Joplin Prom Makeover!

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Today I finally get to share a secret that I've been keeping for months: We are helping make over the Joplin High School prom and are giving my alma mater their DREAM PROM - woop woop!! We got to ambush the seniors today at the high school (at the Joplin Mall); it was super fun addressing the students (and the teachers I used to work alongside)!<br /><br />Even cooler, Katy Perry (yep... THAT KATY PERRY!) recorded a video for the seniors announcing the ambush! <br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.koamtv.com/category/164379/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6751492">Joplin news station's story</a> on the ambush<br /><br /><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.koamtv.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=361580;hostDomain=www.koamtv.com;playerWidth=610;playerHeight=400;isShowIcon=true;clipId=6751492;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=Video%2520Player;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=fixed'></script><br /><a href="http://www.koamtv.com/category/164379/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6751492"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media2.kshb.com//photo/2012/02/16/Katy_Perry_delivers_med0ebf2e1-8069-485c-b8f8-faf531f32dcb0000_20120216184513_640_480.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" /></a><br /><br />It feels so good to give back to Joplin after all they've been through (no... Katy Perry isn't paying me to shoot pictures - she just did the video - heehee).<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><br />P.S. On a non-related note, today is my birthday! I'm 32... isn't that crazy???

giving back Joplin Joplin tornado Joplin Prom Makeover!

Hey everybody! Today I finally get to share a secret that I've been keeping for months: We are helping make over the Joplin High School ...

Read more »

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - JOPLIN! Tonight on ABC!

Hey everybody!<br /><br />As you know from <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/one-person-can-make-difference-my.html">my happiest post ever</a>, the team from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition selected our friends Tom and Emily (and Chloe) for a new home after the May 22nd tornado in Joplin. Tonight, the episode airs, and we'd love for you to watch it! Maybe you'll see Ellie, Mere, and me on the screen! :)<br /><br />Also, our great friends at <a href="http://artfeeds.org">Art Feeds</a> received a mobile teaching unit (I think they call it something else, but I can't quite remember), which is beyond extraordinary. I love Art Feeds and what they've done with the kiddos since the Joplin tornado.<br /><br />I gave ABC my images from Ghana and now I have a featured photo on the ABC.com website! How cool is that?!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/emhe_art_feeds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/emhe_art_feeds.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 780px;" /></a><br /><br />Make sure to watch the final Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show tonight - yep, the SERIES finale! <br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

Joplin tornado Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - JOPLIN! Tonight on ABC!

Hey everybody! As you know from my happiest post ever , the team from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition selected our friends Tom and Emily (and...

Read more »

