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FOURTH ANNUAL IRON CHEF EVENT TO BENEFIT JLCR MISSION

News Release

 

[Monday, March 1, 2010]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 



Contact:  Molly Baynes, Marketing/Public Relations Chair, (319) 551-7540           

                 Ann Oleson, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, (319)-533-6283



CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The coveted title of “Iron Chef” is on the line once again as Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) holds its fourth annual competition Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. The Mansfield Center on the Kirkwood Community College campus is the place to be as Cibo Fusion defends its title against chefs from LJ’s Catering, DeVotay, and Kirkwood Culinary Arts Department.  

 

While the chefs work their magic in the kitchen, attendees sample hot and cold appetizers provided by this year’s People’s Choice competitors: Jiamen, Zins, and Vino’s.  Dale Lee Distributing and Millstream Brewery will provide a beer tasting; First Avenue Wine House, Secret Cellar and Fireside Wineries will provide wine tastings.  In addition to door prizes, attendees may also purchase raffle tickets and participate in a silent auction to win some unique prizes, including a tasting of one of the competing Iron Chef’s final plates.

 

“Please join us for this fun, unique event!  Enjoy local cuisine, watch the skills of the competing chefs, and try some great local wine and beer, all the while supporting a charitable organization,” said Liz Wardzinski, co-chair of this year’s event.  

 

A sell-out crowd of approximately 250 guests is anticipated. Tickets are on sale for $35 per person.  Emailinfo@juniorleaguecr.org or call 364-7892 for more information or to purchase tickets.  Reservation and payment may also be made online at www.juniorleaguecr.org.  

 

Iron Chef will help fund JLCR's annual budget, which, in turn, helps the non profit organization fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community.  JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store.

 

JLCR is proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Iron Chef a success: media sponsor Mix 96.5, Dan Kempf Photography, Farmers State Bank, Bankers Trust, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and OPN Architects.

 

Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  For more information, please visitwww.juniorleaguecr.org.


JLCR SUPPORTERS SPONSOR THREE GIRLS FOR FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Three lucky girls will get the opportunity to spend a memorable afternoon with their fathers at Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) 8th Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive S.E., Cedar Rapids, from 1 - 4 p.m.  The girls selected from the Arc of East Central Iowa and Taylor Elementary will receive free tickets to the event, gift cards to purchase dresses and shoes, and complimentary hair and nail services, thanks to the generosity of Salon Neil Boudreaux and other JLCR supporters.

At Butterfly Kisses, daughters and granddaughters alongside their fathers and grandfathers enjoy dancing to a professional disc jockey sponsored by the New KOJC, a corsage, face painting, and a glitz and glamour station.  There will also be special appearances by the Princesses by Glass Slipper and Mrs. Iowa, crafts, a fabulous raffle and silent auction, and appetizers and cookies.  Every girl who attends will be entered into the grand prize drawing where one lucky young lady will win an "American Girl Weekend" in Chicago.

This event has sold out for the last four years so interested parties are encouraged to register early.  Tickets are currently on sale.  The $75 ticket includes admission for one father and daughter couple, with $15 for each additional daughter. In addition to the events listed above, tickets also include five raffle tickets per family.

Butterfly Kisses will help fund JLCR's annual budget, which, in turn, helps the non profit organization fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community.  JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store.

JLCR is proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Butterfly Kisses, and in turn JLCR's mission, a reality: media sponsor 104.5 KDAT, Gehring Orthodontics, CityWide Cleaners, Dan Kempf Photography, Salon Neil Boudreaux, Farmers State Bank, Hills Bank and Trust and Bankers Trust.

For more information, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org.

Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

JLCR TO PARTNER WITH TANAGER PLACE FOR COAT DRIVE

News Release

 

November 10, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            

 

 

 

 

Contact:     Molly Baynes, Marketing/Public Relations Chair, (319) 551-7540           

                      Ann Oleso n , Vice President, Marketing & Communications, (319)-533-6283

 

JLCR TO PARTNER WITH TANAGER PLACE FOR COAT DRIVE

As Winter Approaches, Donations of New and Gently Used Winter Clothing Are Needed

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to partner with Tanager Place to collect winter clothing for children in need.   With the winter season approaching, Tanager Place, a non-profit children's agency, is in need of winter items for the 68 children they serve on their campus, located in southwest Cedar Rapids.   Tanager Place is asking for support from Junior League to embrace this cause by donating winter coats, hats, gloves or mittens, snow boots, snow pants, and scarves.   Community members are asked to join JLCR and Tanager Place on November 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Oaks Bridge (2100 1st Ave E, Cedar Rapids) to donate new or gently used items of all sizes, from infant to adult.  

