Junior League of Cedar Rapids News

Third Annual Iron Chef Event a Success

2009-03-06T14:00:00Z

Cibo Fusion awarded the coveted "Iron Chef" Award

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Cibo Fusion was awarded the coveted title of "Iron Chef" as Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) hosted its third annual competition Wednesday, March 4, at the Mansfield Center on the Kirkwood Community College campus. The student team from the Kirkwood Community College Hospitality Program defended its title against chefs from Beckett's Public House (winner of last year's People's Choice award), Cibo Fusion, and Linn Street Café. KCRG's Beth Malicki and 100.7 The Fox's Faye Dudley emceed the event with over 200 people in attendance.

This year's main ingredient was flat iron steak, donated by the Iowa Beef Industry Council. As the competition began, the chefs were informed of a surprise ingredient, Goose Island Honkers Ale, donated by Dale Lee Distributing. The chefs then faced off in a frenetic, culinary battle against each other and the clock. The judges, Ian Cummings (chef/owner Croissant du Jour), Cecelia Hanley (Food & Fitness Editor, The Gazette), Ron Hall (Executive Chef, Mercy Medical Center, Iowa City), Matt Meadows (Executive Chef, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort) and Brent McRae (Manager, Clarion Hotel and Convention Center) selected Cibo Fusion for the "Iron Chef" award and Linn Street Café for the secret ingredient award. LJ's Catering won the People's Choice Award.

While the chefs worked their magic in the kitchen, attendees sampled appetizers provided by this year's People's Choice competitors: LJ's Catering, Jiamen, and Winifred's Catering. Dale Lee Distributing provided a beer tasting; First Avenue Wine House, Secret Cellar and Jasper Wineries provided wine tastings; and live music was provided by guitarists Adam Beck and Mark Moss.

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 was proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Iron Chef a success: media sponsor Mix 96.5, Bank Iowa, Citywide Cleaners, Farmers State Bank, Wells Fargo, AB Transport, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Bankers Trust, Dave Berry Real Estate Team, Limolink, Northwestern Mutual, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Innovative Aesthetics, Morris Wood Enterprises LLC, and Gehring Orthodontics.

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JLCR Announces Kids in the Kitchen Event

2009-02-24T14:00:00Z

Families to Learn Importance of Healthy Eating

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to announce their partnership with Young Parents Network (YPN) for this year's Kids in the Kitchen event on March 3, 2009. Young families have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and the importance of an active lifestyle. Samples of nutritious snacks and meals will be provided along with activity stations and handouts.

Shannon Ford, chair of the Done-in-a-Day committee, said, "With childhood obesity on the rise, we feel that it is important to show families that eating right and exercise is attainable even with budget and time constraints."

The event will be held at Young Parents Network, 327 35th St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

JLCR projects focus on women and children. Working with YPN on this project fits women-led organization's mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities. The Association of Junior Leagues International provides guidelines and materials to support the Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which began in 2006.

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JLCR Announces New Member Project with ASAC

2009-02-19T14:00:00Z

JLCR Partners with Area Businesses to Improve Recreation Room for Youths

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) new member class is proud to announce its "It Takes a League to Build a Community" project, scheduled for Saturday, April 25. JLCR is teaming up with several local businesses to completely make over the youth recreation room utilized by participants in the Area Substance Abuse Council's (ASAC) youth inpatient rehabilitation program. ASAC incurred flood-related damages during the historic flood of 2008, and the success of this project depends on the donation of materials and services from local business and volunteers.

JLCR focuses its projects on women and children. Working with ASAC on this project fits the women-led organization's mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities. ASAC's youth inpatient program provides rehabilitation services for around 20 youths between the ages of 13 and 18 throughout the course of a 90day stay. To date the program has exhibited a 70 percent success rate, a notable accomplishment that emphasizes the perseverance of the program.

JLCR plans to modernize and improve the usability of the current recreation room. This will create an area for relaxation and renewal and improve the healing processes taking place throughout the program..

"We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with ASAC. After all of ASAC's work towards bettering our community, we cannot think of a better way to join ASAC's efforts of improvement and provide this room makeover," said Tara DeWolf, co-chair of the project.

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 http://www.juniorleaguecr.org/.

