View attached PDF - Variety Telethon

Eastern Iowa Happenings
This years Eastern Iowa telethon is on during the Morning,
Midday and Evening newscast on KWWL, news channel 7,
March 5-10. The finale will be on Saturday, March 10th from
7-8 pm.
Telethon is the culmination of a year of hard work by the
Variety Eastern Iowa Committee. Spirits of Spring will be
Friday, April 20th from 7-10 pm; the Marriott Cedar
Rapids will host the 23rd annual Spirits of Spring. Everyone is
invited to sample the delicious hors d’oeuvres, delicious adult
beverages and a fabulous silent auction. Guests will be
tempted by the 300+ fine wines, beer, liquors, specialty
cheeses and gourmet chocolates to sample. Tickets are $40
in advance and $50 at the door and may be purchased at the
Marriott Cedar Rapids, on-line at www.varietyiowa.com or by
calling 319-369-7806.
Variety’s Eastern Iowa committee rewarded 344 of deserving
children with new bikes, helmets and locks throughout the last
year. We worked with the Hillcrest Family Services, Lincoln &
Audubon Elementary schools in Dubuque and Polk &
Taylor Elementary schools in Cedar Rapids. We also had Bikes
For Kids winners in Iowa City and Waterloo. We also gave 19
bikes to children of Habitat For Humanity families. The local
Wal-Mart has been a great partner in making these events
happen.
Each August, our premier event occurs. Tuesday, August 9th,
the Eastern Iowa committee hosted its annual Variety
Leinenkugel Golf Invitational presented by Carlson Building
Maintenance and Diamond Shine Management Services, Inc
at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids. Two hundred forty
four golfers teed up “fore the kids” of Eastern Iowa. It was a
warm, sunny day that was perfect for golf. Everyone enjoyed
the BBQ lunch donated by Texas Roadhouse and a “lite” fare
dinner provided by Hy-Vee. The volunteer organizers of the
event, led by Wade Chalstrom of the Marion Hy-Vee,
successfully planned a day that included prize opportunities
at all eighteen holes, a putting contest, a skins game, a power
raffle, a silent auction, hole-in-one prizes, and much more. The
planning and hard work paid off when, at the end of the day,
the event raised nearly $60,000 for Eastern Iowa’s kids.
The year ends on a festive note with Santa. The 21st annual
Breakfast With Santa was held at the Marriott in Cedar Rapids
on Friday, December 16th . There were nearly 300 special
needs students from the Cedar Rapids and surrounding school
districts. Numerous volunteers including Fire and Police
officers, clowns, Playtime Poppy and the Washington High
School Madrigal Singers entertained them. Everyone enjoyed
a delicious breakfast and had a chance to visit Santa and get
their picture taken. Each child was sent home with a goodie
bag fill with donations from generous local companies and
filled by our diligent volunteers.
Each year the volunteers in Eastern Iowa work diligently to
raise funds to continue improving the lives of underprivileged,
at-risk and special needs children in our communities.