Thank you again for making Memphis To Moore a huge success!

Dear Memphis, Moore, & friends from around the world who supported "Memphis To Moore",

The final tally is in! 200 Memphians rallied at the Memphis to Moore event (raising money to help rebuild the Moore Public Schools damaged so badly from the May 20th tornado) and raised $34,000 in cash and in-kind contributions!!! The generosity of this great city we call home is remarkable. Big thanks to you, The Westin Memphis, RedRover, and our other sponsors and donors who worked together with me to pull together the event in just 17 short days. What an incredible journey.

Our post-event press release, and interviews about the fundraiser can be found here.

Videos about the event can be found here.

Photos from the event can be found here. 

THANK YOU!! :)


Here are a few of my favorite photos from the event.

Karen Wilder Fitness donates to Memphis To Moore

I owe a huge thank you to Karen Wilder Fitness for donating $18,000 of gym equipment to Moore Public Schools!  The equipment will be used at my junior high school, Highland East Junior High.  They lost their gym and gym equipment in the recent May tornado.

I worked out with Karen for almost 4 years and can attest that she is by far the best personal trainer in Memphis.  If you are looking to increase your fitness level, learn more about nutrition, or healthy lifestyle, Karen is who you need to talk to.  Here's her website: www.KarenWilderFitness.com.

Here's a video from My Fox Memphis about our next project - getting the equipment to Moore!  We'd love one of those big logistics moving type companies here in Memphis to lend us a hand. Know someone who can help? Please let me know.  Thanks!

Thank you for making Memphis To Moore a success!

A huge thank you to everyone for making Friday night's Memphis To Moore event a huge success! We raised over $34,000 in cash and in-kind donations!
200 guests attended the event at The Westin Memphis Beale Street and had a wonderful time listening to Grace Askew from NBC's The Voice, listening to great music from The Super 5, and taking awesome photos in the Amurica photo booth!

To check out your photos, visit www.MemphisToMoore.org.

If you missed the event and would like to donate, it's not too late! Visit www.MemphisToMoore.org to donate today!

Thanks again to everyone for your support and for lending a hand to the Moore Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Angie

Memphis To Moore: Tribute to Moore Teachers

Check out this amazing video that Moore native Kristy Sinsara put together as a tribute to the teachers in Moore.

Join the fundraiser this weekend. Buy your tickets or make a donation here: MemphisToMoore.org

Make sure your computer speakers are turned on...and (disclaimer) the beginning is hard to watch.

She felt like it was important to show the reality of what the kids and teachers went through during the tornado...so now you can see just how brave they all really were. Truly amazing human beings.....

HUGE thank you to both Kristy Sinsara and Chris Newsom for your help with this video.

Share, watch, "like" and post on your own page for us...get the word out. Support Moore Schools!

 

Mempis To Moore - Amurica Booth!

In related awesome news, the Amurica booth will be at the Memphis To Moore event, so that YOU can send your positive wishes back to Moore!

We are so excited!

To purchase your tickets, visit http://memphistomoore.eventbrite.com/

Memphis To Moore - Entertainment Announced

I have wonderful news to share! Grace Askew from NBC's The Voice, and The Super 5 will both perform during the fundraiser on Friday night. I hope you'll join us!

To purchase your tickets, visit http://memphistomoore.eventbrite.com/

If you can't attend in person, but would like to donate to the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund, visit http://fundly.com/memphis-to-moore-fundraiser

Grace Askew from NBC's The Voice

The Super 5

Memphis To Moore Fundraiser

I can finally share what I've been up to over the last week--

I've partnered with the The Westin Memphis Beale Street and RedRover Sales & Marketing on a fundraiser to help rebuild the schools in my hometown of Moore after the recent devastating tornadoes. Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased online at MemphisToMoore.org. There will be live music, a silent auction, and fabulous complimentary food and cocktails compliments of Bleu Restaurant & Lounge. 

Funds raised will go to the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund.  The fund helps to remove obstacles that stand in the way of teachers being able to teach and children being able to learn by providing them the basic educational materials and support they need. This could include food, clothing, shelter, after school care, and school supplies.

If you'll be in Memphis the weekend of June 14th, I hope that you'll join us!  It will be a fun time for a great cause.  If you can't be here, please click through to MemphisToMoore.org and consider making a donation.

Date: Friday, June 14th
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM
Venue: The Westin Memphis Beale Street
Tickets: $50 in advance, $60 at the door
Dress: Dressy Casual 

free valet parking
live entertainment
free food & drinks compliments of Bleu Restaurant & Lounge

To purchase tickets: MemphisToMoore.org

Moore Restaurant Recommendations

First, if you have wondered what has happened to my blog posts, I've been working hard on a fundraiser for the Moore Public Schools.  It has taken quite a bit of time over the past few days, so my posts have temporarily slowed down.  I will post more about the fundraiser when I have more details I can share.

