Dusting off Home Plate and Rebuilding Joplin

October 20, 2011, almost 120 days after the Tornado struck Joplin, Missouri. October is the month of the Breast Cancer Awareness, The World Series and now the Extreme Makeover Home Edition coming to Joplin. In the eyes of everybody affected by the Joplin tornado, the Spirit of the World Series is within our community as we dust off home plate and rebuild. 

In the words of Alan Jackson, where were you when the world stopped turning on that May day? Looking back to May 22, we remember where we were and what we were doing the moment the tornado ripped thru Joplin. The Nissan and Toyota Dealerships were destroyed, but our number one concern was the 14 families whom have lost their homes and all their belongings. We reached out to the community of people in need. Josh Kirby, General Manager at Fletcher SuperStore, sprang in to action. The SuperStore became a drop off location for supplies. Free taxi service was provided to help people connect with family and friends. Our staff banded together and volunteered focusing on helping others. 

Frank Fletcher, the owner of the Auto Group, made sure everybody was taken care of with shelter and supplies. As the tragic event continued, he continued to pay all employees even when the dealerships were a total loss. Roger Williams, General Manager at Fletcher Ford lost his family’s home, vehicles, and belongings. He remembers how he felt and how Frank Fletcher and the staff united to help him and others families during this difficult time.

The Fletcher Auto group represents 11 Manufacture Brands in Joplin (Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota, Scion, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram).  The partnership with the manufactures and community support resulted in Ford Motor Company Donating $50,000 to Joplin as well as several brands offered a special rebate to help the victims extending additional savings.

The Frank Fletcher Nissan, Toyota, and Scion have joined with the rebuilding efforts as you have been watching the progress on Rangeline Road in Joplin. We continue to help neighbors helping neighbors partnering with Extreme Makeover Home Edition, by donating $50,000 to the families. 

On October 23, the Fletcher Auto Group and Pig Trail Harley Davidson will host a charity ride, titled the National Day of Giving. Starting at 9:00 am there will be a free breakfast and entertainment to assist with the fund raising efforts. After breakfast, everyone will begin the ride from Rogers, Arkansas with police escort to Joplin, Missouri. The required donation is $25.00 per rider. Once the group arrives in Joplin, they will present the checks to the 7 families. 

The tornado has not just affected people who live in Joplin. Fletcher Honda in Columbia, Missouri started a community drive and Ryan Benedict, delivered a van full of supplies. KD Hill, Fletcher Honda Sales Manager lives in Northwest Arkansas stated, “To see the community response to the need in Joplin is really heartwarming. The character of a person is truly challenged when disasters happen.” 

Fletcher Auto Group proudly supports our employees and communities we serve.

www.fletcherauto.com