 

"We are delighted to partner with Junior League for our coat drive," said Lezlie John, Community Relations Assistant at Tanager Place.   "It is wonderful that two non-profit organizations are joining together to help children in the community."     

 

Tanager Place, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest children's agencies in Iowa and serves children challenged by social and psychological needs. The goal of all programs at Tanager Place is to assure the development and fulfillment of each child's potential.  Tanager Place works with children of all ages to restore, heal and re-build lives that have been torn apart with emotional struggles.  Professional counsel helps these children learn new coping skills; therapy and guidance helps to build confidence and gives them opportunities to live healthy and happy tomorrows.   Tanager Place currently serves over 500 children on a daily basis.  

 

In addition to their regular projects and fundraisers, JLCR participates in monthly Done in a Day (DIAD) projects.   These projects typically involve other non-profit organizations that match JLCR's mission of helping women and children.   Past and future DIAD partners include Arc of East Central Iowa, ASAC, Waypoint, and Young Parents Network.   November's DIAD focuses on helping the children at Tanager Place.  

 

For more information, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org .

 

Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.   Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.


OVER 40 TRUCKS EQUALS BIG FUN AT LIL' KIDS & BIG RIGS

Give kids a chance to steer in support of The Arc of East Central Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - This Sunday's Lil' Kids & Big Rigs fundraiser promises to be fun for the whole family!  Junior League of Cedar Rapids has secured over 40 trucks and other vehicles for kids of all ages to explore, including dump trucks, semi trucks, race cars, a crane, an excavator, a garbage truck, a snowplow, a fire truck, military vehicles, and even a helicopter.  Other entertainment includes an appearance by Cinderella from 12-1, carnival games, an inflatable slide, a rock climbing wall, and Big Wheel races. 

Performances by Movement Dance Co. and Twisters Gymnastic Studio will perform throughout the day, and the CRPD will be on hand to demonstrate fingerprinting and show off the Canine Unit. 

The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Hawkeye Downs. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for groups up to six members.  Food, entertainment, and a unique, hands-on experience with vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be available.  Tickets can still be purchased at local Hy-Vee Drugstores, online at JuniorLeaguecr.org, or at the gate on the day of the event (cash only please).

"It's so exciting to see the children's faces light up when they get to see all these magnificent vehicles up close and experience their favorite toys in 'real life'" said Lil' Kids and Big Rigs committee chair, Kären Wilson.

Proceeds from this event fund the non-profit organization's mission of improving our community and developing the potential of women as trained volunteers. JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store. Volunteers will assist with renovation of the space and activity development throughout the year. JLCR also provides support for existing Arc programs. For more information about this event and JLCR membership, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org.

Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  For more information, please visit www.juniorleaguecr.org.

A League of Their Own Benefits Many

When a group of women formed the Junior League of Cedar Rapids in 1934, their opportunities in public life were relatively limited.

Wife and mother were the jobs that women were made for — or so the thinking went.

But those young women knew they had much to offer their communities in addition to their families.

Seventy-five years after its formation, the Cedar Rapids league continues to make an indelible mark on the place we live and on the women who serve.

It’s a whole new world for women now, perhaps in part because of service groups like the Junior League.

The group is part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization whose stated goals are to promote volunteerism, improve communities and develop women’s potential.

To mark this anniversary, a temporary exhibit, “Women Building Better Communities: 75 Years of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids,” continues through Saturday at the Mary and Carl Koehler History Center.

Today, the Cedar Rapids group counts more than 350 active and sustaining members. Over their decades of service, members have contributed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to causes that help area women and children.

They have supported children’s educational and artistic development through programs like the Playtime Poppy children’s theater, the Science Station and the Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities project at Bever Park.

They’ve provided critical services for women and children in need through the Waypoint Madge Phillips Center, runaway youth shelters, high school day cares, mentoring and other programs.

They have been active in flood relief and recovery, and now are helping The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an art studio and retail store.

Their efforts brought us the Duramed FUTURES Tournament — Iowa’s only stop on the LPGA’s Developmental Tour, which prepares young women for professional golfing careers.

