Sam’s Club Manager honored as Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

The 48th annual Joplin Christmas Parade took place on Tuesday, December 4. It was a cold night but it did not dampen the holiday spirit of so many that came out to enjoy the evening. For the 5th year Freeman Health System and their team hosted the parade. Freeman Health System is the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The appointment of Grand Marshal for the parade is one of highest honors Freeman bestows on a community member. The 2018 Grand Marshal was Rob Thomas, the manager for the Joplin Sam’s Club.

Rob was c hosen for the many contributions and record breaking years he has had during the CMN Hospitals Campaign at Sam’s Club. He and his team have been second place in the nation in funds raised in 2017 and 2018 raising over $131,000 in the two years. The club smashed the yearly club record in 2017 by thousands of dollars. Rob was selected for the position by Freeman Health System President and CEO, Paula Baker. Freeman and CMN Hospitals look forward to many more years of partnership with Rob, his team and the generous community that support the campaign. A huge thank you to X-Treme Powersports in Webb City for supplying the beautiful Grand Marshal car.

Rob Thomas, wife Kelly, daughter Bailey and Cody with X-Treme Powersports