Third Annual Iron Chef Event to Benefit JLCR Mission

2009-02-19T14:00:00Z

Local Chefs to Vie for "Iron Chef" Award

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The coveted title of "Iron Chef" is on the line once again as Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) holds its third annual competition Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. The Mansfield Center on the Kirkwood Community College campus is the place to be as a student team from the Kirkwood Community College Hospitality Program defends its title against chefs from Beckett's Public House (winner of last year's People's Choice award), Cibo Fusion, and Linn Street Café.

While the chefs are working their magic in the kitchen, attendees are encouraged to sample hot and cold appetizers provided by this year's People's Choice competitors: LJ's Catering, Jiamen, and Winifred's Catering. Dale Lee Distributing will provide a beer tasting; First Avenue Wine House, Secret Cellar and Jasper Wineries will provide wine tastings. In addition to door prizes, attendees may also purchase raffle tickets to win some unique prizes, including a tasting of one of the competing Iron Chef's final plates.

Kymm Barnes, co-chair of this year's Iron Chef committee, said, "Iron Chef is better than a night out on the town, because you get to sample food and wine from different places all in one room while you watch talented chefs frantically prepare their masterpieces."

A sell-out crowd of approximately 250 guests is anticipated. Tickets are on sale for $45 per person. Email info@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. 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 proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Iron Chef a success: media sponsor Mix 96.5, Bank Iowa, Citywide Cleaners, Farmers State Bank, Wells Fargo, AB Transport, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Bankers Trust, Dave Berry Real Estate Team, Limolink, Northwestern Mutual, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Innovative Aesthetics, Morris Wood Enterprises LLC, and Gehring Orthodontics.

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 visit www.juniorleaguecr.org.

7th Annual Butterfly Kisses Event a Success

2009-02-10T17:27:00Z

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Three lucky girls from Taylor Elementary School were given the unique opportunity to spend a memorable afternoon with their fathers at Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) 7th Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, February 8, 2009. The girls selected from the Taylor School 3 Wish List received tickets to the event, Von Maur gift cards to purchase dresses and shoes, and complimentary hair and nail services, all courtesy of JLCR. The girls' fathers received suits, courtesy of Holley's.

The event was held at Cedar Rapids Country Club, where more than 300 father and daughter couples created a sold out Valentine Dance. Daughters and granddaughters alongside their fathers and grandfathers enjoyed a professional disc jockey and dance, mini ballroom dance lessons, a corsage, face painting, a glitz and glamour station, different crafts and a light luncheon buffet. Addison Berg, granddaughter of Paul Duncan, was the lucky winner of an "American Girl Weekend" in Chicago.

JLCR was proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Butterfly Kisses a success: media sponsor, 104.5 KDAT; Bank Iowa, Citywide Cleaners, Farmers State Bank, Wells Fargo, Rockwell Collins, and Gehring Orthodontics.

Proceeds from this event fund the non-profit organization's mission of improving our community and developing the potential of women as trained volunteers. 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.

JLCR to Sponsor Two Girls for Butterfly Kisses Fundraiser

2008-12-30T14:37:00Z

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.

At Butterfly Kisses, daughters and granddaughters alongside their fathers and grandfathers enjoy a professional disc jockey and dance, mini ballroom dance lessons, a corsage, face painting, a glitz and glamour station, crafts, an opportunity to meet a princess, and a light luncheon buffet. Every girl who attends will also 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 three years; interested parties are encouraged to register early. Tickets will go on sale starting January 5, 2009. Package A is $35 for one father and daughter couple, with $15 for each additional daughter. Package B is available for $60 per father and daughter couple, with $20 for each additional daughter. In addition to the events listed above, Package B also includes a 5x7 professional photograph by Jill Christine Photography, a Keepsake Butterfly Kisses necklace and five additional Grand Prize Drawing tickets per family.

This father-daughter dance will help fund JLCR's annual budget, which, in turn, helps the nonprofit organization fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community. 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; Bank Iowa, Citywide Cleaners, Farmers State Bank, Wells Fargo, Rockwell Collins, and Gehring Orthodontics.

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

JLCR Raises Over $5,500 to Help Flooded NonProfits

2008-10-06T14:27:00Z

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 potential of women, promoting voluntarism and improving communities. Ashley Felder, Currents of Care Chair, said, "JLCR's efforts would not have been possible without the help and generosity of our community. Currents of Care is one of the many avenues that highlights our community's strong spirit of voluntarism and improving communities."

