Greenfield RAGBRAI announces over $50,000 raised for town's recovery

GREENFIELD, Iowa — Greenfield RAGBRAI thanked 2024 riders Thursday, saying they had helped the organization raise over $50,000 for various rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Following the destruction left behind by the EF-4 tornado that hit the town May 21, the town had just two months until hosting RAGBRAI.

RELATED: Greenfield continues gearing up for RAGBRAI, despite tornado setbacks

With most of the town's RAGBRAI staff being impacted by the storm, the decision to continue to host the event was a difficult one, but after reevaluation, the organization made the choice known now, saying:

There was a consensus among us planners that we needed to be seen and heard and not go quietly into the night as a town ravaged by a tornado, but ultimately, it was RAGBRAI riders, our businesses, and Greenfield residents who wanted to tell their story, who helped us answer that question. Immediately after the storm, there were so many comments from RAGBRAI riders all over the world asking us to continue to host. It was shocking! You wanted to come to Greenfield! Now, it was our job to make it safe for you all to ride on through.

RELATED: For Greenfield tornado survivors, being able to plan for the future is the greatest gift

After cleaning up as much as possible and preparing for the event, Greenfield RAGBRAI said it didn't realize the impact it would have until it saw riders stopping to take photos, and the tears that were shed. The atmosphere at the town's square was something to be witnessed it said, with the level of respect riders showing speaking volumes.

While expressing its gratitude, the organization stated, "You all showed up, rode through with the utmost of respect and reverence for our struggles, and, above all, showed us that we are not an island-we are not alone."

Greenfield RAGBRAI says the total of $50,671 raised will be distributed as followed:

• Adair County Health System to rebuild emergency services
  • $9,842
• Greenfield Fire Department to relocate and rebuild its fire station
  • $14,024
• Greater Greenfield Community Foundation to be distributed to impacted residents in need of help rebuilding or relocating
  • $18, 205
• Greenfield businesses and entities
  • $6,600
• Nodaway Valley High School groups to support youth activities
  • $2,000

Donations can be made to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation at www.greenfieldiafoundation.org