Tornado Recovery Fund $250k Goal & Community Invited to "Party for Plevna" Benefit Event
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In the wake of a destructive tornado that recently struck Plevna and surrounding areas of Reno County, the United Way of Reno County (UWRC) and the Reno County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) have set a $250,000 fundraising goal to support long-term recovery efforts.
With no state or federal disaster aid available due to the scale of the storm, local organizations are stepping up to fill the gap.
“Due to the size and scope of this tornado, disaster funding will unfortunately not be available from state or federal sources,” said Adam Weishaar, Director of Reno County Emergency Management. “That means we will need to support these families and individuals through local efforts.”
Funds raised will first go toward ensuring basic needs for affected residents—such as food, water, and electricity—are met. After that, the focus will shift to repairing and restoring primary residences to livable conditions, in accordance with VOAD protocols.
Lacey Mills, CEO of United Way of Reno County, emphasized that every dollar donated will directly support recovery efforts. “We want the community to understand that when United Way raises funds in a disaster moment, 100% of every donation is used on recovery efforts. United Way does not retain any portion of those funds,” Mills said.
To bolster support and raise awareness, the community is invited to a benefit event—“Party for Plevna”—at Sandhills Brewing on Friday, May 30. The evening will feature live music from local band Bluez Warning from 7 to 9 p.m., with food from Whatever’s Cookin’ food truck beginning at 5 p.m. A portion of event proceeds, along with all donations collected, will go directly to the UWRC Disaster Fund.
“United Way and VOAD are committed to walking alongside these community members long-term,” Mills added. “Full recovery after total devastation takes significant time. We are here for the long haul.”
Donations can also be made online at www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/disaster.
About VOAD:
Reno County VOAD is a coalition of local organizations including the United Way of Reno County, Reno County Emergency Management, the Health Department, the City of Hutchinson, The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, The Volunteer Center, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Kansas Mennonite Disaster Services, Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Kansas Association of Chaplains. Together, they provide volunteer, financial, spiritual, and emotional support to disaster-impacted residents.
