In the wake of the devastating tornado that recently struck our communities, the Belton Area and Temple Chambers of Commerce are coming together to call upon our members, businesses, and residents to unite to support a centralized fund dedicated to tornado relief efforts. The impact of this natural disaster has been profound, leaving many of our neighbors in urgent need of assistance.

The United Way of Central Texas has established a Tornado Relief Fund. The centralized fund aims to streamline the donation process, ensuring resources are distributed efficiently and effectively to those most affected by the tornado in Bell County.

It addresses immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding and ensuring sustainable recovery. Supporting this fund not only aids those in immediate need but also strengthens the resilience of our community against future disasters, laying the foundation for a stronger, more prepared community.

Here is how you can help: Donate any amount, as every contribution makes a significant difference. Donations can be made online through a secure portal at www.uwct.org, via mail, or dropped off at United Way of Central Texas, 4 N. 3rd Street, Temple, TX 76501. Checks need to be made payable to United Way of Central Texas, Memo: Bell County Tornado Relief. 

Organize fundraising events within your business or community group, as every effort, big or small, strengthens our collective response. Use your networks to raise awareness about the Tornado Relief Fund, increasing its reach and impact.

In addition, United Way operates 2-1-1 Texas / United Way HELPLINE, the community’s key information source for those impacted – they are maintaining the most current information on shelters, basic needs assistance, and long-term recovery support.

The strength of the Belton Area and Temple Chambers of Commerce lies in our sense of community and our willingness to support one another in times of need. By coming together and supporting this centralized fund, we can ensure a more efficient, effective, and compassionate response to this disaster.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and commitment to helping our communities rebuild and recover. Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Marek is not just a well-known figure in the Temple-Belton area; she's a positive force of energy for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, radiating warmth, humor, and support for local businesses. With a knack for marketing and advertising sales, coupled with her genuine love for her community, Tiffany embodies the spirit of service and camaraderie.
 
Tiffany's roots run deep in the heart of Central Texas, as a Tem-Bel native and a 2002 Belton High graduate. Currently serving as an Account Executive at Lamar Advertising, Tiffany's expertise in the realm of billboards has positioned her as a go-to resource for businesses seeking effective marketing solutions.
 
Prior to her role at Lamar, Tiffany worked as a stainless buyer and supplier, catering to customers across the United States. Outside of her professional commitments, you can find Tiffany teaching ashtanga, hot and trapeze yoga throughout Central Texas, shopping with her daughter, watching the middle child play baseball, playing dinosaurs with the baby or at a Texas Rangers baseball game with her husband.
 
Since 2016, she has been an active Ambassador for the Temple Chamber of Commerce, where her infectious humor and welcoming demeanor have endeared her to both new and steadfast members alike. Whether she's cracking jokes or asking a friend how she can pray for them, Tiffany's presence adds a special charm to Chamber events and gatherings.
 
Reflecting on her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Tiffany speaks with conviction and gratitude. “The Chamber of Commerce is unequivocally dedicated to supporting and encouraging community growth and sustainability for small businesses within the community with honor and integrity. It is both an honor and a privilege to aid in facilitating the growth and development for businesses and organizations in our community. I get to assist new members in navigating through their first year as a Chamber member and present to them the many resources offered with their membership. The Chamber gets my time both working, attending, and promoting events, services, and memberships and in turn I get to build, grow, manage, maintain, and nurture the relationships that I might not have had without the opportunity to be an Ambassador.” 
 
For Tiffany, being an Ambassador isn't just about attending events or promoting memberships; it's about forging meaningful connections and nurturing relationships that enrich the fabric of Temple's business community. Through her dedication and passion, Tiffany Marek continues to leave an undeniable mark on Temple, embodying the values of service and community spirit.

Rucks On Main, a nonprofit organization based in Temple, TX, was founded in 2020 by Wes Albanese. The mission behind Rucks On Main is advocating, mentoring, and educating the community on the reintegration process for Veterans and their families. This mission extends beyond just providing support; it is about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
 
The driving force behind Rucks On Main is a personal one. “My why to start the organization was to keep the memories and legacy of our military community alive,” said Wes Albanese, founder of Rucks On Main. “Everybody has probably lost a family member in the military or has known somebody who has passed away in the military. It is very important to honor them, and remember them for the sacrifices they made to keep this country free.”
 
The key initiative of Rucks On Main is their biannual military-themed ruck marches, one on Memorial Day which honors fallen military members, and the other on Veterans Day which supports the military community.
 
The Memorial Day 10K Ruck March is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Downtown Temple. The march begins at the Santa Fe Plaza, with a route traversing through downtown north through the historic district and looping back to conclude at the Santa Fe Plaza.
 
For the Memorial Day event, event organizers ask that participants carry pictures of fallen Military Service Members or First Responders on their rucksacks/backpacks. This symbolic act not only pays homage to the brave souls who have been lost but also serves as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.
 
Participants carry up to 40 pounds of non-perishable food items in their rucksacks/backpacks that are donated to Operation Feeding Temple.  
 
Over the years, Rucks On Main has achieved remarkable milestones. “To date, we have collected over 40,000 pounds of food that our participants have donated after the ruck marches,” continued Albanese. “We have also donated proceeds of over $5,000 to local nonprofits.”
 
As Rucks On Main continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to honoring Veterans, supporting their reintegration journey, and fostering community connections remains strong. Through their biannual ruck marches, donations, and volunteer efforts they make positive impacts on the lives of Veterans and their families, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
 
Reflecting on the impact the organization and its initiatives have had since its founding in 2020, Albanese said, “Not only do we have incredible support and participation locally and regionally, but we also have participants that come from all over the United States for this event. We are truly thankful for the community’s involvement!”
 
Those interested in participating in the Memorial Day 10K Ruck March should visit https://runsignup.com/rom2024memorialday.