A Paw-sitive Splash for the River

Friends, I’d love to invite you to support an organization that has truly changed my life—and the lives of so many others—for the better: Missouri River Relief.

Before 2025, I had only been on the Big Muddy three times. But this year, something shifted. I found myself falling in love with the river, its people, and the mission of this incredible organization. 

This past year, I…

• Paddled more than a 130 miles, discovering new stretches of the river’s wild beauty

• Helped remove trash on five Missouri River Relief cleanups, witnessing firsthand the difference determined hands can make

• Spent 14 nights camping along the river’s peaceful banks, listening to the water and feeling deeply connected to this place

• Watched bald eagles and great blue herons soar, reminders of the river’s quiet magic

• Saw kids and students experience the Missouri River for the very first time, their excitement making me hopeful for the future

• Cheered on hundreds of racers in the MR340 and Race to the Dome, celebrating a community that shows up for the river and for each other

• Made lifelong friends and memories that I’ll carry with me always

This river has given me so much—joy, connection, wonder, purpose. Missouri River Relief makes all of that possible, not just for me, but for thousands of people every year.

If you’re able, I’d be honored if you joined me in supporting MRR's work. Your gift helps keep the river healthy, accessible, and full of life for generations to come.

Thank you for caring, for giving, and for being part of this beautiful community.

SYOTR!

More about MRR:

Missouri River Relief’s mission is to engage individuals and communities along the Missouri River in the exploration, enjoyment, restoration and care of the river through hands-on river cleanups, education programs and recreation. 

Since 2001, Missouri River Relief has been bringing people to the Missouri River. More than 33,000 volunteers have removed over 2 million pounds of trash from the river. They've worked with more than 40,000 students and teachers to help develop a relationship with the river. Thousands of people have experienced the Missouri River for the first time at one of their events. 

Since 2018, over 7,000 Columbia Public School fourth graders have participated in the "Missouri River Days" field trip, transforming our community's relationship with our continent's longest river. Each summer, hundreds of adventurers paddle their way across the state in the "Missouri American Water MR340", celebrating its 20th year in 2025. 

Missouri River Relief excels at creating opportunities for people to make the river part of their story. When the river becomes part of our story, we become the voice of the river.

Your donations help Missouri River Relief to build knowledge and understanding of the Missouri River through hands-on experiences that deepen people's connection and sense of responsibility to their river.