Cedar Valley United Way Campaign Tops $3 Million

The Cedar Valley United Way's 2014 fund-raising campaign was another successful one. According to officials with the organization, the just-completed campaign topped $3 million for the sixth consecutive year.

A total of $3,011,083 was raised during the 2014 campaign, which kicked off in August and continued through January. The announcement was made during the Breakfast of Champions, held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls this morning (February 13, 2015).

Money raised during the 2014 campaign will be distributed in funding grants to recipients selected by volunteer Community Impact Teams, which will review grant applications and make recommendations on how the money can most effectively work in the community. Programs that currently receive funding include after-school and child care programs, disaster services, elderly transportation, community meals and help for victims of domestic violence. Cedar Valley United Way also funds 2-1-1 Information and Referral services.

Co-chairs for the 2014 campaign were Bob Justis and Nancy Newhoff.

“Nancy and I took on the role as campaign chairs to improve lives,” said Justis, who retired as President of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber Alliance and Chamber in July 2013. “Gifts to the campaign will provide quality child care to kids, help women escaping domestic violence, provide transportation for seniors to and from their medical appointments, and much more.

“We had a few setbacks during the campaign, but the Cedar Valley rallied to support United Way,” Justis added. “Businesses like UnityPoint Health – Waterloo increased their giving over $25,000. The University of Northern Iowa campaign came in over $16,000 more than last year.”

Individuals and companies recognized during the Breakfast of Champions included:

• Around the Corner Productions
• Barnes & Noble
• Cedar Valley Friends of the Family
• Isle Casino Hotel – Waterloo
• The Courier
• UnityPoint Health – Waterloo
• US Bank
• Mike Lind, Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Nick Cleveland, Target Food Distribution Center
• Michele Kaiser, Ryan Krogh, Tracy Schaufenbuel & Jereme Trotter, John Deere Waterloo Operations
• Ben Jacobson, University of Northern Iowa
• Jean Trainor, Veridian Credit Union
• Loaned Executive Rachel Evans, Veridian Credit Union

Thirteen businesses were also recognized for having 100 percent participation in the 2014 campaign. Those organizations are:

• Adams Evenson & Co.
• ASPIRE, INC.
• Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care
• Cedar Valley United Way
• Emergency Practice Associates, Inc.
• Family & Children’s Council of Black Hawk County
• First National Bank
• Lamar Advertising of Waterloo
• Nelson Properties/Midtown Development
• NXT Bank
• Oakridge Realtors
• PDCM Insurance Co.
• StruXture Architects

“Bob and I are so thankful to the businesses and individuals who jumped on board to support United Way,” said Newhoff, editor of The Courier. “This campaign really was a team effort. It took thousands of people across the Cedar Valley giving what they could to reach the $3 million mark.

“We’re excited to hear the stories of lives that will be changed because of the donors to the United Way campaign,” Newhoff added. “I wish everyone who donated to the 2014 campaign could see first-hand the work being done in the Cedar Valley to improve education, income and health.”

For more information about Cedar Valley United Way or to learn how you can contribute, visit www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org.