Best and Worst of 2011, pt 2

Hey everybody!<br /><br />I've never told you the story about where WE were when the Joplin tornado hit, and how we just missed being in the center of the storm. Until now.<br /><br />Meredith and I were making the drive from Fayetteville to Joplin and decided to make a pit stop at Starbucks in Rogers for a quick pick-me-up. We were running a few minutes ahead of schedule before Ellie was going to meet us at Meredith's parent's house on the east side of Joplin anyway.<br /><br />As we approached Joplin, the sky looked black. I mean BLACK. It was hailing on my ol' blue Jetta but being a stubborn male driver, I pressed on (sorry Mere). At the intersection of 71 (I-540) and I-44, we saw trucks overturned (I thought there was a wreck), but then Mere spotted twisted metals signs and cars flipped on the other side of the highway as well, and we knew a <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/please-pray-for-joplin.html">tornado had come</a> through. Apparently we had missed it by a mere few minutes. Thank you Starbucks addiction.<br /><br />God knows I'm stubborn and I believe he was looking out for us. He wasn't ready for Ellie to be without her earthly father (frankly, neither am I!).<br /><br />Oh. Ellie. She was supposed to meet me. Where was she? Tried to call. No signal. With a hand-written note taped to the front door of Mere's parent's house (telling her to STAY THERE!), I jumped back into my car and started driving through the insanity that was my hometown looking for my daughter. Her house was hit, but nobody seemed to be there. <br /><br />It was, in all honesty, the most terrifying moment I've had being a dad. The not-knowing was overwhelming. I wanted to scream and cry and run... I was as desperate as I've ever been in all my 31 years.<br /><br />Then, my phone received a signal. I made the call, 4 hours after the tornado ripped through the city, and was finally put at peace. My girl was okay. (still chokes me up)<br /><br />The days that followed were both heart wrenching and heart warming. Seeing Ellie's eyes fill with fear the next night when the winds began to blow again was so terribly difficult, but my need to be a foundation for her overpowered my empathatic fear and sadness. On the other hand, it was truly a blessing for Ellie, Mere, and me to be in a position to help so many. Giving money and water and food and clothes was such a gift from God, and I'm glad Ellie was a part of the rebuilding right away. I believe it has had tremendous value added to her character.<br />I know this is hard to see - it's a full panoramic of the damage done by the May 22nd tornado. Click on it to make it way bigger.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_panoramic_full.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_panoramic_full.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 200px;" /></a><br />And this is the remains of Ellie's Nana's house. Luckily she was in the process of moving and wasn't home.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 532px;" /></a><br /><br />In the midst of the chaos that night, and my head spinning from trying to find Ellie, I couldn't think of any of my other family members and friends in the area. I had heard from my parents and brother, but it wasn't until I was in front of Tom's house that I realized he was in the thick of it. I jumped out of the car and ran into his house yelling his name. He answered with my name and out of the darkness he appeared with a big ol' bear hug. I couldn't help but sob. At was at that moment that he and Emily told me of their heroism of rescuing (and pulling) bodies from the nursing home that sat at the end of their block. Knowing they were okay, I collected myself and continued on through the torn town.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/tomshouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/tomshouse.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br />At the end of the night, as Mere and I were driving a sleeping Ellie to Fayetteville, I spoke aloud to Meredith, "I think my grandma passed away." It was just a feeling I had. When we arrived home, I got the email from my sister that it was so. I wrote a <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/rest-in-peace-grandma.html">blog post as a tribute</a>, and was honored when it appeared in the Kansas City star (because I want the entire world to know how sweet my grandma was), but even more so when the preacher quoted it at her funeral. I later learned that some of YOU blog readers hosted blood drives in her honor. I was so humbled.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/grandma.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/grandma.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Because we had lost someone so close, we were invited to the memorial service for the victims at MSSU (my alma mater), where Ellie, Mere, myself, my brother, and his family sat just a <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/obama-delivers-hope-to-joplin.html">few rows away from the President of the United States</a> as he comforted us with words of encouragement. I'm happy Ellie got to see the president, and I feel like she grew up 10 years in those 5 days. She saw devastation, but she also saw hope in the most despairing situations she might ever be faced with.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1200px;" /></a><br /><br />Reinvigorated, we decided to write a post for our friends Tom, Emily, and Chloe to help them out. They lost everything and we wanted to help on as big of a scale as possible. We were overwhelmed with <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/clothes-for-chloe-9-yr-old-tornado.html">the support YOU ALL showed</a> in sending clothes, money, even furniture to our friends. <br /><br />And then we got the really good news. The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition had <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/one-person-can-make-difference-my.html">taken our nomination</a> and Tom's family was getting a house!! Shut the front door! We got to stand behind them as they received their new house, and here's a shot I got of the family for their Christmas cards.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/walters.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/walters.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 473px;" /></a><br /><br />Ellie wanted to do her own part for the rebuilding and <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/joplin-tornado-benefit-ellies-lemonade.html">hosted a lemonade stand</a>, which raised more than $700 that she donated to her school! Man, I love that kid! Here's a video we made to create a little buzz. We also uploaded it to facebook where it spread like crazy.<br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25161256?color=ff9933" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />Though this was one of the most difficult things we've had to endure, the Lord was looking out for us and the entire experience helped shape us more into the image of God. I'm so thankful that Ellie is safe, but even more thankful for what it has done for her character. I know that Jesus loves her little heart more than ever.<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><br /><div id="fb-root"></div><br /><script>(function(d, s, id) {<br /> var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];<br /> if (d.getElementById(id)) return;<br /> js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;<br /> js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";<br /> fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);<br />}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-comments" data-href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-and-worst-of-2011-pt-2.html" data-num-posts="5" data-width="820"></div>

Joplin tornado Best and Worst of 2011, pt 2

Hey everybody! I've never told you the story about where WE were when the Joplin tornado hit, and how we just missed being in the center...

