Granny All-Stars Basketball Extravaganza huge success, plans for 2024 underway
Just want to take a moment to thank every single person who made GRANNY ALL-STAR BASKETBALL EXTRAVAGANZA 2023 on Nov. 4 a huge success!!
Thank you first and foremost to the Granny Basketball players. What an amazing group of women who spread joy through the game of basketball. This event was 100% their idea and charisma! Thank you ladies for your amazing efforts. Grannies came from around Iowa and made it the most memorable night!! WOW!! HATS OFF TO YOU ALL! Special thanks to Loretta Tool who put in a ton of extra hours in the UWJC office and preparing for the big event.
Thank you to the group of All Stars who joined the team knowing they had very little chance and 0 practices when facing the Granny Mustangs. Thank you Kahlil R Carter, Jason Dent, Sarah Jorges (The Morning Jolt With Jamie & Sarah), Andrew Kuker, Liz Dodd, Sheri Hawley, Adam Roberts, John Bradley, Steve Weeks and Brad Sponseller!!
Thank you to our guest referees Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin with the Iowa Women's Basketball and Jayne at SWARM for facilitating their visit. Can't say enough about how gracious, humble and kind the two were and we so appreciate them giving their time to be there.
Thank you Randy Ervin and Eric Vander Velden for serving as announcers. Thank you to Avery Potter for singing the National Anthem. Thank you to the ladies who managed the score board, kept score on paper and helped with the rules!!!
Thank you to United Way of Jasper County board members for all your work in making the event a success. Thank you all for volunteering to be a part of the event. Thank you Deb, Jodi, Meggan, Mindi, Alex, Marianne, Nikki, Reanna, Kelly!!
Thank you to everyone who made a dessert or pie or donated one to the auction. And to everyone who purchased a dessert because of you the auction was a huge success and $2,575. HOLY MOLY!!
Thank you to the Newton Athletic Booster Club for partnering with us and hosting a pre-game Chili Feed!!! It was delicious! Thank you to the Newton Wrestling crew for having the concessions open.
Thank you to MercyOne Newton Medical Center's Heidi Welch PT, ATC and Amber Hansen, PT, DPT. Both women are members of the physical therapy department at MercyOne Newton Medical Center and volunteered their time just in case we needed some help. LUCKILY WE DIDN'T!
Thank you to our many on sight volunteers - we could not have done it without your help. And to our photographer Gary "Bubba" Pearson who snapped more than 10,000 photos and is editing them so we can share a ton soon (keep checking back) online!
A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the maintenance crew at the Newton High School who got everything set up and cleaned up. WOW! Thank you! AMAZING JOB!!!
Thank you to Energy 106.7 and the crew at The Morning Jolt With Jamie & Sarah - Sarah and Jamie both for helping spread the word and letting us be on the air to talk about the event!! AMAZING help getting the word out to everyone. And thank you to our friends at Hello Iowa for allowing Sarah and the Granny duo of Loretta Tool and Violet Bakalar be guests on your show. WOW! Thank you all for your help!!
And of course we could not of had this event without the kindness and generous support of our sponsors who help us put these events on. Thank you to Gates Corporation, Riggs Printing & Brand Promotions, Newton Iowa Rotary, JH Travel and Mace Family Dentistry. Absolutely amazing and wonderful supporters who heard of an event, believed in it and helped make it happen. Thank you to all our great sponsors.
In my heart you are all ALL-STARS! I hope everyone feels loved and appreciated. And of course hoping I didn't accidentally leave a name out. Thank you for everything you all did to make this event a huge success and one we will do again!!!
Thank you
Jessica Lowe Vokes
Executive Director of UWJC
P.S. Tons of photos are coming soon - including at the autograph table - so stay tuned for those!
Thank you first and foremost to the Granny Basketball players. What an amazing group of women who spread joy through the game of basketball. This event was 100% their idea and charisma! Thank you ladies for your amazing efforts. Grannies came from around Iowa and made it the most memorable night!! WOW!! HATS OFF TO YOU ALL! Special thanks to Loretta Tool who put in a ton of extra hours in the UWJC office and preparing for the big event.
