Communities Rally for Beggs Tornado Victims with Rodeo Fundraiser

Neighboring towns come together to support recovery efforts after deadly EF3 tornado strikes small Oklahoma community.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:04pm

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In the aftermath of a deadly EF3 tornado that tore through the town of Beggs, Oklahoma, claiming two lives and causing significant damage, neighboring communities have rallied together to organize a fundraising rodeo event to support recovery efforts. Beggs resident Mary Putman, who lives just 300 yards from the damaged schools, partnered with the Kellyville Roundup Club to host the Friday night event featuring a barrel race and silent auction. The fundraiser drew around 150 participants and spectators and raised over $2,500, which will be split evenly between the McClellan family who lost loved ones and the Beggs Parent Teacher Organization.

Why it matters

The outpouring of support and community spirit shown through this fundraiser is a powerful reflection of the resilience and unity of small-town Oklahoma in the face of tragedy. As the Beggs community begins the rebuilding process, events like this highlight the willingness of neighbors to come together and support one another during times of need.

The details

Motivated by the devastation close to home, Beggs resident Mary Putman organized the community fundraiser to support recovery efforts after the deadly tornado. Putman, an avid rodeo enthusiast, partnered with the Kellyville Roundup Club to host the Friday evening event at their arena. The fundraiser featured a barrel race competition and a silent auction, drawing around 150 participants and spectators. The event raised over $2,500, which will be split evenly between the McClellan family who lost loved ones in the tornado and the Beggs Parent Teacher Organization.

  • The EF3 tornado struck Beggs on March 20, 2026.
  • The community fundraiser rodeo event was held on March 24, 2026.

The players

Mary Putman

A Beggs resident who organized the community fundraiser rodeo event to support recovery efforts after the deadly tornado.

Kellyville Roundup Club

A local rodeo club that generously donated their arena to host the fundraiser event.

Becky and Todd McClellan

Two Beggs residents who lost their lives in the deadly EF3 tornado.

Wenda Johnson

An NFR barrel racer who made a special appearance to run her horse and donated autographed items for the silent auction.

Beggs Parent Teacher Organization

The organization that will receive half of the funds raised from the community fundraiser.

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What they’re saying

“We decided to do this after the tornado came through. We live about 300 yards from the school, and it was such a devastating thing with the damage and lives lost. I knew we had to help.”

— Mary Putman, Beggs resident and event organizer

“It was a good night.”

— Mary Putman, Beggs resident and event organizer

What’s next

As the Beggs community continues to recover and rebuild from the tornado damage, additional fundraising and community support efforts are expected in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

This community fundraiser rodeo event demonstrates the strength, resilience, and unity of small-town Oklahoma in the face of tragedy. The outpouring of support from neighboring towns highlights the willingness of neighbors to come together and support one another during times of need, providing hope and inspiration as the Beggs community works to rebuild.