Throughout August and September, JLCR members collected donations outside of Kmart, Lowe's, Sam's Club, and WAL-MART, providing patrons a list of needed items for that week's highlighted organization. Patrons then had the opportunity to purchase items from the list and conveniently leave them with a JLCR representative. JLCR members then delivered the items to the designated nonprofit organization.

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

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JLCR Members Honored by Corridor Business Journal

2008-10-01T14:21:00Z

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 the 2009-2010 League year. In addition to her contribution in JLCR, Sorg has been involved with Leadership for Five Seasons, Waypoint Services for Women Children & Families, United Way, HACAP, Tanager Place, and the HD Youth Center. She is also an accomplished Interior Designer at OPN Architects.

In Kari Cooling's four years in JLCR, she has chaired three committees and served as Vice President of Finance. Cooling also participated in the Leadership for Five Seasons Program and has been involved with the Metro North Rotary, the United Way, Waypoint Services for Women, Children & Families, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Toastmasters, AGC of Iowa and the Iowa Manufacturer's Association. She is also a Hospitality Minister at her church. Professionally, Cooling sells property and casualty insurance to medium to large size businesses for Holmes Murphy and Associates.

"Mindy and Kari are outstanding examples of Junior League's trained volunteers putting their leadership skills into action to improve our community. Their ability to balance career, family and community involvement has been key to their success. These members continue to reach out to make the Corridor a better place to live and work. We're thrilled to see them receive this honor and recognition," said Charity Tyler, JLCR President.

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

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Junior League of Cedar Rapids Celebrates 75 Years of Community Service

2008-09-26T14:41:00Z

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

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to celebrate 75 years of service in the Cedar Rapids community. This milestone will be recognized at the Past-Present-Future luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, when $9,000 in community grants will be awarded to area non-profit organizations. In addition, over $9,000 in flood-relief donations will be awarded to another select group of area non-profit organizations.

"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 donations during a fund raising luncheon that will showcase JLCR's past and present achievements and future endeavors.

"The awarding of community grants is an annual event for JLCR, however, Junior League has allocated $9,000 in grant opportunities which is triple the amount from 2007," said Tyler. "We are equally pleased to be able to present an additional $9,000, and growing, in flood relief donations to assist in the recovery following this summer's devastating floods."

$7,000 of flood relief was donated by the Duramed FUTURES Tour and the LPGA foundation in testament of their support to the city of Cedar Rapids and JLCR, the hosts of the Duramed FUTURES Tournament in June 2009. The remaining funds were collected from JLCR t-shirt sales and other efforts.

For 75 years, Junior League of Cedar Rapids has worked to improve our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. JLCR's efforts have helped numerous community projects take flight, including the Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities (EIEIO) project at BeverPark, the Science Station, MadgePhillipsCenter for Homeless Women and Children, Leadership for Five Seasons and Playtime Poppy (Children's Theater of Cedar Rapids).

The Past-Present-Future luncheon will be held at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org.

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

2008-09-23T14:00:00Z

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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JLCR Announces Flood Relief Grants Program

2008-09-18T14:47:00Z

Area non-profit organizations encouraged to apply

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) proudly announces its flood relief grant program. This fund has been established to benefit non-profit organizations in the greater Cedar Rapids area that were directly impacted by the flood. In 2008, JLCR will contribute $9,000 through its annual grant process and over $9,000 for flood-relief, totaling more than $18,000 for area non-profits with projects that match the JLCR mission.

The grants are made possible by the generosity of the Cedar Rapids community, the Duramed FUTURES Tour, and the LPGA Foundation. In addition to the $7000 contribution, the Tour is donating any fines assessed to players to the flood relief fund.

"The Duramed FUTURES Tour wants to help as much as we can to provide the Cedar Rapids community with funds to rebuild but more importantly show our support of the relief efforts," said Zayra F. Calderon, CEO of the Duramed FUTURES Tour. "Junior League of Cedar Rapids has put so much effort and time into bringing a tournament to the city and now we are honored to be able to reach out and be part of helping Cedar Rapids non-profits rebuild."

JLCR is currently accepting grant applications. Applications are available at the League's website: www.juniorleaguecr.org/projects.html. The deadline for grant requests is Wednesday, October 1. All Cedar Rapids area based non-profit organizations directly impacted by the flood are encouraged to apply.