Thank you to the group of All Stars who joined the team knowing they had very little chance and 0 practices when facing the Granny Mustangs. Thank you Kahlil R Carter, Jason Dent, Sarah Jorges (The Morning Jolt With Jamie & Sarah), Andrew Kuker, Liz Dodd, Sheri Hawley, Adam Roberts, John Bradley, Steve Weeks and Brad Sponseller!!
Thank you to our guest referees Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin with the Iowa Women's Basketball and Jayne at SWARM for facilitating their visit. Can't say enough about how gracious, humble and kind the two were and we so appreciate them giving their time to be there.
Thank you Randy Ervin and Eric Vander Velden for serving as announcers. Thank you to Avery Potter for singing the National Anthem. Thank you to the ladies who managed the score board, kept score on paper and helped with the rules!!!
Thank you to United Way of Jasper County board members for all your work in making the event a success. Thank you all for volunteering to be a part of the event. Thank you Deb, Jodi, Meggan, Mindi, Alex, Marianne, Nikki, Reanna, Kelly!!
Thank you to everyone who made a dessert or pie or donated one to the auction. And to everyone who purchased a dessert because of you the auction was a huge success and $2,575. HOLY MOLY!!
Thank you to the Newton Athletic Booster Club for partnering with us and hosting a pre-game Chili Feed!!! It was delicious! Thank you to the Newton Wrestling crew for having the concessions open.
Thank you to MercyOne Newton Medical Center's Heidi Welch PT, ATC and Amber Hansen, PT, DPT. Both women are members of the physical therapy department at MercyOne Newton Medical Center and volunteered their time just in case we needed some help. LUCKILY WE DIDN'T!
Thank you to our many on sight volunteers - we could not have done it without your help. And to our photographer Gary "Bubba" Pearson who snapped more than 10,000 photos and is editing them so we can share a ton soon (keep checking back) online!
A HUGE SHOUT OUT to the maintenance crew at the Newton High School who got everything set up and cleaned up. WOW! Thank you! AMAZING JOB!!!
Thank you to Energy 106.7 and the crew at The Morning Jolt With Jamie & Sarah - Sarah and Jamie both for helping spread the word and letting us be on the air to talk about the event!! AMAZING help getting the word out to everyone. And thank you to our friends at Hello Iowa for allowing Sarah and the Granny duo of Loretta Tool and Violet Bakalar be guests on your show. WOW! Thank you all for your help!!
And of course we could not of had this event without the kindness and generous support of our sponsors who help us put these events on. Thank you to Gates Corporation, Riggs Printing & Brand Promotions, Newton Iowa Rotary, JH Travel and Mace Family Dentistry. Absolutely amazing and wonderful supporters who heard of an event, believed in it and helped make it happen. Thank you to all our great sponsors.
In my heart you are all ALL-STARS! I hope everyone feels loved and appreciated. And of course hoping I didn't accidentally leave a name out. Thank you for everything you all did to make this event a huge success and one we will do again!!!
Thank you
Jessica Lowe Vokes
Executive Director of UWJC
P.S. Tons of photos are coming soon - including at the autograph table - so stay tuned for those!
United Way of Jasper County is once again hosting Jasper Co. Academy of Magic for Jasper County children during the 2023-2024 school year.
The classes will meet on scheduled early dismissal and no school days for the Newton Community School District.Classes are open to children 8-12 years old and will meet at the Newton Public Library. The Academy of Magic classes will feature the award-winning and nationally recognized Discover Magic curriculum which disguises a STEM and arts program as magic classes.
(Learn more about the curriculum at www.discovermagic.com)
Each class offered by Jasper Co. Academy of Magic will feature a magic trick and teach one of the eight traits of a “true magician” – respect, preparedness, authenticity, enthusiasm, creativity, humility, confidence and giving. While children will learn card tricks, make things disappear and much more, they will actually be building self-confidence, improving communication skills, using their creativity and developing friendships.
Classes are independent and children do not need to attend all classes. Participants can pick and choose which classes to attend.
Registration for Academy of Magic is $10 per class per child and and includes a magic trick, magic folder, supplies and fun activities. The program is being sponsored by United Way of Jasper County. Thank you to Newton Public Library for being a host site and support from Discover Magic and private donations.
