SPJ Madison raises money for Joplin, MO journalists

 Journalists from the Madison area raised nearly $500 to help journalists displaced by the deadly storms in Joplin, MO. The event was held at the Great Dane in Fitchburg. The Society of Professional Journalists (Madison Pro Chapter) was joined by representatives from 27News, NBC15, The Wisconsin State Journal and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.

The public and Madison media can still help. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Missouri Press Foundation, 802 Locust Street, Columbia, MO 65201. Or Click here for a $25 donation. Click here for a $65 donation. Click here for a $100 donation.

All money raised will go to help employees from the Joplin Globe who took heavy damage to their homes or lost them completely. According to the Globe: Joplin Globe employees began reporting for work minutes after the tornado hit, said publisher Michael Beatty. The newsroom remade Monday morning’s edition, which went to press about an hour late.

“It was amazing. These people came in who had lost their homes completely,” said Beatty. “But they were just dedicated to their jobs, to getting the story out.” Beatty said 26 Globe employees took heavy damage to their homes or lost them completely. Most Globe employees and their families are reported safe; the newspaper has not made contact with one member of its staff. About 117 people work for the Globe.

Several dozen people – journalists, production crews, pressmen, circulation staff and managers – reported for work Sunday night, he said. Beatty said 81 of 91 carrier contractors showed up to deliver the newspaper. Reports have been received that the homes of at least 26 Joplin Globe employees were destroyed or heavily damaged.