Rally to support Joplin Muslims lacking funds

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - A rally to support Muslims after a fire destroyed a mosque in Joplin is still planned, although the organizer says more money is needed to finance the event.

A fire that destroyed the Islamic Society of Joplin mosque Aug. 6 has been called suspicious but a cause has not been determined.

Organizer Ashley Carter says the rally is scheduled for Saturday at Landreth Park. She is seeking nearly $3,000 by Wednesday for insurance and rent. But she says speakers and entertainment are lined up and she expects the event to be held.

The Joplin Globe reports (http://bit.ly/Ph3vOY ) that an online fundraiser to help the Islamic Society of Joplin rebuild its mosque had surpassed $350,000 by Monday, with nearly 3,000 contributions from around the world. The original goal was $250,000.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com