Since then , it has generated more than $ 350,000 for area nonprofit organizations that serve residents . Among other things , funds were used to build two new homes for tornado survivors and a playground for the rebuilt Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism , which also was destroyed in the storm .
However , because of a decline in participation and increased costs , organizers of the run have announced plans to discontinue it after this year .
Audie Dennis , president of the board of directors of Active Lifestyle Events Inc ., which has stages the annual run , also pointed to staff and volunteer “ fatigue ” because of the number of volunteers needed and the number of hours required to hold the event .
Run director Ruth Sawkins of Rufus Racing said it takes several hundred volunteers to hold the event . She called the decision to end the run “ bittersweet .” “ It ’ s hard to see the event not as robust as it used to be , and I don ’ t want to see it struggle and not do well . So it does feel good to say , ‘ Let ’ s do one well-done event and finish it and say it ’ s OK .’ “ But we ’ re not done with the 161 victims , and they won ’ t be forgotten , and the tornado won ’ t be forgotten , and all that we ’ ve come through will not be forgotten .”
This year , the race will start at the 70-foot-tall stainless steel memorial sculpture in memory of those who died that is on the grounds of the Harry M . Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex . The monument bears the names of those killed by the
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2106 South Main Street • Joplin , MO 417-291-2155
Day Care | Mon - Fri 6am - 6pm • Boarding 24 / 7
Peonies , Roses , Perennials Hostas , Herbs & More Rare & Unique House Plants
Garden Boutique with Unique Items Honey & Farm-Fresh Eggs ( when available ) Dedicated To Gardeners Of All Ages
New Commercial Kitchen – Classes & Events Coming Soon !
Back in Thyme Gardens & Culinary Center
Reopening April 27 We welcome you back to visit our family-run garden center and farm . Stroll through the gardens , shop in our retail area , see the miniature livestock or just stop by to talk gardening . We love visitors !
18284 GAZELLE DRIVE , NEOSHO MO 64850 | Call us at 319-601-1596 Located just south of US 60 , between Neosho and Seneca .
APRIL / MAY | JOPLIN MAGAZINE 17