Second, I have spoken to a number of people who have been in Moore to help out - whether it's those who are there to clean, those who are working to make things safer, or those reporting on what's happening.  I have been giving them restaurant recommendations one at a time.  In an effort to be helpful, I'm going to post all my recommendations here.

If you have a place you'd like me to add, send me a note or leave a comment.  Or, if one of these places is no longer in business for whatever reason, please let me know.

Keep in mind that these are places that I ate at when I was still in high school.  The food is simple, but it's tasty and local.

• Del Rancho - Go to the one in Moore. Get the chicken fried steak sandwich supreme and the cherry limeade.
• Grandy's - This is a good alternative to something like McDonald's if you need fast food. I always enjoyed the chicken nuggets and the rolls. If you eat inside, they bring you unlimited rolls.  I also seem to remember them having an amazing sweet tea.
• Braum's - I really enjoy the ice-cream here - especially a caramel pecan sundae.  Be sure to get nuts and whipped cream too. They also have a decent breakfast - my favorite is the breakfast yogurt or the biscuits and gravy. 
• Sonic Drive In - This place exists everywhere, but I'm putting it on the list because it's based out of Oklahoma City. Most kids who grow up in OK are hooked at a young age.  We will also travel long distances to find one when we're living far away from home.
• Harry Bears - They are a sports pub of sorts. It's very casuel - like a Chilli's. I recommend one of the burgers with shredded cheddar cheese on it - and definitely try the fried peaches for dessert.
• Cattleman's - If you enjoy steak and you want to check out the stockyards in OKC, go here.
• Irma's Burger Shack - A diner with great burgers in downtown OKC.
• Kaiser's - A little ice cream place in downtown OKC.
• Van's Pig Stand - Wow. I can no longer recommend this one as I see from the Van's website that the Moore location was destroyed. Sad!  If you make it to Shawnee, there's another location where you can try the barbecue and rum ice-cream pie.

My friend Jamie also recommended a number of other places that I haven't had a chance to try.

• Nic's - They're famous for their burgers.  They were on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
• S&B Burgers - More great burgers! 
• Iguana Mexican Grill - Jamie says this Mexican place is awesome. 
• Salt Grass Steakhouse - Jamie also highly recommends Salt Grass for steaks. 

Oklahoma t-shirts that support the relief efforts

Lush Fashion Lounge, a store in Oklahoma City has partnered with a local designer to create a t-shirt to support the tornado survivors.  T-shirts will be $25 and 100% of the sales will go to tornado relief.

Get yours by visiting their store or by calling them.  Pre-orders are available by calling 405-936-0680.  They will ship for free!

Check out their Facebook page here.  

I just made my donation to Moore!

I just made my donation to the Moore Public Schools.  It was so fast and easy - it took about 3 minutes.  Make your donation here!

Here's what the website looks like. You click that button that says "Donate Now."

 

This is the screen you fill out with your credit card information.  

 Here's what the receipt looks like.  I've greyed out my credit card information.

Thanks in advance for your help!

The damage in Moore gets personal: Diana's story

I've done my best not to include names or details of my friends who have lost their homes to protect their privacy.  I think now is the time though to share those details as many of them need help.

My friend Diana (Medina) Bracelin's house was hit hard during the tornado this week in Moore.  It's a total loss, so there is nothing left for Diana or her family.  Diana is supporting two children: her daughter Kirsten who is 18 and her niece who is 21.  Her niece had just moved to Moore from Louisiana to attend college at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

I have known Diana since I was 5 years old.  We were in the same kindergarten class at East Hills Elementary School in Moore, and went all the way through high school together at Moore High School.  East Hills was a warehouse building that was temporarily converted into a school. 

These three women are in need of help.  Below is a list of the things that Diana needs to keep her family afloat.

• Clothes:
• Jeans - size 2 and size 6
• Shoes - size 7
• Shirts - size small
• Toiletries:
• Eye contact solution
• Shampoo
• Body lotion
• Other toiletries products (I would guess possibly feminine products, little makeup items like mascara, razors, a hair dryer, etc.)

Diana, her daughter, and her niece are currently staying at her sister's house.  Below is the address where you can drop off or mail any items.  If you stop by, please give her a hug for me!

Diana Bracelin

627 NW 16th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Here's a photo of Diana from elementary school.  I was hoping to post one from kindergarten, but I've miss placed that yearbook.

Here's a photo of Diana with her daughter Keirstin in happier times, just a few weeks ago.

Here are photos of Diana's house since the tornado moved through Moore.

