Moore, Oklahoma Update on Local 24 Memphis News

Thank you to Sean Parker and Local 24 for a second amazing story today! Sean did an update on the Memphis To Moore fundraiser, and my hometown of Moore, Oklahoma.

Last May, Moore was hit by an EF5 tornado that was more than 1 mile wide. It caused damage to more than 1,400 homes and 20 of the 35 Moore Public Schools buildings.

As a former student from Moore Public Schools, I felt compelled to partner up with The Westin Memphis Beale Street, and RedRover Sales & Marketing to host a fundraiser for 200 Memphians to raise funds for the schools.

We raised over $34,000 in donations, including gym equipment for my junior high school, Highland East. The equipment was donated by Karen Wilder Fitness and shipped by Big League Movers (who donated 100% of their shipping services!!). Cash raised was donated to the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund to cover the needs of teachers and students impacted by the tornado.

In all, there was $55M in total damage to the school system. The three most badly damaged properties, Plaza Towers Elementary, Briarwood Elementary, and High East Junior High, are all still under construction. Most other school properties have been repaired, and students are back in school.

For those who have asked about my parents street, one home was beyond repair and was rebuilt completely. Two others were badly damaged and are almost completed. Other repairs are complete.

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, money, and energy for the fundraiser. I appreciate all of your help and support! Moore teachers, students, and residents send their thank yous to everyone in Memphis.

Read Sean's entire story here.

View the interview below:

Memphis To Moore Delivers Gym Equipment

This weekend was quite eventful.  As you probably remember, Karen Wilder Fitness donated $18,000 of gym equipment to Moore Public Schools back in June.

It was such an incredible donation.  My junior high, Highland East, lost their gym in May when the tornadoes came through Moore.  They will be able to use this equipment in the gym when they rebuild it.

Unfortunately, getting the equipment to Moore has been a point of concern.  It's an entire gym's worth of equipment, and I wasn't sure how I would get it to Moore.  The lowest estimate we received from a shipper was for thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, a friend connected me to Big League Movers here in Memphis.  Big League's owner Steve called me a few weeks ago and immediately said, "Sure, we'd like to help." My question was whether or not help meant donate.  Fortunately, Big League was totally on board.

They sent a team of 4 to Karen's fitness studio yesterday to disassemble and load the equipment.  The team worked tirelessly from 8 AM to 2 PM on Sunday.  They made sure that every piece of equipment was labeled, and put all of the small hardware pieces into labeled plastic bags to keep them together.  They also had questions about and concern for the students they were helping in Moore.

After loading the truck, they headed straight to Moore.  Its an 8 hour drive.  They will deliver the gym equipment today at 1 PM to the Moore Public Schools before heading back.  Hopefully, the delivery is much faster since they won't have to disassemble it all again.

Oh, and an important note-- they didn't put the equipment in a truck that was already heading to Moore.  They're making a special trip just to deliver the gym equipment.

I was very impressed with Big League's dedication to helping Moore Public Schools.  Thank you to both Big League and Karen Wilder for making this possible.  If you ever need a mover or a personal trainer, be sure to reach out to these folks - they're wonderful!

Both My Fox Memphis and WMC-TV covered the move. Thank you to both Sarah Bleu and Lauren Squires for their continuous coverage of our progress.  I really appreciate all of your support!

Check out the stories and video below:
Here's the My Fox Memphis coverage.
Here's the WMC-TV coverage.

Memphis To Moore Online Auction

If you haven't had a chance yet, please take a look at the Memphis To Moore online auction.  There are just a few days left and still a number of great items.

Here's one you should check out, a chocolate package - its a bit like chocolate of the month.  It includes one 6-piece designer chocolate gift box per month for 9 months.  The chocolates are made by Chef Rix.

Chef Phillip Ashley Rix is an award-winning chocolatier, was named one of America's Best Confectioners and Chocolatiers in 2013 by TasteTV for his dynamic ingredient combinations and unique designer chocolates.  A native Memphian, he began his journey in 2007, self-training in the difficult art of chocolate.  In 2012, he elected to exit a more than 10 year career in the creative marketing field with FedEx, UPS and Apple.  Inspired by the history, chemistry, artistry, and possibility of fine chocolate making, Chef Rix works countless hours developing the new and exciting flavors distinctive of his brand.  He incorporates fascinating ingredients like BBQ Sauce, Sweet Potato, Spanish Saffron, and Gorgonzola Dolce bleu cheese, just to name a few, with the finest Swiss chocolate to create a rare, sensory-provoking experience with every piece.