The classes will meet on scheduled early dismissal and no school days for the Newton Community School District.Classes are open to children 8-12 years old and will meet at the Newton Public Library. The Academy of Magic classes will feature the award-winning and nationally recognized Discover Magic curriculum which disguises a STEM and arts program as magic classes.
(Learn more about the curriculum at www.discovermagic.com)
Each class offered by Jasper Co. Academy of Magic will feature a magic trick and teach one of the eight traits of a “true magician” – respect, preparedness, authenticity, enthusiasm, creativity, humility, confidence and giving. While children will learn card tricks, make things disappear and much more, they will actually be building self-confidence, improving communication skills, using their creativity and developing friendships.
Classes are independent and children do not need to attend all classes. Participants can pick and choose which classes to attend.
Registration for Academy of Magic is $10 per class per child and and includes a magic trick, magic folder, supplies and fun activities. The program is being sponsored by United Way of Jasper County. Thank you to Newton Public Library for being a host site and support from Discover Magic and private donations.
The speakers will present at the 325-seat state-of-the art auditorium at DMACC – Newton Campus. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with programs beginning at 6:30 p.m. Following the programs, some of the guest speakers will have time to meet and greet with those in attendance.
Adults and students alike are encouraged to attend. The event is open to all with a free-will admission collected to help continue and grow the speaker series.
Lowe Vokes said she got the idea to develop the series in Jasper County because of past experiences getting to hear programs and the impact it had on her life.
"I have had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers - Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott King, 'Superman' actor Christopher Reeves, astronaut Peggy Whitson, local resident Jean Cleere, former presidents and many others," Lowe Vokes said. "I left those events feeling informed, empowered and I have kept many of the things they said close to heart. They are experiences I won't forget and I wanted to replicate that here."
UWJC Board President Deb Pence said the speaker series is just another way the organization is working to reach people, promote education and have a positive impact in Jasper County.
"Looking at the lineup we have an impressive group of people who will be part of our first season of speakers," Pence said. "The ability to offer people the chance to learn and engage through these events is just another way United Way of Jasper County is making positive things happen. We are so excited for these events and to offer these memorable experiences."
Adults and students alike are encouraged to attend. The event is open to all with a free-will admission collected to help continue and grow the speaker series.
Lowe Vokes said she got the idea to develop the series in Jasper County because of past experiences getting to hear programs and the impact it had on her life.
"I have had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers - Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott King, 'Superman' actor Christopher Reeves, astronaut Peggy Whitson, local resident Jean Cleere, former presidents and many others," Lowe Vokes said. "I left those events feeling informed, empowered and I have kept many of the things they said close to heart. They are experiences I won't forget and I wanted to replicate that here."
UWJC Board President Deb Pence said the speaker series is just another way the organization is working to reach people, promote education and have a positive impact in Jasper County.
"Looking at the lineup we have an impressive group of people who will be part of our first season of speakers," Pence said. "The ability to offer people the chance to learn and engage through these events is just another way United Way of Jasper County is making positive things happen. We are so excited for these events and to offer these memorable experiences."
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Bank Iowa - Colfax & Newton
Learn more at www.bankiowa.bank/locations/colfax
AND www.bankiowa.bank/locations/newton
Eye Care Center of Newton
Visit online at https://newtoneyecare.net/
Fremont Farms of Iowa
Visit online at https://fremontfarms.com/
Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy - Colfax & Newton
Learn more at https://www.kineticedgept.com/
The United Way of Jasper County's annual Halloween Bingo event was a frightfully good time. The bingo hall was not haunted but it was full!
With more than $4000 in prizes up for grabs attendees came ready for fun, food and prizes. A special thank you to all who attended, volunteers who helped manage the event and of course the sponsors who make the event possible with their generous support. Thank you to Bank Iowa - Colfax and Newton branches who have supported the event for two years. Thank you to the newest sponsor Fremont Farms of Iowa for their first year sponsorship. AND an extra special thank you to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy - Colfax & Newton and Eye Care Center of Newton. Both teams of Kinetic Edge and Eye Care Center of Newton have sponsored bingo since United Way started hosting the event. We could not do it without them.
