On Monday, August 7, 2017, Cultural Exchange Network (CENET) hosted J-Day in Branson, Missouri. J-Day is a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchange and an opportunity to raise awareness of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Under the motto “Eat, Play, Give,” cities across the U.S. held J-Day events; over 52 J-Day celebrations took place nationwide.

In the morning, CENET provided a Culture in the Community program at the Ozark Family YMCA in Hollister, MO. A group of outstanding participants were selected to share their world cultures with 50+ local children.

Mayor Tate (Hollister) opened the event and Mayor Best (Branson) concluded the Culture in the Community session by presenting Certificates of Achievement to the J-Day Ambassadors. Rick Ziegenfuss, City Administrator of Hollister, joined the session, as well as Assistant City Administrator, Denise Olmstead.

CENET also welcomed the offices of Senator Blunt and Representative Long to the special J-Day Culture in the Community session. Branson Tri-Lakes News covered the event here.

In the afternoon, CENET gathered with around 320 J-1 participants, host employers, and community members for a party at Moonshine Beach! Participants enjoyed a meal, dancing, beach games, and swimming.

The afternoon party welcomed special guests from Senator McCaskill’s office; Rick Ziegenfuss, City Administrator; the Branson Chamber of Commerce; many volunteers from the local community; and fellow sponsors and friends from CIEE and CCI Greenheart.

Attendees at the Moonshine Beach celebration also collected approximately 200 canned food items for Ozark Food Harvest.

With approximately 400 participants throughout the day, J-Day in Branson enjoyed a successful fourth year.

Thank you to our J-Day sponsors Secutive & Orange Hospitality for your generous donations, and to Grand Country and Price Chopper for food donations. Thank you to our local volunteers: Rick & Debra Chastain, Kelly Kirkpatrick, Amaradai De Pena, Felix Baez, and Jason & Katie Buchanan. Special thanks to Branson Chamber of Commerce representatives Heather Hardinger & Mercedes Botica; Branson Tri-Lakes News for covering the Culture in the Community session; host companies who donated supplies; and to Shauna Pye with CCI Greenheart & Anna O’Reardon with CIEE for assisting with the event.  Lastly, thank you to the City of Hollister, the City of Branson, Mayor Tate, Mayor Best, Senator McCaskill, Representative Long, and Senator Blunt for your support of J-Day and exchange programs that make a safer, more prosperous and compassionate world!

CENET strives to inspire a safer, more prosperous and compassionate world through international education and cultural exploration.For more news and updates about CENET, please visit our Facebook Page.