In a city where it seems everyone is from somewhere else, local residents and groups have banded together to form Red4Joplin to raise funds and support the residents of Joplin, Missouri affected by the devastating tornados of May 22, 2011.

On June 13, 2011, DC area Joplin natives Kiki L’Italien and Kylee Coffman in partnership with Events for Good will host “Show Me” Support for Joplin: A Red Tie Affair – a Red Themed Fundraiser to support the Joplin area and its residents.

Attendees will be treated to a “show down” of chefs taking on their rendition of a Joplin, Missouri favorite – Spaghetti Red from Fred and Red’s in Joplin.  The event will also feature live music, raffle prizes and the personal stories of some Joplin residents affected by the tornados. Event proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International and their efforts to rebuild homes in Joplin, Missouri.

Attendees are encouraged to wear anything red – ranging from a completely red outfit to accessories such as ties, shoes, scarves and hats.

“Our hometown was hit hard by this disaster and our family back in Joplin has been helping friends and neighbors start to recover,” said organizer Kylee Coffman.  “We couldn’t just sit by here in the DC area and not contribute.  Thanks to the generous support of so many, we are honored to be able help out in our own way and pitch in to help those who lost everything in the storms.”

Event tickets are tax-deductible and available starting at $75.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://red4joplin.eventbrite.com/.  Event Tee Shirts are also available starting at $20.

Donations are also tax-deductible may be made to Red4Joplin through Eventbrite.

Additional groups supporting the fundraiser include Design Cuisine, Encore Décor, Interactive Magic, Eventbrite and Nakeva Photography in addition to friends and colleagues of organizers Kiki L’Italien and Kylee Coffman.