JLCR will keep all applications on file and use these applications to help assess the needs of the community. This information will be used to develop ideas for future JLCR signature projects and to identify "Done In A Day" projects, which are completed throughout the year.

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

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JLCR Triples Its Yearly Grant Program From Last Year

2008-09-04T14:00:00Z

JLCR TRIPLES ITS YEARLY GRANT PROGRAM FROM LAST YEAR
Area non-profit organizations encouraged to apply

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) proudly announces its annual process of awarding community grants. JLCR has allocated $9,000 in grant opportunities this fall, which triples the amount given in 2007. Founded in 2004, JLCR's community grant program has gifted $9,000 total to community nonprofits. This year's additional $9,000 budgeted grant monies, will double the total amount granted to area nonprofits over the years to $18,000.

"We feel it is extremely important for JLCR to boost its community grant program. We had this in the works before the devastating floods of June. However, the events surrounding the flood bring the importance of our community grant program to the forefront," said Andrea Dorn, JLCR Public Policy Chair.

Each year, JLCR selects non-profit organizations in the greater Cedar Rapids area with projects that match its mission. For 75 years, JLCR has worked to improve our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The organization's efforts have helped numerous community projects take flight, including the Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities (EIEIO) project at BeverPark, the Science Station, the MadgePhillipsCenter for Homeless Women and Children, Leadership for Five Seasons and Playtime Poppy (Children's Theater of Cedar Rapids).

JLCR is currently accepting grant applications. Applications are available at JLCR's website Community page at http://www.juniorleaguecr.org/projects.html. The deadline for grant requests is Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. All Cedar Rapids area based non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.

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

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Lil' Kids Plus Big Rigs Equals Collosal Fun

2008-08-01T14:49:00Z

JLCR gives kids the opportunity to see all kinds of trucks in a fun and safe environment

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to announce the first Lil' Kids & Big Rigs fundraiser. The event will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 1:00- 4:00 p.m. at Hawkeye Downs. Proceeds raised will help fund Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) projects and help JLCR fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities.

This unique, family friendly event allows kids of all ages to see and explore every type of truck imaginable. More than 20 vehicles will be open for children to discover and learn about, including fire engines, helicopters, front-end loaders, dump trucks, motorcycles, cement mixers, ambulances, tanks, police cars and many more! 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.

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

Duramed FUTURES Tour Adds 2009 Tournament In Iowa

2008-06-05T22:00:00Z

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2008 – Officials from Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR), the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Duramed FUTURES Tour announced today the creation of a tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 2009 and 2010. The tournament will be contested June 2-7, 2009, and June 1-6, 2010. The venue will be announced at a later date.

The 54-hole tournament will feature a purse of $110,000 each year and will join the Tour’s already strong schedule of events staged annually in the nation’s Midwest region. The tournament field will bring 144 professionals from a membership of 30 nations to Cedar Rapids. The top five money winners at the end of the season will automatically “graduate” to the LPGA Tour.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with such wonderful organizations and look forward to this opportunity,” said Charity Tyler, president of Junior League of Cedar Rapids, the tournament’s organizers. “The Duramed FUTURES Tour is truly an organization focused on developing world-class women golfers, passionate about improving the host communities where they play, and eager to donate all tournament proceeds to benefit non-profit groups. With such obvious ties to our JLCR mission statement, we are extremely excited about this event.”

Added Zayra F. Calderon, CEO of the Duramed FUTURES Tour: “We are bringing to Cedar Rapids the LPGA’s Developmental Tour and the most talented young professional golfers in the world. More than 300 players have graduated to the LPGA from this Tour -- among them Lorena Ochoa, the world’s No. 1 woman player, and Iowa’s own Beth Bader. We know this region will enjoy watching players attempt to win a guaranteed spot on the LPGA Tour.”

In its early years as the FUTURES Golf Tour, the city of Des Moines, Iowa, hosted the Willow Creek Classic at Willow Creek Golf Club in 1985 and 1986. The LPGA, now parent company of today’s Duramed FUTURES Tour, played the 1956 Women’s Western Open at Wakonda Country Club in Des Moines. Women’s professional golf continued with the LPGA’s Waterloo Open from 1958-1966, at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, Iowa. In recent years, The Legends Tour, for women professionals age 45-over, also has held tournaments in Des Moines.

JLCR is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 350 women. Its mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective leadership of trained volunteers. JLCR’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable with its focus on women and children’s advocacy. Past JLCR projects include establishing a children’s science museum and a women and children’s homeless shelter.

