SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield Raceway officials announced today that they will conduct a benefit/fundraiser on Saturday night, June 4, to support the Joplin Humane Society in the aftermath of the devastating tornado on May 22.

The Tornado not only impacted the people of the Joplin area, but it has displaced hundreds of pets living at the homes that were destroyed by the storm.

Springfield Raceway will donate $2 for every grandstand ticket sold this Saturday night and encourage the fans attending the races to assist with the much-needed items and donations that are required to house the hundreds of pets that have been taken in since the storm.

The Humane Society of SW Missouri in Springfield has been assisting Joplin by taking animals to their location in an effort to free up the valuable space in Joplin. Nearly 800 pets have been taken in at the Joplin location since the tornado.

On a happy note, 248 pets have been reunited with their owners.

There will also be pets at the racetrack available for adoption, which will help clear more space for the storm-affected pets as more and more furry friends are rescued each day.

Springfield Raceway has deep roots in the Joplin area. Springfield Raceway co-owner Doug Bland is a former resident and promoter the Joplin 66 Speedway. Co-owner Jerry Hoffman lives in Oronogo and track manager Tammy Webb was born and raised in Joplin.

“We are big pet lovers and wanted to do something for the Humane Society in an effort to help the animals impacted by the tornado,” said Bland. “The racing community has big hearts and compassion during these hard times and I hope we are able to make an impact with this event on Saturday evening.”

Along with the donations being made by the Springfield Raceway there will be officials on hand to take additional donations. Besides cash donations, other items that are desperately needed are office supplies, cleaning supplies, pet supplies and gift cards from retailers that sell any of these items.

“We are humbled by the outpouring of support from our immediate community and beyond,” said Executive Director of the Joplin Humane Society Karen Aquino. “These donations will help support our emergency sheltering efforts and reunite people with their four-legged family members.”

Fans attending the races on Saturday will be treated to a full night of racing with USRA RHS Modifieds, B-Mods, Midwest Modz, Legends Cars and spectator drags. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the racing activities starting at 7. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. For more information please log onto any of these official websites: www.springfieldraceway.com, www.joplinhumane.org or www.swh.org.