How will money donated from RAGBRAI riders be distributed in Greenfield after EF-4 tornado?

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez
Des Moines Register

Greenfield RAGBRAI 2024 planners have announced how they plan to distribute donations received on the route. Funds will support several aspects of the town’s recovery from an EF-4 tornado that devastated the town just months before the ride.

Greenfield, Iowa stayed on RAGBRAI 2024 route to show pride, support

Greenfield served as the meeting town on July 23 for Day 3 of RAGBRAI. An EF4 tornado 1,000 yards wide with winds up to 185 mph struck the town May 21. The tornado destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes in the town of about 2,000 people and left four people dead, in addition to a fatality near Corning.

Local organizers sought to keep the Adair County seat on RAGBRAI’s route as an opportunity to support Greenfield and show community pride.

More: Organizers’ love for Greenfield keeps tornado-battered town on RAGBRAI 2024 route

How will RAGBRAI donations be distributed in Greenfield, Iowa?

Greenfield RAGBRAI 2024 planners shared this week on social media that they’re incredibly thankful for the kindness, respect and solidarity show by riders.

“You all showed up, rode through with the utmost of respect and reverence for our struggles,” planners posted on Facebook. “And, above all, showed us that we are not an island, we are not alone. Because of your generosity, $50,671 was raised for our town’s recovery”

The money donated will be distributed to five causes:

• Greater Greenfield Community Foundation: $18,205 to distribute to help residents with repairs, rebuilding and other disaster recovery needs
• Greenfield Fire Department: $14,024 to relocate and rebuild the fire station
• Adair County Health System: $9,842 toward rebuilding emergency services
• Greenfield businesses and entities: $6,600 to the city, Warren Cultural Center, Hotel Greenfield and Greenfield Chamber Main Street to support costs associated with hosting RAGBRAI
• Nodaway Valley High School groups: $2,000 to support youth activities

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

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