LincolnWay Community Foundation Honors Donors and Celebrates Community Impact at 30 Year Celebration
DEWITT, Iowa--The LincolnWay Community Foundation (LWCF) celebrated 30 years of community impact with donors and partners at its annual celebration Monday, November 6, at the DeWitt Operahouse.
The event celebrated many successes made possible by the Foundation and supporters, including:
- The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a local program that has provided more than 53,000 books to kids since 2012;
- The Central Education Foundation, a partner foundation that has awarded over $580,000 in grants to teachers at Central Schools and $93,000 in scholarships every year; and
- A program that has provided 1,000 bicycle helmets to kids at Central DeWitt, Cal-Wheat, and Northeast schools
“Like the farmers in the fields we see during harvest, our donors and supporters have also planted seeds—seeds to a brighter future,” said LWCF Executive Director Pat Henricksen. “By connecting people with causes and resources for all generations, the Foundation will continue to nurture and harvest these gifts for many years to come to shape the future of our area.”
The early days of the Foundation date back to the late 1970s, when a group of passionate and committed DeWitt residents joined forces to reopen a local opera house. Soon after, this group formed the DeWitt Area Foundation, which would later become the LincolnWay Community Foundation.
“We felt then as we do now that we needed a nonprofit vehicle for our community—something that would always be there to protect the philanthropic interests of Clinton County,” said Henricksen.
Local Grantmaking
Henricksen announced grants totaling $25,712 to the following nonprofits and programs:
- Clinton County Agricultural Society - $5,000
Horse arena updates - DeWitt Chamber & Development Company - $4,492
DeWitt street banners and community videos - Concerned DeWitt Citizens - $3,000
Food pantry, crisis assistance and extra milk program - Summer Lunch Box Program - $2,500
Program support - City of Low Moor - $2,500
Improving Low Moor parks - Project Linus of East Central Iowa - $2,321
"Blanket Making Days” - Grand Mound Volunteer Fire Department - $1,600
Fire department training material and safety equipment - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton - $1,000
Helping children facing adversity stay on the path to success - CCSD FIRST Robotics Booster Club - $1,000
2017-2018 season - Central Performing Arts Center - $1,000
On The Edge Productions presents How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying - St. Joseph School - $799
Spheros for STEM development - DeWitt Noon Lion - $300
"Butterfly Garden" at Westbrook Park in DeWitt - Boy Scouts of America - Mesquakie District, Illowa Council - $200
Cub Scout day camp in the Mesquakie District
LWCF’s annual grant program is made possible by donations from community members to the LWCF Community Fund, which funds projects or programs that address significant community issues and benefit a broad spectrum of Western Clinton County including Calamus, Charlotte, Delmar, DeWitt, Goose Lake, Grand Mound, Lost Nation, Low Moor, Welton and Wheatland.
Donors who give to endowments like the LWCF Community Fund may also benefit from the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit in addition to federal charitable income tax deductions.
Leaders Under 40
The Foundation closed the event by announcing six leaders under 40 who are active in their communities. Recipients were nominated locally and will each receive $250 to direct to a local cause of their choosing:
Lindsay Thiel, DeWitt – Nominated for her strong sense of community and efforts to convert the old DeWitt Library into a modern and successful events center, Lindsey serves as the President for the Junior Women DeWitt Chapter. “Lindsay is an extraordinary example of what it means to give your all and that hard work does pay off. She runs her businesses with integrity and character yet is always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.”
Amanda Eberhart, Charlotte – Amanda has been described as a “woman not afraid to step in and help when and where there is a need.” She’s actively involved with L’Arche, a program serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and Clinton Trees Forever. Amanda was selected as the Woman of the Year in 2016 for the local chapter of the Area Business Women's Connection. “Amanda has a caring spirit, immense dedication and an amazing attitude and a true asset to our community and county.”
Hannah Perrone, DeWitt – Described as a “tireless volunteer”, Hannah serves on boards at the DeWitt Central Community School and Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center, coordinates volunteers for the DeWitt Crossroads Triathlon, and is active in the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company. She played a role in the remodel and rebranding of the Brooks Bistro at the Springbrook Country Club. “Hannah has a tremendous work ethic, infectious positive attitude as is goal driven to get projects to the finish line.”
Tait Steines, Calamus – A 20-year member of the Calamus Volunteer Fire Department, Tait serves as First Assistant Fire Chief and was described as “a big part of what helps keep the fire department going.” He volunteers at annual beef dinners, trivia nights, and Calamus Fun Days and enjoys spending his free time coaching several of his kid’s ball teams.
Ashley Kelting, Wheatland - For nine years, Ashley and her husband ran the Lions Club slow pitch league. As Alumni FFA secretary, she works hand in hand with the Cal-Wheat FFA Chapter to provide agriculture education. She coaches junior high volleyball and softball and is a member of St. Paul’s Church in Wheatland. “As an educator, Ashley works to see success in all of the students she comes in contact with”.
Jonah Ewers, Wheatland – Describes as someone “always putting others needs before his”, Jonah was recognized for his leadership abilities and work counseling and supporting struggling students. Under his leadership, participation in the Cal-Wheat FFA Chapter doubled in just five years. “Students see Mr. Ewers as someone they can trust and will listen to them without fear of ridicule or judgment. He has been known to take multiple vacation days to help kids complete their projects for the state fair.”
Last summer, LWCF became an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD). Since 2004, CFGD has supported the growth of affiliate foundations in rural communities throughout Northeast Iowa, including Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Jones and Jackson counties as well as the Dyersville area. By working with CFGD, these communities have built philanthropic funds in support of schools, churches, health care centers and other needs totaling more than $19 million.
To learn more, visit www.dbqfoundation.org/lincolnway.