Disaster Relief Funds Distributed as Tornado Recovery Efforts Conclude

WICHITA, Kan., March 6, 2025 – After two and a half years of dedicated work, the Long-Term Recovery Committee for the April 29, 2022, EF-3 tornado that devastated parts of Butler and Sedgwick Counties, has officially concluded. The committee, formed in June 2022, has successfully helped guide the recovery process and distribute critical funds to those impacted by the storm.

The committee was established to strengthen coordination between the City of Andover, and Butler and Sedgwick Counties, simplifying access to disaster relief and resolving cases involving unmet needs. Its members included community leaders, emergency management officials, and representatives from local businesses and organizations. Committee members included: Jamie Erhart (Vornado), James Gillespie (First Baptist Church of Douglass), Allison Grace (Andover State Bank), Tina Hamm (Guild Mortgage), Michael “Homer” Henry (Andover Councilmember), Keri Korthals (Butler County Emergency Management), Jeff Masterson (Butler County Commissioner), Jennifer McCausland (City of Andover), Julie Stimson (Sedgwick County Emergency Management), Mark Stump (United Way of the Plains), Marlou Wegener (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas), and Charlie Wells (Hope Community Church).

“I want to thank all of the committee members for their time and dedication to our residents,” said Michael Henry, committee chair. “This was the first, and we hope, the only time we go through this process. We are pleased with the results.”

Funding Distribution and Relief Efforts

United Way of the Plains, which served as the fiscal agent for the Disaster Relief Fund, raised more than $900,000 from 1,538 donors. Under the committee’s guidance, those funds have been distributed to those affected by the tornado, addressing critical needs such as home and auto deductibles, furniture, clothing, and gaps in insurance coverage.

“We are so grateful to have had the support of the United Way throughout the recovery effort,” said Jennifer McCausland, the committee vice-chair. “Their dedication and hard work have made a huge difference for those impacted by the storm.”

The recovery efforts were guided by the Long-Term Recovery Committee, which carefully reviewed and vetted each case in a double-blind manner.

“Throughout the process, we identified a handful of cases where individuals were underinsured for rebuilding their homes,” said Henry. “We strongly encourage residents to contact their insurance companies to ensure they have the right coverage moving forward.”

“The past two years have shown the strength and resilience of this community. From volunteer efforts to donations and everything in between, we cannot thank everyone enough for supporting those affected by the tornado during this challenging time.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Megan Schapaugh, Public Information Officer, City of Andover, (316) 733-1303, ext. 404, mschapaugh@andoverks.gov
• Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.