Beta Phi Joplin Run

The Beta Phi Joplin Run is a continuing series of trips made by the Beta Phi Chapter from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky, to Joplin, Mo, in response to the May 22, 2011 EF-5 tornado. The tornado caused an estimated $2 billion in damages, affecting over 7,000 homes and hundreds of businesses. As of December 2011, 160 individuals lost their lives as a result, with one more indirect death, a police officer who was struck by lightning while he was aiding in the cleanup and recovery the day after.

Will Norton

One of the victims of the tornado was Will Norton, who had just graduated from Joplin High School late that afternoon.

Will was already a certified pilot, a member of his school's state-winning U.S. Constitution Team, an avid volunteer at the Joplin Humane Society and at several youth camps, had traveled to many parts of the world, and had hosted a popular You Tube page under the user name Willdebeast. He had been accepted to Chapman University where he intended to study film production, his lifelong ambition.

While driving home with his father to meet other members of the family for his graduation party, the storm hit their vehicle. While his father survived, Will did not; his body was not found until five days later.

Joplin Run I

After watching tornado coverage, and Will's story especially, Beta Phi Chapter adviser David Serafini posted on Facebook an inquiry of Brothers who were interested in making a trip to Joplin to assist in relief efforts. In response, brothers Anna Bewley, Sara Calvert, Adam Reynolds, Adam Rzeszowski, and Chris Storath, along with WKU students Kaleb Crowe and Mason Myatt, made the trip with him from June 25 through June 27. While in Joplin they were joined by Brothers Katelyn Condra, Alison Katherine, and Jun Sakahira from the Alpha Chapter at University of Central Missouri.

Working with the volunteer organization Relief Spark, the Brothers went into the heart of what is called the "dead zone" to demolish one house completely, and begin demolition efforts on another before threatening weather on June 27 prevented further work. It was decided that a second trip to Joplin was needed, and plans were made for a return during WKU's Fall Break.