Read more »

The Benfield Blog: Sharing My Passion

Hey everybody!<br /><br />My 2nd reason for making such a commitment to my followers is that this blog helps share my passion. I realized that once I gained a substantial following that I had the opportunity and responsibility to do some good.<br /><br />And I'm happy to say that we HAVE done some good! We've changed lives for the better! In addition to the 10s of thousands of dollars we've raised through auctions, donations, etc, and through our own straight up giving and donating, we've made this blog a community of like-minded people who want to raise each other up!<br /><br />Over the course of the last 1000 days, I've been fortunate to help a lot, and even travel the world to help. The images today are my favorite charitable images...<br /><br />Of course, topping the list is my trip to Ghana to help <a href="http://artfeeds.org/welcome/">Art Feeds</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0309_ghana/art_feeds_ghana_18.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0309_ghana/art_feeds_ghana_18.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0309_ghana/art_feeds_ghana_13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0309_ghana/art_feeds_ghana_13.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br />And of course, after the Joplin tornado, we all really stepped up to help out families in need...<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/tomshouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/tomshouse.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br />Chloe was able to get all sorts of clothes, supplies, and money donated!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/09Blog/121109_chloe/001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/09Blog/121109_chloe/001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br />Even Ellie got in on the helping, raising more than 700 dollars at her lemonade stand...<br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25161256?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><br /><br />And one of my favorite Ellie images of all-time, snuggling with breast-cancer survivor (and one of the strongest and sweetest people I know), her grandma Denise...<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/09Blog/042509_nana/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/09Blog/042509_nana/1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br />And countless others. I love helping, because I know first-hand the benefits that helping accomplishes. My thankfulness to this blog, and to you the readers are overflowing.<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><div id="fb-root"></div><br /><script>(function(d, s, id) {<br /> var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];<br /> if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}<br /> js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;<br /> js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";<br /> fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);<br />}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><br /><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/benfield-blog-sharing-my-passion.html" data-send="true" data-width="820" data-show-faces="true"></div><br /><div id="fb-root"></div><br /><script>(function(d, s, id) {<br /> var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];<br /> if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}<br /> js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;<br /> js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1";<br /> fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);<br />}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><br /><div class="fb-comments" data-href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/benfield-blog-sharing-my-passion.html" data-num-posts="5" data-width="820"></div>

art feeds Charity giving back Joplin tornado The Benfield Blog: Sharing My Passion

Hey everybody! My 2nd reason for making such a commitment to my followers is that this blog helps share my passion. I realized that once I ...

Read more »

Ellie's 1st Day of 1st Grade: Back to School

Hey everybody!<br /><br /><br /><br />This morning was bittersweet. Summer was officially over, but Ellie got to head back to school with the friends, most of which she hadn't seen since the tornado destroyed her school. There were nerves (she couldn't even eat breakfast), but there were smiles. <br /><br /><br /><br />We started early so we could shoot a few shots outside in the pretty sunrise light...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_002.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_003.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_004.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />This year it was a bit different, with camera crews out front. We were interviewed on our way into the building... 2nd nature for Ellie.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_005.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Back to school at Irving Elementary at the Washington Campus for little Miss Ellie" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0817_ellie/irving_joplin_back_to_school_006.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh, by the way, this year she's decided to go by Ellie at school. Yeah... hold on to that youth as long as you can little one.<br /><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br /><br />Dale

Ellie Joplin tornado personal Ellie's 1st Day of 1st Grade: Back to School

Hey everybody! This morning was bittersweet. Summer was officially over, but Ellie got to head back to school with the friends, most of whi...

Read more »

Irving Elementary, Before and After

Hey everybody!<br /><br /><br /><br />Tomorrow, Ellie starts her first day of first grade, at the new-old Irving Elementary. Well, it's at the Washington building. Irving-ton, they're calling it. Cute, and sad.<br /><br />Here's a shot of Ellie with a couple of her friends in front of the actual Irving that was destroyed in the Joplin tornado in May.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/ellie_irving.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/ellie_irving.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I'll have more from her first day tomorrow. In the meantime, remember these from last year?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0818_ellie/4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0818_ellie/4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1200px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0818_ellie/5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0818_ellie/5.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br /><br />Dale

Ellie Joplin tornado personal Irving Elementary, Before and After

Hey everybody! Tomorrow, Ellie starts her first day of first grade, at the new-old Irving Elementary. Well, it's at the Washington buil...

Read more »

Ellie is in (and on) USA Today!