Here are a few photos.  To check out the item on the Memphis To Moore auction, click here. 100% of the money raised from the auction will go directly to the Moore Public Schools tornado relief fund.

Thanks!

Shelton Clother Pink Pig Apparel Polo and Baseball Cap for Sale!

Big thank you to Shelton Clothiers and Tom Shelton for donating a polo shirt and a baseball cap to the Memphis To Moore online auction!

Check out the auction here: http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/moore-public-schools-disaster-relief/62088/. The winner will be able to pick the size and color that best suits them!

100% of proceeds for all items go directly to the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund.

Happy bidding!

 

Memphis To Moore - Online auction now open!

In order to continue our efforts to raise funds for the Moore Public Schools, we are hosting an online silent auction using eBay Giving Works. 100% of the purchase price will be donated to the Moore Public Schools.

Thank you to all of those who have generously donated for this cause. Auction items include a chocolate epicurean package, a dinner for two with a private chef, and OKC Thunder autographed photos just to name a few.

Check out the listings on eBay here.

The Memphis To Moore website is found here. 

Sponsors: AngelaCopeland.com, The Westin Memphis Beale Street, RedRover Sales & Marketing, Karen Wilder Fitness

Thank you for your support! :-)

Veterans Memorial Park needs your help

As you know, Veterans Memorial Park in Moore, Oklahoma was destroyed during the recent tornado in May.  This park is located next to my junior high school and across the street from my parents neighborhood.

The good news is that Coke (the soft drink company) is having a contest to revamp a community park.  The winning park will be given $100,000 for park improvements.  In this case, it would be used to completely rebuild the Veterans Memorial Park.

Unfortunately, Moore is currently in 2nd place behind another park.  I have logged on and voted.  I believe as of this morning, the park in Moore was behind by about 5K votes.

It's easy to login and vote.  I hope you will take just a few minutes (maybe 3) and vote for this park in Moore.

Here's the website that you visit: www.coke.com/parks

This is what you do after you open the website:
1. Click the "Click" icon. 

2. Enter "Moore" and "OK" in the city and state fields. And, type in "Veterans Memorial Park" into the park name field. Entering in all 3 things will save you time because it will make it easier to find.

3. Scroll down and click the "Vote Now" link.

 4. You then click login and login with Facebook.  Then you click "Vote for this Park."

That's it!  It just takes a minute.  The park has come so far, and the money would go a long way. Please take the time to vote.  Thanks!

Alright, I promise to stop posting about the Memphis To Moore event very soon. But, tonight I sat down for the first time since the event and saw all the amazing posts on social media.

So many friends, supporters, and Memphis news reporters posted great things about the event everywhere from Facebook to Twitter to Vine to their personal blogs. I'm so impressed and feel gratitude toward everyone for getting on board. Yet another reason why I love Memphis.

Here is a Twitter feed of some of the nice things people were posting during the event with the hashtag #MemphisToMoore.

Here are two videos that Lauren Squires shot during the event. For each one, if you click on it, you can activate the sound.

Enjoy! :-)

Here's the crowd at the event chanting "We love Moore." (yes, chanting).


Here's The Super 5 in action.

Memphis To Moore Slideshow

RedRover put together a great slide presentation that was shown at the fundraiser on Friday night.  I wanted to share for those who couldn't make the event.

Memphis To Moore - Thanks from Moore

Moore, Oklahoma sends this message back to Memphis.  It's a thank you to everyone for all of the hard work that went into the event, resulting in $34,000 of donations.

Thank you to Chris Newsom from Oklahoma for shooting, editing, and sending this video of Moore residents.

I feel especially happy because the new Moore Public Schools superintendent, Robert Romines, gives thanks to Memphis on the video. Hether Little (our Moore teacher who visited Memphis) and Rebecca Baisden also say a few words, along with Coach Mancillas' grandchildren who went to Plaza Towers Elementary. 

Check it out. Thanks Memphis!

Mempis To Moore Program Video

For those who missed it, Kim Garmon put together a little recap of the Memphis To Moore fundraiser.  Thank you Kim!

Check it out below, and if you feel compelled to donate, we are still taking donations at www.MemphisToMoore.org.

