Passion & Purpose: Winter 2024/2025
Shelly Haag leads with heart to unite Barton County communities
Shelly Haag: “We’re not just here for Lamar. We’re not just Golden City or Liberal, but we get the opportunity to serve everyone.”
Community service is in Shelly Haag’s blood. It was her grandfather, a pastor now in his 90s, who first instilled in her the spirit of giving back. When Shelly was a teenager, he donated some farm animals in her name to a community in Africa for Christmas. While the gift was appreciated then, it means a lot more today to the president of the Barton County Community Foundation.
“He opened my eyes to the world and what I have the opportunity to give,” Shelly says. “Even if I don’t feel like I have a lot to give, I always have something — whether it’s money, whether it’s encouragement, whether it’s him donating something in my name. The world’s so much bigger than just myself.”
Shelly’s role as BCCF president evolved from her time as a board member. Neither were roles she expected to have when she and her husband, Brandon, moved to Lamar about 10 years ago. It wasn’t their first time in the area. He was from the Barton County seat, and she grew up about 30 minutes east in Lockwood. Those local roots and small-town connections were part of why Shelly decided to serve after being approached by a board member.
“Being a part of the foundation has made me recognize and realize locally what we can do when we come together, when we put our mind to ideas and visions,” she says. “Being able to partner with other people that have a vision for things they want to do is exciting to me.”
As president, Shelly oversaw the distribution of $160,000 in grants at the BCCF’s annual Night of Philanthropy in November. In addition to funding, a goal Shelly has for the board is finding ways to bring together neighbors of all generations in the western Missouri county.
“We’re not just here for Lamar. We’re not just Golden City or Liberal, but we get the opportunity to serve everyone,” she says.
Who inspires you? Send your suggestions of individuals moving the needle in your community to Kaitlyn McConnell, the CFO’s writer in residence, at kmcconnell@cfozarks.org.