Can't wait for Halloween Bingo 2024!!!! See you in October 2024 for more Halloween bingo fun!
With more than $4000 in prizes up for grabs attendees came ready for fun, food and prizes. A special thank you to all who attended, volunteers who helped manage the event and of course the sponsors who make the event possible with their generous support. Thank you to Bank Iowa - Colfax and Newton branches who have supported the event for two years. Thank you to the newest sponsor Fremont Farms of Iowa for their first year sponsorship. AND an extra special thank you to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy - Colfax & Newton and Eye Care Center of Newton. Both teams of Kinetic Edge and Eye Care Center of Newton have sponsored bingo since United Way started hosting the event. We could not do it without them.
Can't wait for Halloween Bingo 2024!!!! See you in October 2024 for more Halloween bingo fun!
The United Way of Jasper County has served the people of Jasper County since the Great Depression. Thousands of people here in Jasper County are served every year – more than 12,000 to be exact. (That's 1/3 of the total county population)
The health and human service programs we fund include food assistance, homeless prevention, literacy, safe shelters, counseling, access to medical care, affordable childcare and much more. United Way outreach impacts all corners of Jasper County.
Our work often goes unseen because of the privacy associated with the programs we support but they are vital, impactful and changing lives. We cannot do it without you, our supporters.
Please give today and help us reach our $330,000 goal.
The health and human service programs we fund include food assistance, homeless prevention, literacy, safe shelters, counseling, access to medical care, affordable childcare and much more. United Way outreach impacts all corners of Jasper County.
Our work often goes unseen because of the privacy associated with the programs we support but they are vital, impactful and changing lives. We cannot do it without you, our supporters.
Please give today and help us reach our $330,000 goal.
The United Way of Jasper County is an amazing organization.
We do great things and we can’t do them without you.
Will you support us with a donation today?
SUPPORT THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
2022 Winners
WINNERS of 2022 Great Big Christmas Raffle are:
* GRAND PRIZE: $1,000 Cash - Carrie Antle-Gilbert * PlayStation 5 - Lecia Downs * Diamond Earrings handcrafted by The Jeweler's Bench - Molly Balmer * RoboVac G32 Pro Robot Vacuum with Home Mapping - Kelsey LaZella * Igloo 70 Qt Cooler - RaeAnn Hoffert * Blackstone Adventure Griddle Gift Bundle - Amanda Menninga * $250 Fareway Gift Card - Evelyn George * Free McDonald's BIG MACs for a Year - Walter Poncie * Car detail & oil change/tire rotation ~ Donated by Gregg Young Auto - Chad Garvis * DeWalt Impact Driver Kit - Mike Gunsaulus * Apple AirPods - Julia Dlouhy * PwerXL Vortex 8qt Air Fryer 150 - Melissa Sommars * 40" Roku Smart TV - Jackie Dydell * Westwood Golf Course $100 Gift Card - Steve Terlouw * Tablet/Portable DVD Player - Travis Padget * RCA HD Home Theater Projector with screen - Katie Bowers |
* Westwood Golf Package - 2 rounds of 18 holes with cart - Marilyn Hundling
* amazon 7" Fire Tablet - Nathan Unsworth * $50 & UWJC Stocking Hat - Kaitlyn Noel * $50 Texas Roadhouse Gift Card - Chris Farver * $50 Bass Pro Gift Card - Bryan Dodson * $50 amazon Gift Card - Casie Riney * $50 Fareway Gift Card - Teresa Arrowood * Capitol II Movie Pack - Donated by Captiol II Theatre - Mike Balmer * JBL Vibe 100 TWS Ear Buds - Michael Vokes * $50 Jersey Freeze Gift Certificates - Donated by Jersey Freeze in Monroe, Iowa - Donna Cook * $50 Jersey Freeze Gift Certificates - Donated by Jersey Freeze in Monroe, Iowa - Kari Ann Munson * amazon Fire Stick - Donated by MCG - Staci Loupee * Mini Fridge - Pam McCormick * Brown Leather Bag - Susan Swank * Fanny Pack & Wallet - Emily DeWitt* Banger Bluetooth Speaker - Chris Baker * Black Wristlet - Donated by Deckerations Center in Newton, Iowa - Nicky Lampe |