Hey everybody!<br /><br /><br /><br />When I was a journalism student I always heard that for every story we want to share news, but also try to share hope. Today as I read a story on the Joplin Tornado in <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-08-14-Joplin-tornado-schools-resume_n.htm?bctid=1105736067001">USA Today</a>, I was so honored that Ellie's perspective was what the reporter used as his piece of hope. I'm super proud of who Ellie is through all that has happened in the past few months. She has such a great big heart and a wonderful little brain. I quoted a bit from the story below, but click on the screen shot to head to the article and read it all for yourself. Grab tissues.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-08-14-Joplin-tornado-schools-resume_n.htm?bctid=1105736067001" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/usatoday.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 920px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">One early August morning found the 7-year-old at Washington, accompanying her mother to her new school. They made their way to a second-floor classroom, where Ellie — in mismatched flip flops, her red hair pulled into pigtails — soon walked to the chalkboard. She scrawled in a lower corner:<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Welcome<br /><br /><br /><br />Back!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />The little girl turned away momentarily, then turned back to the board and in two sweeps framed the words with a heart.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br /><br />Dale

Ellie Joplin Joplin tornado personal Ellie is in (and on) USA Today!

Hey everybody! When I was a journalism student I always heard that for every story we want to share news, but also try to share hope. Today...

Read more »

Joplin Tornado Benefit: Ellie's Lemonade Stand

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Go by Irving tomorrow during the day (June 16th) to buy a drink from Ellie's Lemonade Stand! All $$ goes to Irving Elementary and Cecil Floyd Elementary to buy books. Watch the video for more!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25161256?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="800" height="450" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />If you aren't near Joplin, you can help here: <a href="http://rebuildjoplin.org">Rebuild Joplin Website</a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

Ellie giving back Joplin tornado personal Joplin Tornado Benefit: Ellie's Lemonade Stand

Hey everybody! Go by Irving tomorrow during the day (June 16th) to buy a drink from Ellie's Lemonade Stand! All $$ goes to Irving Elemen...

Read more »

A Heaping Pile of Good News!

Hey everybody!<br /><br />There is so much I wanna say tonight! The last few days have been a filled great news. I thought I'd start a list...<br /><br />~~I got to take Ellie to see the President today. We spent a lot of time talking about what his message was, and what it meant for her hometown. (More in this in the earlier post) My favorite shots weren't of him inspiring and encouraging my hometown. My favorites shots were of him laughing with us, and hugging us. That's a president worth loving.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/joplin_tornado_obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="600" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/joplin_tornado_obama.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />~~My lovely wedding couple from Saturday's wedding posted this at their reception. Meredith and I were totally shocked by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the Sullivant and Mattiza families. I'm humbled and honored to work with such amazing people and friends. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/redcrossBillie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="732" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/redcrossBillie.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br />~~Remember the post for my grandma? Well, it has spread all over (you can see it in the Kansas City Star <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/27/2909576/glimpses-of-lives-lived-lost.html">here</a>), and has spread some GOOD! Two of our facebook friends held blood drives in their towns in Grandma's honor - CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I haven't followed up with one of them yet, but I know that one of the drives had more than 150 people give! Speechless.<br />In other grandma-related news, they found her body (they misplaced her, sadly) and we have the services set. I'm so happy that prayers were answered and my mom and uncle, along with the rest of the family, will be able to have closure.<br /><br />~~Since I posted Clothes for Chloe, I've received emails from readers all over the US offering help. Some are sending clothes, some giftcards, some checks... all for Tom and Emily and Chloe. I am SO TOUCHED by all of your generosity. TO MELANIE, STEPHANIE, ANDREA, JAMIE, NANCY, and NICKI (sorry if I've left off names, it's late! :) - know that I appreciate you!) I know that the family will need a lot as they piece together their life after losing so much. <br />I got this from one reader... <br /><br />(reprinted with permission) "we did manage to run to wal mart and grab a few girlie things as well- hair accessories, some socks,<br />colored pencils, flavored chap-stick etc. my little one (alexandra age 8) is insistant about giving this little girl her notebook and a giga pet that are hers (she had used about two pages of the notebook but she bought it with her own money as well as the giga pet)~ although not new, it's from the heart and the meaning behind means more than if it was in a package still. lol..."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0521_emily/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="533" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/10Blog/0521_emily/07.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />~~Finally, <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/prints-for-purpose-please-help.html">PRINTS FOR PURPOSE</a> is going well! I've personally received a couple hundred dollars in print orders that I'll be donating to the Joplin Red Cross. Furthermore, other photographers have posted it on their blogs as well (example <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/prints-for-purpose-please-help.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.amandadonaho.com/sacrifice-prints-for-purpose/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.albumshowcase.net/blog/?p=2132">here</a>).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/PRINTS4PURPOSE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="500" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/PRINTS4PURPOSE.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><br />I feel so blessed to have loving friends and family, as well as loving and loyal blog readers. Even when life gets stinky... LIFE IS GOOD. LOVE Y'ALL!<br /><br />Stay Strong,<br />Dale

giving back Joplin Joplin tornado A Heaping Pile of Good News!