About the Duramed FUTURES Tour
The LPGA’s Developmental Tour, the Duramed FUTURES Tour, has become the world’s largest international women’s developmental tour. In its 28th competitive season this year, the Tour has remained committed to developing LPGA stars of tomorrow and creating viable role models for youth today. The top-five money winners each season earn automatic exemptions for the LPGA Tour. With more than 300 alumnae as current members of the LPGA, through 2007, former Duramed FUTURES Tour players have won a total of 330 LPGA titles, including 35 major championships. Duramed FUTURES Tour events have contributed more than $4 million to charitable organizations throughout the nation since 1989. For more information, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.

Contact: Lisa D. Mickey, Duramed FUTURES Tour, 386-274-6216 or lisa@duramedfuturestour.com.

Download a copy of the Press Release (PDF)

Associated Photos:

Duramed Announcement

Zayra Calderon,
Duramed FUTURES Tour CEO

Charity Tyler,
JLCR President

JLCR & CRACVB Bring Women's Pro Golf to Cedar Rapids

2008-06-05T14:00:00Z

Duramed FUTURES Tour to be held in June 2009, 2010

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CRACV jointly announced today that a tournament on the Duramed FUTURES Tour will be held in the Cedar Rapids area June 2-7, 2009 and June 1-6, 2010. The 54-hole tournament will feature a purse of $110,000 each year. The Tour is the LPGA’s Developmental Tour, which prepares young professional women golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. This tournament will mark the return of women’s professional golf to Iowa.

JLCR is the local host and organizer of the event, which gives Iowans an opportunity to see first-hand the Tour’s world-class women athletes and role models.

"JLCR is proud to host this tournament and partner with such outstanding organizations," said JLCR president, Charity Tyler. "Proceeds from the event will enable JLCR to further its mission of improving our community."

Past JLCR community improvement projects include EIEIO at Old MacDonald's Farm in Bever Park, the Science Station and Waypoint's Madge Phillips Center for Women and Children.

The week-long event will allow golf fans from near and far to watch and cheer alongside future LPGA stars as they take their first and most important steps from college and amateur golf. Two local connections to the Duramed FUTURES Tour include current player Jill Franz of Iowa City and current LPGA player and Duramed FUTURES Tour alum, Beth Bader of Eldridge.

In addition to the professional tournament, organizers will offer amateur golfers a chance to play with a professional in two separate pro-am events during the tournament week. Golf clinics and a variety of other family-friendly activities are also planned.

"Bringing the Duramed FUTURES Tour to the Cedar Rapids Area is a great addition to the spring lineup of events," said Tim Boyle, President of the Cedar Rapids Area and Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Beyond it being a new local attraction, it will also put Cedar Rapids in the

national spotlight. We want to be a nationally known destination. The creation of this tournament and the week-long activities that go with it helps us achieve that goal."

The CRCVB and the Sports Tourism Advisory Committee successfully attracted the Duramed FUTURES Tour to the Cedar Rapids area earlier this year. The Duramed FUTURES Tour requires all proceeds from the tournament to benefit a not-for-profit organization in the host community.

Junior League of Cedar Rapids membership approved a proposal to host the tournament in April. As the organizer, JLCR will use proceeds from the tournament to assist in fulfilling its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

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JLCR Brings Kids in the Kitchen to Local School

2008-04-16T16:44:00Z

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) held the 3rd annual education initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition, titled Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen. Area non-profit organization, Access Iowa, joined JLCR at Taylor Elementary School on April 14, 2008. Students from the Taylor Mentoring Program participated in activities to increase their awareness of proper nutrition and exercise.

Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen program is designed to raise awareness of the importance of eating well and staying healthy and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. JLCR believes that education and hands-on involvement in healthy meal preparation are the first steps to making a lasting change in our children’s future.

Volunteers from both JLCR and Access Iowa provided students with hands-on activities related to selecting and preparing healthy snacks, understanding nutrition labels in order to make healthy food choices, eating a balanced diet using the food pyramid, and the importance of exercise in their daily routine. Ideas to promote family meal activities and the benefits of family dining were also provided.

“It was very rewarding to bring this worthy program to the students at Taylor. They were such enthusiastic participants! This initiative reflects our vision as advocates for issues related to woman and children and our desire to make a difference in the community,” said Kids in the Kitchen coordinator, Nancy Almasi.