In the past 75 years, they raised more than $4 million for these and other local projects.

Equally as important as the Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ charitable and volunteer contributions, the group also has trained generations of its members as leaders. As example, more than 800 local men and women have received training and support as emerging community leaders through the Leadership for Five Seasons program conducted by the league and the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout a long history of promoting women’s education and involvement, Junior League members have learned by doing.

That’s as important today — and will be tomorrow — as it was 75 years ago.

JLCR to Sponsor Two Girls for Butterfly Kisses Fundraiser

Proceeds help JLCR to better the community


CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Two lucky girls from Taylor Elementary School will get the opportunity to spend a memorable afternoon with their fathers at Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) 7th Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive S.E., Cedar Rapids, from 12:30 until 4 p.m. The girls selected from the Taylor School 3 Wish List will receive tickets to the event, Von Maur gift cards to purchase dresses and shoes, and complimentary hair and nail services, all courtesy of JLCR. ...<< MORE >>

JLCR Raises Over $5,500 to Help Flooded NonProfits

Current of Care a success as it helps rebuild Cedar Rapids community


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Junior League of Cedar Rapids is proud to announce the success of its Currents of Care flood relief program. Local nonprofit organizations affected by the flood such as Aid to Women, Boys and Girls Club, Cedar Valley Montessori School, Girl Scouts, Young Parents Network and Waypoint will receive over $2500 in donated items such as diapers, formula, toiletries, food, cleaning supplies, and art supplies. Additionally, cash and gift card donations totaled over $3000.


Currents of Care reflects the JLCR mission of developing the ...<< MORE >>

JLCR Members Honored by Corridor Business Journal

Mindy Sorg and Kari Cooling Selected as "Forty Under 40" Honorees


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to announce the selection of two members as The Corridor Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" honorees. Mindy Sorg and Kari Cooling will be honored in the publication's October 27 issue and at an awards dinner on October 28.


Mindy Sorg has been an active member of JLCR for the past four years, serving on several committees and holding leadership positions. She is the current Vice President of Planning and the President Elect. She will lead JLCR during ...<< MORE >>

Junior League of Cedar Rapids Celebrates 75 Years of Community Service

$18K in community grants and flood donations to be awarded during celebratory luncheon



"So many non-profit and critical emergency services are facing both organization capacity and service challenges due to the flooding that occurred in Cedar Rapids," said Charity Tyler, President of Junior League of Cedar Rapids. "What better way to celebrate our 75 years of community service than by helping them out so they can continue to be a strong resource for the people and community of Cedar Rapids well into the future."


The selected non-profit and service organizations will be present to receive their grants and ...<< MORE >>

JLSC Gives $1,000 To JLCR'S Currents of Care Flood Relief Effort

Sister organization comes forward to help improve communities

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) has received a check for $1,000 from its sister organization, Junior League of Sioux City (JLSC), for JLCR's Currents of Care flood relief effort. Both local organizations are members of the parent organization, The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). To date, Currents of Care has raised $1,200 in gift cards and cash and over $2,000 in donated goods. The addition of JLSC's $1,000 gift brings the total of cash and goods raised by JLCR's Currents of Care flood relief effort to over $4,200.

Three days after the devastating flooding in the Cedar Rapids area, Tammie Pech, Junior League of Sioux City president, was on the phone with JLCR President, Charity Tyler, asking how they could help. As JLCR's Currents of Care project took shape, JLSC was briefed on the project's vision of creating a convenient, immediate and efficient way for everyone to help rebuild the Cedar Rapids community.

Stephanie Rex, JLCR vice president of community, was excited upon receiving the donated funds. "The generosity of JLSC is heartwarming. JLCR is honored to know that we will be able to make that much more of an impact on other non-profits affect by the flood. We are so fortunate to be a part of an amazing organization of women who truly care and want to fulfill our shared mission of improving communities."

Currents of Care started Friday, Aug. 1 and continues through Friday, Sept. 26. JLCR members station themselves outside the entrances of area superstores, providing patrons a list of needed items for that week's highlighted organization. Patrons then have the opportunity to purchase items from the list and conveniently leave them with a Junior League of Cedar Rapids representative on their way out. JLCR members are delivering the items to the designated nonprofit organization.

Currents of Care reflects the JLCR mission of promoting voluntarism and improving communities.

For more information, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org for the non-profit JLCR is focusing on each week and that organization's list of needs.

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