Nixon issues Habitat Joplin Challenge to build 35 homes

That was the message Gov. Jay Nixon shared in Columbia today as he launched the 2012 Governor’s Joplin Habitat Challenge. The challenge, in partnership with Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and Missouri’s major athletic organizations, aims to build 35 new homes in the heart of Joplin during 2012 to provide continued aid to the city’s recovery.

The Governor launched the Challenge during the Missouri-Kansas basketball game at Mizzou Arena, where he was joined by University of Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden; former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes; St. Louis Rams wide receiver and Mizzou Tiger alumnus Danario Alexander; St. Louis Blues CEO Mike McCarthy; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel; Kansas City Royals pitcher and Mizzou Tiger alumnus Aaron Crow; and Patrick Warren, president of the Kansas Speedway, who will represent the speedway, NASCAR and the NASCAR foundation.

During halftime of the game, fans at Mizzou Arena were able to watch this video on the Jumbotron inviting everyone to take the Governor’s Joplin Challenge.