About page 2
1980's
The 1980s provided the Cosmos an opportunity to expand their community service by providing money to finance additional projects. The Luncheon Club and Breakfast Club received one of the first licenses from the State of Missouri to operate a BINGO Game. The first game was held October 14, 1981 at the Flaming Pit Restaurant. The first year of BINGO resulted in a net profit to the Luncheon Club of approximately $40,000. Most of which was donated to the DIABETES CENTER FUND. DIABETES CENTER groundbreaking ceremony was October 1981, construction continued into 1982-83, with completion and dedication in November 1983.
In COSMO PARK we built the JIM GARRISON SHELTER HOUSE adjacent to the Horse Shoe Pits and Tennis Courts.
With COSMO PARK nearly completed the Club in 1984 agreed to develop a park on 40 acres of land owned by City of Columbia, adjacent to Rock Bridge High School. The Park was named COSMO-BETHEL PARK, The club committed to donate $75,000 to be spent in the park over a five-year period. The club committed to furnish volunteer labor by members for projects approved by the City Parks Department. In August 1984, the club donated $10,200 to purchase playground equipment and materials. In April 1985 an additional $13,500 was donated for COSMO BETHEL PARK.
The Club donated $7,000 to Boone County Historical Society for construction. Since that original donation the club has provided funds for seven walnut benches, educational video of the Museum and a video security system for the Montminy Gallery at BCHS museum.
COSMO LUNCHEON CLUB in 1989 initiated Beverly Braun as the First Woman member. She later served as President in 1995-1996.
In order to guarantee future funds for community projects, the club started a COSMO COMMUNITY FUND. We now have over $200,000 in this fund, we use interest received (approximately $12,000 per year) to provide donations to not-for-profit organizations in our community that qualify. After about ten years of planning and discussions, the club decided to build their own building to be used for their many activities. The Luncheon and Breakfast Clubs pooled their funds and labor to accomplish this job on a 75/25 percent basis. In July 1989 a vacant lot was purchased and an architectural firm hired to draw plans.
On October 15, 1989, the COSMOS dedicated the COSMO-BETHEL PARK to the citizens of Columbia; over $60,000 had been donated by the club for the purchase of materials, equipment and landscaping. Many hours of COSMO volunteer labor had been used in the PARK Project.
1990's
March 15, 1990-ground breaking and construction started on the COSMO COMMUNITY CENTER. August 1990 the building is completed and ready for use. The first BINGO Game was held in the new building on October 21, 1990.
VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL in both COSMOPOLITAN PARK and COSMO-BETHEL PARK were dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 1991. Included were Flags, Flag Poles and Bronze Plaques, Honoring ALL VETERANS of ALL WARS.
In April of 1997 we celebrated our 50th Anniversary.
2000's
2000 the new millineum will present new challenges for a new generation. We hope to be here for the next 50 years plus many more.
Remember we can do nothing to change the past. We can do everything to determine the future.
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