Branson telethon raises more than $200K for Joplin

The July 26 Branson Cares for Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon raised more than $200,000 to aid the Joplin R-VIII School District's music programs and St. John's.

As of Aug. 19, $202,732 of the pledges made had been collected, with roughly $20,000 left to come, according to a news release from the Branson Show League.

“To have over 90 percent of the money collected at this point is amazing, and we expect to see most of the outstanding pledges collected over the next few weeks,” said Cindy Merry, Branson Show League marketing chairwoman, in the release.

Funding distributed includes:

• $45,000 for the Joplin band booster account;
• $5,000 for the St. Mary's Catholic school music program; and
• $1,000 each to Palen Music and Hoover Music for instrument repairs.

Additionally, more than 300 instruments - with an estimated value of up to $100,000 - were donated to the schools.

The remaining balance will be donated to St. John's, according to the release.

The Branson Cares for Joplin Benefit Concert & Telethon was organized following the May 22 EF-5 tornado that hit Joplin.

Donations are still being accepted online.
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