10 Most-Beautiful Finalist: Bambi VanBurch

Age: 30

Occupation: Producer for The Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Show.

Background: Bambi is from Peoria, Illinois, and has been living in 417-land for eight years. She resides in Branson with her husband, Kirby VanBurch. Her parents are Robert and Elaine Hoffman, and her sister is Shannon Powell.

 

Tell us why you love 417-land.

I love God, and God surrounds us here with the beautiful land, lakes and friendly people. There is also a lot to do with the entertainment as well as the great selection of restaurants and shopping.

Tell us about your community involvement and volunteering. (Please tell us what organizations you’re involved in, what you do to participate and how long you’ve been doing it.)

Our show does a lot of charity shows where monies are donated to community causes, such as the Berean Christian Academy and The Sanctuary.
In addition, I have been involved with the White Tiger Foundation for more than eight years. This foundation, organized by my husband, Kirby VanBurch, is dedicated to promoting community and global awareness of the plight of this endangered species, as well as to provide and assist in providing sanctuary or refuge to any endangered species.

Two years ago, I organized and started a women’s Bible study group.

Most recently, I started getting involved in Dusty Feet, an organization ministering to the people in Kenya.

What makes your community involvement worthwhile?

I love helping others, whether it is people in the Ozarks or around the world. Everything I do revolves around helping others: donating monies to worthwhile causes, being “Mom” to a baby animal in need of a home or anything else where there is a need.

Hobbies (Go ahead; list them all! And tell us why you love them.)

Of course my first love is dancing, but in my spare time, I love to read romance novels. Danielle Steele is my favorite romance author. I also love fashion and have designed some of my own jewelry. I love traveling to different parts of the country and world to expand my knowledge. In addition, like most women, I love to shop!

Are you involved in any professional organizations? (What are they, what’s your role, and how long have you been doing it?)

I have been a member of the International Society of Magicians for two years, and last I year was awarded the 2007 Magician of the Year.
For the last four years, I have been a member of the Professional Women’s Magician group

What’s something that might surprise us about you? (Or a story you love to tell.)

I think the thing that might surprise you the most is my education. I have a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University with a major in family and consumer sciences. I also have a Pyrotechnics License. In addition, I am currently learning sign language.