Jump for Joplin

A few Sundays ago, I along with so many others, watched and heard as reports began to stream in about a tornado that had ripped through Joplin, MO. I grew up in Kansas —Wichita — to be exact. I'm no stranger to tornados, but this was like nothing I'd ever seen.

A couple of weeks later, Mary Jo Dessieux, the Wentzville Parks Director, shared with our organization some pictures of destroyed Joplin parks. The damage done to these parks made them almost unrecognizable. Dottie Phillips, Recreation Superintendent and active member of our organization, decided she wanted to do something about it.

On Friday, June 10, the Friends of the Wentzville Parks will hold a Jump for Joplin fund raiser at Rotary Park. Starting at 7 p.m., we'll ask everyone, young and old, to come out and jump rope. Ask your family and friends to sponsor you and raise some money for the Joplin Parks. (Sponsorship Packages can be picked up at Progress Park). You can also bring items to donate or make a tax deductable contribution. Afterwards, stick around for a free concert of "That 80's Band."

Our hearts and prayers go out to all those in Joplin who lost loved ones or homes or businesses. We know parks are just a small piece of a very large destruction pie, but we believe parks are where communities come together. Parks are where people feel at home, or spend time to relax. And those parks need to be re-built right along with the rest of Joplin.

So let's get together, show the people of Joplin that our community supports them and there parks. Wear red. Come early. And let's raise some money!

For more information, including a copy of the flyer, visit www.friendsofthewentzvilleparks.org