Capitol Calling

Got word last week that the Missouri State Society will be holding a benefit for Joplin tomorrow in Washington, D.C.

The event will benefit a few charities from the area, including the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Heart of Missouri United Way, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the Joplin Business Recovery Fund.

All 11 members of the Missouri congressional delegations are expected to attend the event, as well as community leaders from Joplin. And Bret Funk - a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Springfield, who serves as Congressional Relations Chair for the society - said in an e-mail that the freshman lawmaker will personally auctioneer off items to support the charities.

Long, of course, was a successful auctioneer in southwest Missouri before becoming a congressman. He gained a bit of press when he demonstrated his skills on the House floor.

You can read more about the event here.