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Am-B-Care wants to give Springfield a big KISS

Date: 4/28/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- A company new to the city has decided it wants to give something back to its new corporate home.

Am-B-Care Ambulance Service has been serving Springfield or the past 11 years, but recently moved its corporate office to the city, Frank McNeil, the company's CEO, told Reminder Publications. After becoming a sponsor of a golf tournament benefiting a local charity last fall, McNeil said the company wanted to do something for the city.

"We thought the kids of the city would be the best investment we could make so we chose the school system," he said.

McNeil's company will be sponsoring and presenting "Kick-in for Springfield Schools Day (KISS)" on July 25 with a softball tournament at Forest Park called "The Mayor's Cup" and a day-long event at Riverfront Park culminating with a performance by Danny Klein's Full House, a tribute band that performs the music of the J. Geils Band, of which Klein was a member.

McNeil described himself as a "big J. Geils fan my entire life." He said that Klein "couldn't have been more eager and cooperative to help the schools."

McNeil said the KISS organizers are looking for food vendors and merchants for the festival at Riverfront Park, which will also have performances from two more bands and trapeze artists and fire eaters. Other entertainment will be announced.

The festival is expected to run from mid-afternoon to 10:30 p.m. and admission will be $12. McNeil said books of tickets would be made available to children to sell who will get in for free if they sell the complete book.

The junior high school sports program will be the beneficiary of the event.

There is a $250 entry fee for each team wishing to enter the softball tournament.

McNeil is looking for additional business to help sponsor the event, which has been authorized by School Superintendent Dr. Alan Ingram. All donations are tax deductible and any check should be made out to Springfield School Volunteers with "KISS Day" in the memo line.

McNeil is happy to answer any questions and can be reached at KISSday09@ambcare.com. There is also a Web site for the event at www.kissday.org.