Guns & Hoses to fund scholarships in honor of fallen officers

JOPLIN, Mo. – Bright Futures Joplin will host the 7th Annual Guns & Hoses benefit basketball game with Joplin Police Department vs. Joplin Fire Department on Saturday, April 13 at the Joplin High School gym, 2104 Indiana Ave.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for concessions, giveaways, silent auction and t-shirt sales. The game starts at 6 p.m. Entry tickets are $5 for adults; all kids are free.

Part of the proceeds from the event will continue to fund the Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed Memorial Scholarships, established by Bright Futures Joplin in 2022 in honor of the officers killed in the line of duty.

The scholarships from the fund will be awarded later this year to two Joplin High School graduates majoring in Criminal Justice at MIssouri Southern State University.

“We’re so grateful for the community support that allows us to honor our fallen officers in this way,” said Bright Futures Joplin executive director Amanda Stone. “The game is such a fun family event and a great way to celebrate our local heroes, while also supporting Joplin students.”

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser also go toward the Bright Futures Joplin Snack Packs program, which provides weekend food to about 620 food-insecure Joplin early-childhood, elementary and middle school students, as well as toward clothing, school supplies, shoes, hygiene items and other necessities.

Bright Futures Joplin is a grassroots, community-based program which helps students achieve success by matching student needs with resources via community partnerships. Through the support of local businesses, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, volunteers and parents, Bright Futures Joplin aims to strengthen the community by facilitating a brighter future for all students. The Bright Futures framework was started in Joplin in 2010, and has since been implemented in more than 70 communities nationwide. More details about the program and its initiatives are available at brightfuturesjoplin.org.