As SSNCT was taking place, back home several of our teams' hometowns were in the midst of a major deluge. Anywhere from eight to 12 inches fell across major portions of the state. One of our playoff teams, Gainesville, ended up with a longer drive home than planned. When they arrived, they found their hometown inundated with floodwaters, washing out homes, businesses and roadways. Their coach described it as "utter destruction".
As the waters began receding in Gainesville, Thayer and other parts of the state, the waters surged downstream. Cities like Eureka and Hermann braced for major flooding. Shelters remain in place around the state with buildings damaged, roads needing replaced, and lives changed. Just as our teams showed resiliency last weekend in their many matches, our state will come together to help our neighbors and fellow scholars rebuild. But they most certainly must not do it alone.
The members of the Missouri Quizbowl Alliance are today launching a general appeal for funds to support organizations providing assistance to victims of flooding across our state in the past week. We encourage all members of the quizbowl community to consider donating to these funds:
- The American Red Cross (Ozarks Red Cross, Red Cross of Eastern Missouri, etc.)
Online Donation Form
PDF Form to send donation via USPS
Other ways to donate - Ozark County Flood Relief (Gainesville)
Organized by Century Bank of the Ozarks
Donate through their Go Fund Me page or mail donation to:- Century Bank of the Ozarks
Attn: Ozark County Flood Relief
PO Box 68
Gainesville, MO 65655
- Century Bank of the Ozarks
Two events in the next month will also raise funds for flood relief efforts. A charity match between coaches and staffers will take place May 13th at the pre-nationals tournament hosted by Rock Bridge High School. Fort Osage has also offered to use proceeds from their mirror of the AUX Cord set planned for the High School National Championship Tournament in Atlanta.
Let's show the state and everyone the willingness of the quizbowl community to back our fellow scholars and Missourians in need! Thank you for your consideration!