The Great Big Awesome Raffle winners announceds
WINNERS OF THE 2021 Great Big Christmas Raffle are:
Olive Garden & UW Hat - Mary Holmes amazon & UW Hat - Ronnette Vondrak Walkie Talkies - Sean Anthony Dewalt Tool Box - Kimbra Korte On 32" Sound Bar - Brent & Brylee Magg Fareway $50 Gift Card - Greg Woods Rick's BP Oil Change - Michelle Stalzer Yeti Tumblers - Kathy Ellis UWJC hat & $50 - Liz Dodd Capitol II Movie for a Year - Liz Dood WaMart Gift Card - Julie Smith Gregg Young Oil Change & Tire Rotation* - Ashley Gipe Gregg Young Oil Change & Tire Rotation* - Lacie Dykstra JH Travel Certificate - Lonnie Portner Fareway $100 Gift Card - Lucas Hughes UWJC Hat & $100 Cash - Stacy Dhabalt |
Kate Spade wristlet - Brendan Lamont
Beats Ear Buds - Paula Arkema Goldie's For a Year - Liz Dodd DeWalt Impact Driver Kit - Catherine Ashton Adventureland Passes - Chelsie May Kate Spade Tote - Carrie Cibula RTIC Cooler & Mugs - Steve Terlouw Ryobi Tools - Eric Smith 17" Blackstone Griddle - Liz Dodd Laptop - Evelyn George Katie Jane $250 Gift Certificate - Dan Poduska Coach Millie Tote - Nathan Unsworth Roku 43" Smart TV - Travis Wesley Yeti 35 Thunder Cooler - Graham Sullivan Blackstone Griddle, Bag & Tools - Doug Woods $1,000 CASH - Liz Dodd |
Care-A-Thon underway at Newton elementary schools
Wing'N'Fling Disc Golf Tourney - TBA 2022What is more summer than outdoor fun and BBQ? Come enjoy a day of disc golf, BBQ, music, fun and fundraising at the first WING'N'FLING Disc Golf Tourney powered by Jersey Freeze.
The event will be announced for spring 2022. Registration is just $35/person and includes a player's pack with discs to use during the tournament, lunch and entrance into the event. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of classes so everyone will have a chance to win whether new to the game or play every day. |
Halloween Bingo set for Oct. 14
One of United Way of Jasper County's most popular fundraising events is back and has a fun Halloween twist.
UWJC's Halloween VIP Bingo - sponsored by Kinetic Edge in Newton & Colfax, and Megan Meyer, Newton Realtor - will be on Thursday, Oct. 14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo will begin around 6:30 p.m. and will take place at Colfax Historical Society Event Center, 900 N. Walnut St. in Colfax The event will feature Very Impressive Prizes, Halloween decorations and themed bingo games, yummy treats, and prizes for best costume (costumes encouraged but not a necessity). The new venue will allow for more participants and BYOB is welcome. Cost is $40 and includes bingo, dauber, treats and non-alcoholic beverages. The event is for adults. |
Purchase tickets at UWJC office or online at
secure.qgiv.com/for/uwojc/event/837467/ HALLOWEEN VIP BINGO: When: Thursday, Oct. 14 Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Hauntingly Good Happy Hour: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Halloween Bingo: 6:30 p.m. Where: Colfax Historical Society Event Center, 900 North Walnut St. in Colfax Admission: $40 (+$2 online processing fee) Adults-Only Event |
2020 Great Big Raffle winners announced
United Way of Jasper County hosted a new and fun event to support its mission in helping the people of Jasper County. The Great Big Awesome Raffle included prize drawings every day for the month of Novemer.
Here are the winners:
Nov. 1 - Patty McCormick - Gift certificats to Montana Mike's (donated by Montana Mike's)
Nov. 2 - Toni Peska - $50 cash** Donated back to UW
Nov. 3 - Nicky Lampe & Sveta Miller - Each a $50 Gift Card to Goldie's Ice Cream
Nov. 4 - Paula Arkema - Hamilton Beach 12-cup Coffee Maker
Nov. 5 - Toni Peksa & Doug Hill - Each a $50 Gift Certificate to Esther & Co.