Thanks!

Memphis To Moore results in the Memphis Business Journal

Big thanks to the Memphis Business Journal for highlighting the results of the Memphis To Moore fundraiser.  Click here to read the entire article.


Memphis to Moore fundraiser pulls in cash for tornado victims
By Michael Sheffield 

The Memphis to Moore fundraiser that was held June 14 raised $34,000, more than doubling the goal of $15,000 organizers set when they put the event together.

Memphis to Moore was organized through a collaboration between Angela Copeland, who grew up in Moore, but lives in Memphis, The Westin Beale Street Memphis, which hosted the event and Red Rover Sales & Marketing.

The Westin donated food, drinks and parking, and the event sold 200 tickets, with all of the money raised from ticket sales going to the Moore Public Schools District’s tornado relief fund. Local businesses also provided items for a silent auction and sponsorships. The district, which is the third largest in Oklahoma with 23,000 students, saw 20 of its 36 public schools destroyed when a tornado hit the area in May.

In addition to the money raised from the fundraiser, Karen Wilder, a local fitness coach donated $18,000 worth of gym equipment to Highland East Junior High. The school’s gym was completely destroyed. However, the event’s organizers are looking for shipping and delivery assistance to move the equipment.

“The spirit of giving in Memphis is nothing short of extraordinary,” Lori Turner-Wilson, CEO of RedRover, said in a statement. “With the help of countless residents from across the city, a mere 17 days from when Angela Copeland conceptualized the idea, the Westin Memphis ballroom filled with supporters rallying for the teachers and kids of Moore. It reminded us all just exactly why we love our city.”

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!

Memphis To Moore on My Fox Memphis

Huge thank you to My Fox Memphis for coming out to the event on Friday night!  Here's the news story that ran just before the Memphis To Moore event.

Memphis To Moore on WMC-TV

Huge thank you to WMC-TV and Lauren Squires for your support of the Memphis To Moore event!  Lauren will be our emcee tomorrow night!


Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis To Moore on WREG News Channel 3 Memphis

Huge thank you to all the folks at WREG News Channel 3 here in Memphis for having me on Live at 9 this morning!

To purchase your ticket to Memphis To Moore, visit our website at www.MemphisToMoore.org. 

See you there tomorrow!

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!

 

Memphis To Moore in the Memphis Daily News

Huge thank you to Andy Meek for the wonderful article about Memphis To Moore in the Memphis Daily News. 

Click here to read the entire article. Below are a few excerpts.

The Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel is hosting a bash this week organizers are calling “Memphis to Moore,” an event that will raise money for the rebuilding effort in an Oklahoma community devastated last month by a mile-wide tornado.

...

The event in Memphis will be held Friday, June 14, starting at 7 p.m. and will raise money for the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund. Backers of the event include Memphian and Moore native Angela Copeland and RedRover Sales & Marketing.

 ...

Tickets for the event are $50 in advance, available at MemphisToMoore.org, and they’re $60 at the door.

Money raised is intended to help students, families and staff of Moore Public Schools, the third-largest district in Oklahoma. Copeland said a significant amount of property the school district owns was damaged, so they have a big need of funds for rebuilding efforts.

“It’s going to pay for food, clothing, after-school care and school supplies,” Copeland said. “I actually grew up in Moore. I attended Moore Public Schools from kindergarten all the way up through 12th grade and graduated from Moore High School. I had an amazing experience there. I think here in Memphis when the tornado hit, people were really struck by the heroism people were showing in Moore. We saw many cases on TV of teachers laying their bodies across students to try to protect them. I wasn’t surprised, because those are the same kinds of teachers I had in Moore.”

...

Click here to read the entire article.

Memphis To Moore: The Countdown Begins

Memphis To Moore countdown: 4 days remaining. Get your tickets online & save $10: http://memphistomoore.eventbrite.com/

Here's a little excerpt from our press release today: 

Memphis' very own celebrity entertainer, Grace Askew from NBC's The Voice and The Super 5 will be performing LIVE at The Westin Memphis, in support of rebuilding damaged and demolished schools in Moore, OK. The Westin Memphis has partnered with RedRover Sales & Marketing, and Moore-native, now Memphian, Angela Copeland, for the Memphis To Moore fundraiser to benefit the Moore Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund, on Fri., June 14, 2013, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Westin Memphis Ballroom.

 

 

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/