New Civic Foundation Now Operational In Waterloo

The formation of a new civic foundation in Waterloo is now complete and charitable donations are being accepted to benefit the community.

The Waterloo Community Foundation (WCF) gives area donors an important new venue for making a positive impact on the future growth of Waterloo and to make it a great place for the people who live here and work in the city.

“The Waterloo Community Foundation is now fully operational with receipt of our tax exempt status from the IRS and having held our initial board of directors meeting," said Mike Young, the foundation's president. "We are here to serve individuals and organizations in our community who share our desire to provide a better future for Waterloo. Our emphasis is to keep everything circulating among the people of Waterloo.”

Waterloo’s history includes a long list of generous individuals, families and businesses who have created powerful legacies by donating charitable funds to improve the lives of others. The WCF wants to collaborate with people who are interested in providing community leadership and leveraging resources to solve community problems and infuse growth.

The foundation received its tax exempt status in early June and held its first formal board meeting on June 24. WCF currently has 14 board members who represent a broad range of Waterloo-based interests. The board includes:

President: Mike Young, attorney with Dutton, Braun, Staack and Hellman

Vice-President: Tim Hurley, retired John Deere engineer and former Waterloo mayor

Secretary: Rick Young, retired business owner

Treasurer: Dan Watters, division head at US Bank

Directors:

• Joe Vich, retired banker with Community National Bank
• Stacey Bentley, President of Community Bank and Trust
• Geof Grimes, retired architect with StruXture
• Theresa Hoffman, attorney with Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, P.C.
• Wilfred (Mickye) Johnson, educator with the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Urban Education
• Jim Lind, owner of Jim Lind Service
• Kent McCausland, Commercial Vice President with PDCM Insurance;
• Kathy McCoy, former manager of Allen Hospital Foundation
• Troy Smith, Vice President/Managing Director with US Bank
• Jim Walsh, President and General Counsel with VGM Group, Inc

“The Waterloo Community Foundation is built on the legacy that started the Waterloo Civic Foundation in 1956 – under the leadership of first incorporators Lowell Walker, Richard Zellhoefer, Marion Lichty, Warren Holden, Glenn Stech, and Charles Swisher," said Vice-President Tim Hurley. "These local philanthropists were steadfast in their support of Waterloo-based interests. Likewise, we intend to provide long-term benefit to our community and work with donors that share the vision of a stronger Waterloo."

Joe Vich, one of five founding directors of the WCF said, "We also look forward to working with all other philanthropic organizations in our greater community. For example, we've already had great discussions with the Cedar Falls Community Foundation and are grateful to them for their suggestions and offers for collaboration as we serve our respective communities."

Michelle Temeyer, retired outreach coordinator with the Waterloo Community Schools and Executive Director of Black Hawk County Extension and Outreach, will serve as the organization's executive director.

"I believe in our community and look forward to working with this dedicated board, donors and nonprofits that are devoted to the betterment of Waterloo”, said Temeyer.

Prospective donors may contact the foundation in the following ways: Waterloo Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1253, Waterloo, IA 50704, by email at wloocommunityfoundation@gmail.com, or by calling (319) 883-6022.