Nov. 6 - Amber Beerends - Sound Bar
Nov. 7 - Deb Chance - Fire Pit
Nov. 8 - Jennifer Prendergast - Kindle Tablet
Nov. 9 - Doug & Cindy Smith - A Night of Magic & Mystery gift certificate
Nov. 10 - Kelsey Lazella - $100 Goldie's Gift Card
Nov. 11 - Lori Schutte - $50 Esther & Co. Gift Certificate
Nov. 12 - Sue Fortune - Fossil Men's Watch
Nov. 13 & 14 - Zachary Lowe - Digital Picture Frame & Nicole Terry - Montana Mikes Gift Certificates
Nov. 15 - Katie Cantu - Capitol II $50 Gift Card
Nov. 16 - Jackson/Amanda Price - Crosley Record Player
Nov. 17 - Denise Rash - Fossil Purse
Nov. 18 - Donna Cook - Magic Bullet/Montana Mike certificate AND Becky Tenckinck - Mini Frig/Montana Mike certificate
Nov. 19 - Tony & Des Cameron - Pizzazz
Nov. 20 - Shelley Koons - Crown Royal
Nov. 21- Cody Muhs - $25 gift certificate to Esther & Company
Evelyn George - travel DVD player
Nov. 22 - Kim Thomas - InstaPot Air Fryer
Nov. 23 - Lisa Fraser - 32 Inch Roku Flatscreen TV
Nov. 24 - Craig Armstrong - Coleman Cooker & $100 Cash
Nov. 25 - Doug & Cindy Smith - $100 Cash
Nov. 26 - Doug Bishop - DeWalt Impact Driver Set
Nov. 27 - Scott & Sabrina Smead -Blackstone Grill
Nov. 28 - Joe Grife - YETI Cooler
Nov. 29 - Curt Tremel - Diamond Earrings
Nov. 30 - Lee & Jennifer Barnett - $500 CASH$$$
Here are the winners:
Nov. 1 - Patty McCormick - Gift certificats to Montana Mike's (donated by Montana Mike's)
Nov. 2 - Toni Peska - $50 cash** Donated back to UW
Nov. 3 - Nicky Lampe & Sveta Miller - Each a $50 Gift Card to Goldie's Ice Cream
Nov. 4 - Paula Arkema - Hamilton Beach 12-cup Coffee Maker
Nov. 5 - Toni Peksa & Doug Hill - Each a $50 Gift Certificate to Esther & Co.
Nov. 6 - Amber Beerends - Sound Bar
Nov. 7 - Deb Chance - Fire Pit
Nov. 8 - Jennifer Prendergast - Kindle Tablet
Nov. 9 - Doug & Cindy Smith - A Night of Magic & Mystery gift certificate
Nov. 10 - Kelsey Lazella - $100 Goldie's Gift Card
Nov. 11 - Lori Schutte - $50 Esther & Co. Gift Certificate
Nov. 12 - Sue Fortune - Fossil Men's Watch
Nov. 13 & 14 - Zachary Lowe - Digital Picture Frame & Nicole Terry - Montana Mikes Gift Certificates
Nov. 15 - Katie Cantu - Capitol II $50 Gift Card
Nov. 16 - Jackson/Amanda Price - Crosley Record Player
Nov. 17 - Denise Rash - Fossil Purse
Nov. 18 - Donna Cook - Magic Bullet/Montana Mike certificate AND Becky Tenckinck - Mini Frig/Montana Mike certificate
Nov. 19 - Tony & Des Cameron - Pizzazz
Nov. 20 - Shelley Koons - Crown Royal
Nov. 21- Cody Muhs - $25 gift certificate to Esther & Company
Evelyn George - travel DVD player
Nov. 22 - Kim Thomas - InstaPot Air Fryer
Nov. 23 - Lisa Fraser - 32 Inch Roku Flatscreen TV
Nov. 24 - Craig Armstrong - Coleman Cooker & $100 Cash
Nov. 25 - Doug & Cindy Smith - $100 Cash
Nov. 26 - Doug Bishop - DeWalt Impact Driver Set
Nov. 27 - Scott & Sabrina Smead -Blackstone Grill
Nov. 28 - Joe Grife - YETI Cooler
Nov. 29 - Curt Tremel - Diamond Earrings
Nov. 30 - Lee & Jennifer Barnett - $500 CASH$$$
United Way's coloring contest winners announced
Carson King Foundation derecho relief funds to United Way of Jasper County
ALTOONA - The Carson King Foundation donated $10,000 to United Way of Jasper County to assist with relief efforts and help those impacted by the Aug. 10 derecho.
