DAWNE GARDNER

NFTRL CO-PRESIDENT 2025- 2027

Dawne and her husband, Richard, moved to Kimberling City in May of 2023 from Springfield, MO. They had spent weekends here camping at their permanent camp spot and planned to retire to the area. However, the City Administrator job opened at City Hall and” our move to Kimberling City came about 15 years sooner than we had anticipated when Dawne got the job.”  I have always worked in the government sector – either state or local government. Her husband Richard works in purchasing for City Utilities of Springfield.

The Gardners have 3 sons (ages 31, 31 and 26), and 1 grandson who is 12.  Now that the boys have all flown the coop and are adulting, our kid focus has turned to wiener dogs.  They have three miniature long hair dachshunds – Fergie, Jasper and Vinny; and one chiweenie, Abby.  Dawne also spent several years in Springfield volunteering for Watching Over Whiskers, a cat rescue.  As a result of those efforts, a few foster kitties never left.  She has four cats – Tilly, Stella and Dory who are inside cats and one feral cat Winnie who lives in a Catio outside and is very pampered even though she won’t let anyone near her.  Dawne's motto and her license plate should be of no surprise: “Neuter/Spay”

Dawne has been a part of Neighbors and Friends since joining in September 2023 after learning about the organization and being invited by the mayor’s wife, Mary Fritz!  “I have a servant's heart and giving back to the community I live in has always been a part of who I am.  Neighbors and Friends was a great way to begin doing that in Kimberling City.”

Dawne’s hobbies include a love for music and playing the piano.  She played for all of the school choirs in middle and high school where she grew up in Versailles, MO.  She also has played for various churches throughout her life, most recently at the Renew Church in Willard, MO until she moved to Kimberling City.  Dawne also loves to volunteer for animal rescues, loves to ride trails on her bicycle (NOT mountain bike trails), loves to read, and spoil her 12-year-old grandson!

Dawne was completely shocked, but honored, when she was asked to be co-president for Neighbors and Friends.  “I love the mission of NFTRL. Walking into the luncheon each month to a room full of women that are there to give back to their community they live in is simply empowering.”