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 Willdabeast. 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.
Joplin Run II
Held from October 6 through October 9, Joplin Run II, "The Return," once again saw the Brothers of Beta Phi work with Relief Spark in continuing demolition work on two properties so that homes could be rebuilt. Brothers in attendance on this trip included Anna Bewley, Sara Calvert, Amanda Adams, Adam Rzeszowski, Chris Storath, David Serafini, Patrick Webb, Issac Bosse, Harrison Carter, Brittni Wienecke, alumni Brother Usman Hussein, Initiate D.J. McDonald, and Western students Courtney Carter and Mykayla Harris.
A highlight of this Run was visiting the grave of Will Norton with Will's Aunt, Tracey Presslor, who was told that Will would be inducted as an Honorary Brother of the Chapter.
Joplin Run III
WKU's spring break would see the Third Run, "The Adventure," from March 3 through March 7. Brothers on this trip once again included Sara Calvert, Chris Storath, David Serafini, Adam Reynolds, Adam Rzeszowski, Amanda Adams, and D.J. McDonald, who were joined this time by Brothers Jerry Cowart, Katie Knipp, Scotty Neat, Em Eskridge, and SeQuoia Sims and WKU student Jonathan Sturdivant. Work this time included the demolition of three structures and a day spent clearing brush and felled trees on a private property.
Beta Phi met again with Tracey Presslor, and with Mark Norton, who was presented with Will's membership pin and Shingle.
Joplin Run IV
Joplin Run IV, "The Rising," was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the Joplin tornado. Brothers Chris Storath, Anna Bewley, David Serafini, Jerry Cowart, Katie Knipp and Amanda Adams made the trip from May 19 through May 23. Working with Hammers and Hearts, the Brothers worked on a home's exterior to prepare it for a major renovation due to damage suffered in the tornado.
On May 22, Brothers Bewley, Storath and Serafini took part in the first anniversary commemorations. The day began with a visit to Will Norton's grave, followed by the Day of Unity celebrations, including the Unity Walk with approximately 6,000 others through the streets of Joplin, following the path the tornado took. The day ended with a special commemoration with members of Will Norton's family, mourning his loss and commemorating his life.
Joplin Run V, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow," is scheduled for October 4 through October 6, 2012.