Hey everybody! There is so much I wanna say tonight! The last few days have been a filled great news. I thought I'd start a list... ~~I...

Read more »

Obama Delivers Hope to Joplin

Hey everybody,<br /><br />Eight days after Ellie performed a dance on the stage at Taylor Auditorium in Joplin (so much has changed), President Barack Obama delivered a passionate and poignant message to Joplinites: "Your country will be there every step of the way," Obama said. "The cameras may leave; the spotlight may shift. But we will be with you every step of the way."<br /><br />My favorite moment was when the President commented on heroes. "Heroes are all around us. They're in orange vests [speaking of the home depot employee who lost his life ushering others to safety], they take our orders, ..." and so on. It made me teary hearing again, as the President recounted them, the heroic stories I've heard all week.<br />I love this image because it conveys a feeling of hope. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_1.jpg" title=" Obama visits Joplin" width="800" /></a></div>And this image shows the President's passion as he promises the city of Joplin that the government will not forget about them in the weeks and months to come.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Obama visits Joplin" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/obama_2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br />Stay strong,<br />Dale

Joplin Joplin tornado Obama Obama Delivers Hope to Joplin

Hey everybody, Eight days after Ellie performed a dance on the stage at Taylor Auditorium in Joplin (so much has changed), President Barack ...

Read more »

Rebuilding Joplin (with a little help from my friends)

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Meredith and I headed back to our hometown today and delivered another load of groceries and clothes. When we arrived, I became instantly inspired by all the help I saw. Organizations from all around the region were here cleaning, delivering food and water, rebuilding structures, etc.<br /><br />I'm so proud to be from Joplin; it was such a great place to grow up, and it shaped who I am today. The community has come together in an inspiring way, and it warms my heart and chokes me up at the same time. <br /><br />Instead of all the dark and depressing images you've seen everywhere, I thought I'd share life and hope that is spreading throughout the city. <br /><br />This first shot doesn't look all "full of hope" and what-not, but when I tell you that it was Ellie's grandma's house that she was in the process of moving out of, and therefore saved (sure, all her clothes and groceries were lost - but those were replaceable), and when you notice the "OK" spray-painted on the wall, there is such a sense of thankfulness that swells up inside...<br />(by the way, this is an HDR shot of Ellie's grandma's house)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Ellie's Nana's house" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_001.jpg" title="Ellie's Nana's house" width="800" /></a></div><br /><br />I spoke with the owner of this house, who was as upbeat as could be that his life was spared. He even cracked a joke as we left his house. What drew me to this house was the sign, of course.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction Panoramic" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_002.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction panoramic" width="800" /></a></div><br />A group from <a href="http://teamrubiconusa.org/">Team Rubicon</a> cleans up debris near the heart of the disaster... <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help - team rubicon" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_003.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help - team rubicon" width="800" /></a></div><br />A Joplin Group, Access Family Care, spread hope by passing out cleaning supplies and water, door-to-door...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_005.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br />It was apparent that God was everywhere...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_007.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br />Touching moment of a group praying in the midst of the tornado aftermath...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_008.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br />Even though there is much hope, there is still so much devastation. Here is the iconic hospital that was destroyed in the tornado...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_010.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br />And here is a huge panoramic I created - click on it for a full view - very large...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_panoramic_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_011.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br /><br />But despite the destruction, the people of Joplin are very thankful that the community has come together to rebuild, and thankful for the help of the surrounding communities.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img alt="Joplin Tornado Destruction help" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0526_joplin-tornado/joplin_tornado_009.jpg" title="Joplin Tornado destruction help" width="800" /></a></div><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

Joplin tornado Rebuilding Joplin (with a little help from my friends)

Hey everybody! Meredith and I headed back to our hometown today and delivered another load of groceries and clothes. When we arrived, I beca...

Read more »