Carson King, namesake and president of The Carson King Foundation, has been working with Iowa nonprofits to support disaster relief since the derecho swept through 27 Iowa counties and caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and crops.
"The devastation left in the wake of the derecho was heartbreaking," King said. "We knew we needed to help those impacted in a meaningful way."
King presented the $10,000 check to Jessica Lowe Vokes, UWJC executive director, on Sept. 3. Lowe Vokes said the donation has been earmarked to support homeless prevention programs, utilities assistance and fight food insecurity for those hit hardest by the derecho. She added the funds will be distributed through local health and human service agencies throughout Jasper County.
"The $10,000 comes at a critical time as individuals are still reeling from the aftermath of the derecho," Lowe Vokes said. "Many are just now learning some things are not covered by insurance or they may not qualify for certain aid. These funds will serve local residents who were hit hardest by the storm."
King, most notably recognized as the sign-holding Iowa State Cyclones fan who raised more than $3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, has raised well over $60,000 so far in derecho relief funds through his foundation. The foundation has distributed funds to United Way of Johnston and Washington Counties, United Way of Eastern Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa and the Marshalltown Community Foundation. King, a native of Jasper County, said he was proud to be able to support his friends and neighbors in Jasper.
"As a Prairie City native, I’m proud to help Jasper County in any way possible," King said. "2020 has been a difficult year for so many and we hope these funds will help people get back on their feet quickly."
Those needing assistance can refer to the Jasper County Storm Resource Guide at unitedwayofjaspercounty.org, call United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or visit fema.gov. To learn more about The Carson King Foundation and its efforts follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit carsonkingfoundation.org.
"We are so grateful to Carson and those who helped make this contribution a reality because the need is out there," Lowe Vokes said. "I know many people are still struggling due to the pandemic and then the storm. These funds will truly make a difference for so many here in Jasper County."
Carson King, namesake and president of The Carson King Foundation, has been working with Iowa nonprofits to support disaster relief since the derecho swept through 27 Iowa counties and caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and crops.
"The devastation left in the wake of the derecho was heartbreaking," King said. "We knew we needed to help those impacted in a meaningful way."
King presented the $10,000 check to Jessica Lowe Vokes, UWJC executive director, on Sept. 3. Lowe Vokes said the donation has been earmarked to support homeless prevention programs, utilities assistance and fight food insecurity for those hit hardest by the derecho. She added the funds will be distributed through local health and human service agencies throughout Jasper County.
"The $10,000 comes at a critical time as individuals are still reeling from the aftermath of the derecho," Lowe Vokes said. "Many are just now learning some things are not covered by insurance or they may not qualify for certain aid. These funds will serve local residents who were hit hardest by the storm."
King, most notably recognized as the sign-holding Iowa State Cyclones fan who raised more than $3 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, has raised well over $60,000 so far in derecho relief funds through his foundation. The foundation has distributed funds to United Way of Johnston and Washington Counties, United Way of Eastern Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa and the Marshalltown Community Foundation. King, a native of Jasper County, said he was proud to be able to support his friends and neighbors in Jasper.
"As a Prairie City native, I’m proud to help Jasper County in any way possible," King said. "2020 has been a difficult year for so many and we hope these funds will help people get back on their feet quickly."
Those needing assistance can refer to the Jasper County Storm Resource Guide at unitedwayofjaspercounty.org, call United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or visit fema.gov. To learn more about The Carson King Foundation and its efforts follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit carsonkingfoundation.org.
"We are so grateful to Carson and those who helped make this contribution a reality because the need is out there," Lowe Vokes said. "I know many people are still struggling due to the pandemic and then the storm. These funds will truly make a difference for so many here in Jasper County."