If you are interested to help an individual, this is a great way to do it.  I know that Diana and her family will appreciate your help!

View Now: Moore tornado damage video

In case you missed it, I'm re-posting the video of the damage in Moore that aired last night on WMC-TV in Memphis. 

At the end of the video, Lauren Squires mentions donating to the Moore Public School district.  I would highly encourage you to consider donating.  The Moore Public Schools is a wonderful district full of great teachers who really help the kids.  I attended Moore schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and can speak personally about the difference it made for me.

If you would like to give, please click here to visit the First American Bank website. You can donate with credit card or by check.  It's easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

For those in Memphis, I am also working to plan a fundraiser for the Moore Public Schools here in Memphis.  If you can help out in any way, please send me an e-mail at angela(dot)copeland(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you to everyone, especially Lauren Squires, for your support of my hometown of Moore, Oklahoma!

Click below to view the video:

Moore Public Schools donations now available online

I've been talking a lot on my blog about donating to the Moore Public Schools.  Unfortunately, it's been a little hard to do because you had to send in a check via US Mail - until now.

Great news! They have put up the online payment option.  You can now donate with your credit card online.  It's very easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

To donate, visit the First American Bank website here, http://www.bankfab.com/donate/, and click on the "Donate Now" button.

View Now: Moore tornado damage video posted

The video of my parents and my neighborhood in Moore, Oklahoma has been posted on the WMC-TV website.  Below is a link to the video.

At the end of the video, Lauren Squires mentions donating to the Moore Public School district.  I would highly encourage you to consider donating.  The Moore Public Schools is a wonderful district full of great teachers who really help the kids.  I attended Moore schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and can speak personally about the difference it made for me.

If you would like to give, please send a check to the address below.  Soon, there will be information about how to donate online.  When it is available, I will post it here.

The Moore Public Schools Foundation
PO Box 6100
Moore, OK 73153

For those in Memphis, I am also working to plan a fundraiser for the Moore Public Schools here in Memphis.  If you can help out in any way, please send me an e-mail at angela(dot)copeland(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you to everyone, especially Lauren Squires, for your support of my hometown of Moore, Oklahoma!

Click below to view the video:

Donate to Moore Public Schools - finally!

I have really appreciated the outpouring of support here in Memphis, and beyond.  People I haven't seen in years have reached out to check on how my family and friends are - and how I'm doing from so far away.

Lauren Squires, a Memphis news reporter at WMC-TV, contacted me last night on her way to Moore to ask about my family.  Today, Lauren interviewed my mom (a retired Moore Public Schools teacher) about the devastation in her neighborhood.  I haven't seen photos yet, but hopefully I will tonight.  Lauren promised to send me video of my street via the news here in Memphis.  I will be watching!  10 PM CST tonight on Channel 5.  A HUGE thank you to Lauren for stopping by to see my parents.  It's so nice to feel the Memphis community supporting my hometown of Moore.

I have now learned how to donate to the Moore Public Schools.  As you know, the Moore Schools were hit hard during the tornadoes.  Multiple schools were hit, children were injured and killed, and the school administration building was hit.

On a personal note, I went to Moore Public Schools from kindergarten to 12th grade and graduated from Moore High School.  The Moore school district is fairly large with 3 high schools, 5 junior high schools, and 22 elementary schools.

I grew up in a divorced family with quite a bit of uncertainty in my life when I was young. The teachers in Moore worked tirelessly to help me to become the best student that I could be.  Their dedication helped me to earn scholarships that allowed me to go to college in New York and put my life on the right path.  I give the Moore Schools so much credit for who I have become.

I just received a personal call from one of the school board members from Moore Public Schools.  She said that the city has enough water, enough work gloves, etc.  The victims have places to stay at night.  What she said they really need are financial donations for the schools.  Moore Public Schools is going to build two new schools this year in addition to all of the repair work that will be required from the tornado damage. 

There are so many choices when it comes to giving, but I highly recommend donating to Moore Public Schools.  The heart of the community of Moore lies in its amazing school system.

If you want to give, you can do so by mail at this time.  I just received word that the Moore Public Schools technology center was destroyed, so an online donation site is not yet available.  As soon as it's up, I will provide that information.

Update: You can now make a donation online.  Click here to donate via credit card on the First American Bank site.  It's easy and takes less than 5 minutes!

If you mail a donation, this is the place to do it. You can designate how you want the money to be used, or you can send a general donation. 


The Moore Public Schools Foundation
PO Box 6100
Moore, OK 73153

Please note that this address has been updated because Moore Public Schools created a P.O. Box to be used specifically for donations.  The previous address will still work; it is the address to send to the school administration building. Here's a link to the website that specifies this address: http://www.bankfab.com/donate/.