—to walk with us or become a sponsor yourself. |
Ways You Can Get Involved💙
👟 Join the Walk
Walk with us virtually from Miami County or travel to Goodland to participate in person. Register online or by mail. Everyone who registers by May 1st receives a commemorative t-shirt.
🕗 Event Schedule (Goodland, KS)
- 7:30 AM: Check-in & Silent Auction opens
- 8:30 AM: Group photo and race begins
- 9:40 AM: Silent Auction closes
💖 Become a Sponsor
Sponsors help cover race expenses and t-shirt printing, with proceeds going toward Bible donations. The sponsorship deadline is May 2. All sponsors are recognized online, at the event, and on next year’s race materials (depending on sponsorship level).
🏅 Sponsorship Levels Include:
- Platinum ($1,000) – Includes 5 free entries and your name on t-shirts, social media, and more
- Gold ($500)
- Silver ($250)
- Bronze ($100)
Get here📄 Sponsorship Form
If you or your church are interested in receiving children’s Bibles, or you’d like to support in another way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. It’s a beautiful cause that brings light into the lives of many, and I would love to help connect you.
Let’s come together as a community to honor Avelyn’s legacy and make a difference in the lives of children and families both near and far.
| Local Recipe Spotlight 🍪Sarah Dorsett’s Chocolate Crinkle Cookies |
| 🧑🍳 We’re thrilled to feature a sweet treat from longtime Osawatomie resident, Sarah Dorsett!Sarah and her husband Jeff moved to Osawatomie in 1992 with their 3-month-old daughter, Julia. They were immediately welcomed by their wonderful neighbors—Bill and Pat Butler, and Frank and Jackie Platt. Sarah fondly remembers Jackie, an incredible cook known for her delicious cookies, especially the unforgettable Chocolate Crinkle cookies. |
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| These cookies hold a special place in Sarah’s heart. Not only are they fun to make and beautiful to look at, but they deliver that perfect chocolate fix every time. Raising four children in the community, Sarah learned that the secret to a happy home isn’t just good food, it’s good neighbors. “Get to know them, help them, and cultivate those relationships like a garden,” she says.Every time Sarah bakes these Chocolate Crinkle cookies, she remembers Jackie and the warmth of those early days in Osawatomie. While there are many recipes out there, this one is her go-to—and now it’s yours to enjoy, too! |
🍪 Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Yields about 48 cookies – note: dough requires chilling time
Ingredients: 🍽️
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil 🧴
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt 🧂
- 1 cup powdered sugar 🍥
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and oil. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and shiny.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the cocoa mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place powdered sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
- Scoop the dough with a spoon and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in the powdered sugar until fully coated—don’t be shy with the sugar! Place on the prepared cookie sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
💡 Pro tip from Sarah: Roll the dough quickly to avoid it getting sticky. If it gets too soft, just chill it again. - Bake for 10–14 minutes. Look for firm edges with centers that are puffed and slightly glossy. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring.
Enjoy these classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—a little piece of Osawatomie warmth and neighborly love in every bite!
Stay Connected with Me and the MICOCF Family
I love getting to know more of you and seeing all the ways we can work together to make Miami County even better. Keep following along, sharing our updates, and letting me know what you want to see in future newsletters! We’re in this together, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you. 💖
- Have a local talent or small business you’d like to spotlight?
- Know a hidden gem in Miami County that everyone should visit?
- Or maybe you have a springtime tip or fun activity you love to do in the County?
Send us a message, and we might just feature you in our next newsletter or social media!
Sending you all the love (and maybe some virtual cookies!),
Tammy Booe
Executive Director, MICOCF 💕
Contact Me:Email: tammy.booe@micocf.org
Phone: (913) 731-5979
Address: 702 Baptiste Dr, Paola, KS 66071, USA
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