Donor Stories
Passion for “Healing Hearts” Lives On
Jenni Wangsness was an excellent teacher, advocate for children, and had a strong passion for the mental and emotional health of preschoolers. She made it clear that a healthy emotional connection, filled with love, that...
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Donor Stories
Lives of Service Lead to a Forever Gift for the Community They Love
If you visit Charles City and ask someone about Dean and Marcie Andrews, chances are they’ll have a story or are friends, and they’ll definitely know the couple who have spent over 40 years working...
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Donor Stories
Trail Provides Access to Beauty and Economic Boost in Northeast Iowa
Iowa is known for its breathtaking beauty – rolling farmland, shaded woods, and tall prairie grasses adorned with wildflowers. The sights and sounds of nature create a serene experience for all to enjoy. One organization...
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Donor Stories
Ensuring the Show Will Go On
Theatre is home to many on-stage romances, but love of theatre brought Gary “Bum” and Donna Baumgartner together. Now, the couple is making sure their love of theatre will live on in the Cedar Valley...
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Donor Stories
New Fund Assures Everybody Plays
Judy Syverson began working for Decorah Parks and Recreation in 1976. For 45-years, she has helped propel the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department to become one of the premier departments in the Midwest, being a...
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Donor Stories
Rural Chemotherapy is Changing Lives in Howard County
Cancer has touched most Americans’ lives through the death of a loved one or watching someone they love fight to live. Cancer and its treatment take a tremendous toll on the patient and family. In...
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Donor Stories
Waterloo is Still Home for Thomas and Carline Phillips
Thomas and Dr. Carline Phillips haven’t lived in their hometown since 1966, but when asked where home is, they agree it’s Waterloo. Both were influenced by hardworking, generous parents, their church family, and those in...
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Jorgensens Blaze a Path for Generosity in Benton County
Marlyn “Jorgy” Jorgensen went to Iowa State University to try to play a little football, but after an injury cut his athletic aspirations short, he thought he would shift his attention to other activities. It...
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Donor Stories
Family Legacy of Generosity Provides Generational Impact for Women and Girls
According to Mona Reed, she and her husband, Wallace “Wally” Reed, lived by the motto, “live life to its fullest.” The couple married in 1960 and started their life together in Waterloo, where Wally followed...
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