News Release

NATIONAL OFFICE – John Wanamaker, managing partner of BKD’s Southern Missouri offices, and Todd Lisle, managing partner of BKD’s Oklahoma offices, are pleased to announce the BKD Foundation’s participation in the Ten for Joplin project. Led by Habitat for Humanity, the ambitious project will erect 10 new homes for residents displaced by the devastating EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011.

BKD’s charitable arm, the BKD Foundation, is joining the Joplin and Tulsa Habitat for Humanity (THFH) teams, city of Joplin and other area businesses in an effort to build 10 homes for low-income families in just 16 days (October 29–November 13). If all goes according to plan, the families will be in their new homes by Thanksgiving.

“BKD planted its roots in Joplin some 90 years ago, and the firm is committed to rebuilding this community,” Wanamaker said. “The BKD Foundation is excited about sponsoring a home through the Ten for Joplin and has already pledged more than $100,000 to the United Way for the disaster relief effort.”

Community leaders announced the Ten for Joplin project at a September 8 news conference on the site of one of the new homes. They hope the project will spur other volunteer-driven rebuilding efforts by demonstrating what can be accomplished when businesses and communities join forces.

“This project was unanimously approved by the THFH board of directors,” said Jeff Ronsse, a senior manager in BKD’s Tulsa office who chairs the board. “We felt we could have an immediate impact on the rebuilding efforts. While the choice we made was outside our current goals, we refused to be bystanders.”

Habitat for Humanity needs to raise $800,000—plus in-kind gifts—and recruit 3,000 volunteers for the blitz build. To date, Ten for Joplin has raised more than $500,000. The BKD Foundation is sponsoring one of the Habitat homes with $60,000 committed by foundation committees in Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. BKD also will supply volunteers and is working diligently to help Habitat for Humanity sign up more.

“The BKD Foundation’s mission is to enrich communities through financial support and volunteerism, and the Ten for Joplin project is a perfect fit,” Lisle said. “Our employees stand ready to help our friends and neighbors in Joplin.”

To donate or volunteer, go to the Ten for Joplin website at www.tenforjoplin.org.