Decathletes rally to rescue Joplin a year after nationals held there
Stefan Waltermann writes: “Almost exactly a year ago, Joplin, Mo., hosted the USATF Masters Decathlon Championships. We had wonderful hosts, hospitable, generous, helpful, knowledgeable people. The competition was well run, the parties were memorable. On the second day of the competition, a Sunday, our host asked for a little get-together and sang Amazing Grace in his native language, Cherokee. It was moving and wonderful, for me one of the most memorable moments in my life as a masters athlete. Now, this beautiful small town is destroyed. From all I’ve learned during my visit last year, Joplin will be rebuild. But they could use our help. While I will not be able to repay their hospitality, I will answer Tom’s call for help.” Stefan shared a plea from Tom Thorne of nearby Neosho (and not far from Lamar, where I had my first job in 1976).
Tornado's death toll in southwest Missouri town of Joplin has topped 120.
Tom writes:
Again I say that it is so good to hear from friends as to our safety from the stormSuzanne and Henry Hopkins called from Indianapolis as to what they and their church could do and ask me to find what I thought would be the best way to help.
After some short thought, i focused on the Lafayette House in Joplin. it is a shelter for abused women and children of which my good friend Gary Lentz is on the board of directors and a strong supporter of Decathlon Midwest and the Masters UK vs. USA challenge. Upon contacting him, he states that the building suffered no damage and therefore will be taking in any and all that need food and shelter. His thought was that the most expense would be food where they can purchase in bulk. And as you know, this will be a long process.
Our church has made donations of items to the local effort which has a large truck parked where we can take food etc. and is distributed in Joplin.
if you would like to help supporting the Hopkinses and their church effort, just send a check to me and I will personally make sure it goes to Lafayette House. It can be tax-deductible. and checks should be made out to ‘Lafayette House.’
This is a project only directed to the multi-eventers and those whom they wish to include.
If you are not able to contribute financially, please donate a few moments to pray for all those who need your support.
Any questions, feel free to call: 417 451 7417Tom Thorne
525 Oakridge Drive
Neosho, MO
64850
11 Responses
I talked to Tom today and he desperately needs your help. As Tom told me, “Bill if you can give $1.00 it will feed one person for one meal” Multi eventers please do whatever you can. Single event specialist they need your help too.
Stefan,Bill and all!
We came back from Wichita/KS this very Sunday, same time as the tornedo struck.
I am still in shock. Yes, it’s been a wonderful memory, and now this.!!!
Ironically, Jerry and I were wearing our T-Shirts from that meet.
Tom,I am taking our envelope to the postoffice, as soon as I am sending this off.
Yes, if prayers help – I have not stopped doing just that!
“Amazing grace” that we can help!
Jerry and Christel
We’re in here in SRQ. I’ll see what our track club can do as well.
hey Tom,
I’ll be sending a donation, hope it helps.
My thoughts are with all of you dealing with this.
Hope to see you at the next Euro-American Masters Decathlon Challenge next year!
fond regards,
Grant Lamothe
Read about the carnage a few days ago (I’min the UK). There will be many athletes over here sad for Joplin’s losses, but so glad that you are safe, Tom. Your Brit friends are with you in spirit.
Hi Tom
The South “African American” needs your adress to send a donation and if you need any food supplies. What is needed my email is normanhough@hotmail.com. the school I work for is busy with food drives for Haiti so we can help you guys too.
You are in our prayers
norman
I WAS AT THE DECATHLON IN JOPLIN,some of the niceist people I have ever meet,bill M PLEASE GIVE ME INFO ON HOW I CAN HELP MCQUITTER83@YAHOO.COM ,MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL IN THE AREAS.
Make Checks payable to: Lafayette House
Any questions, feel free to call: Tom @ 417 451 7417
Tom Thorne
525 Oakridge Drive
Neosho, MO
64850
Tom:
Many great memories of my first masters meet in Joplin 2008 and return in 2010. The hospitality and good will extended by the people of Joplin/Keosho will forever be the standard by which all of my masters experiences will be compared. I’m so sorry for your loss, but am confident you’ll rally around one another and be stronger than ever. I’ve got a check coming your way and I know the money will be put to good use. You’re in our prayers and I look forward to our next get-together.
I had a great time at the 1998 Dec/Hept Nationals in Neosho. My kids still remember the fabulous hot air balloon ride and authentic Native American dance presentation. We are sadden by the devastation and will join your efforts to help via our church. We also pray that a greater and stronger community of people will emerge from this tragedy. -Karen and Jeff Vaughn
just a note to say that the response to the challenge of helping those in joplin has been heartfelt as the combined eventers and friends have donated over $3500 to date.
blessings to all who contributed and those who have kept joplin in their prayers.
peace and grace to all.
rev. tom thorne
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