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“Dump Your Truck” for JLCR & Habitat for Humanity

2008-03-24T13:18:00Z

Have gently-used home improvement items? Bring them to one of three local Hy-Vees on April 5.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity want your new, gently-used and leftover home improvement items for its “Dump Your Truck” event. This event will be held at one of three local Hy-Vee locations from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. During that time, JLCR members will accept donations at Cedar Rapids’ Johnson Avenue Hy-Vee, Mt. Vernon Road Hy-Vee and Collins Road Hy-Vee.

Examples of accepted items during “Dump Your Truck” include brick, block, masonry, cabinets, countertops, doors, drywall, electrical, fencing, flooring, furniture, hardware, landscaping materials, lumber, paint, wall coverings, plumbing, roofing materials, siding, tile, tools and windows. Donated items will be re-sold at Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, which helps the non-profit organization fund its mission of building and renovating houses so that there are decent homes in decent communities. The ReStore is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Junior League of Cedar Rapids is proud to partner with Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and its ReStore. Megan Murray, JLCR Habitat for Humanity Co-Chair, said, “In addition to helping grow the ReStore’s visibility within the Corridor community, JLCR is excited to offer the volunteer force and partial fundraising for an all women-led Habitat build later this year. ‘Dump Your Truck’ and our build are just two examples of how JLCR fulfills its mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities.”

Thanks to the generosity and goodwill of Neighborhood Movers, LLC, Town and Country Moving Co. and White Glove Movers, a moving truck will be available at each Hy-Vee location from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 5 and will transport all donated items and materials to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, located at 725 North Center Point Road, Hiawatha.

For more information, please contact the Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org. Please contact the ReStore or visit their website for additional information about donated items, http://www.cvhabitat.org/restore/donations.php .

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Donation Items List (pdf)

Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Access Iowa Team Up for Kids in the Kitchen

2008-03-20T13:26:00Z

The two organizations unite, educating children on importance of eating well and staying healthy.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) will participate in the third annual education initiative on childhood obesity and nutrition, titled Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen. Area non-profit organization, Access Iowa, will join JLCR. With the goal to raise awareness and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues, JLCR and Access Iowa will teach the students of the Taylor Mentoring Program, Monday, April 14, 2008 at Taylor Elementary school, 720 7th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen addresses the staggering statistic that nearly one-third of children and adolescents in North and South America will be overweight by 2010 and at increased risk of contracting Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, the numerous ailments related to high cholesterol and social problems that affect self-esteem.

Volunteers from both organizations will teach the students hands-on activities related to preparing their own meals and snacks, based on information that shows children who help with shopping and meal preparation are more likely to eat healthy foods. Motivated by recent studies out of Harvard, Rutgers and the University of Minnesota indicating that family dining improves the dietary habits of children, this year’s program will also promote family meal activities and provide facts on the benefits of family dining.

“JLCR is proud to participate in Kids in the Kitchen as it reflects our vision of advocates for issues relating to women and children. It then ties hand-in-hand with our mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” said JLCR President, Ellen Ramsey-Kacena.

Kristine Chaifos, Access Iowa member added, “We’re proud to partner with Junior League of Cedar Rapids. Not only are they the preeminent volunteer organization, this project expands our opportunities to make a difference in the community.”

Download the Full Press Release (pdf)

Kirkwood Wins 2nd Annual Iron Chef Competition

2008-03-13T19:20:00Z

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Kirkwood College Culinary Department can now boast as
being the area’s Iron Chef. Local chefs from Zins, Daniel Arthur’s,
Vino’s, and Kirkwood competed for the coveted title of “Iron Chef” as
Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) held its second annual competition
on Wednesday, March 12 at the Kirkwood College Culinary Department. For
two years running this event has taken place before a sold-out crowd!

As the competition began, the chefs were told of a surprise ingredient,
which was wjote chocolate. The chefs then faced off in a frenetic,
culinary battle against each other and the clock. The judges, Ian
Cummings, Anne Kapler, Tony Aguiar, Mark Dunn, and Ron Hall, presented
the “Iron Chef” award to Kirkwood. The Iron Chef Secret Ingredient
Champion was Vino’s. Beckett’s Public House won the People’s Choice
Award. Other People’s Choice contestants included chefs from Marriott
and CR Chophouse.

In addition to watching Chefs transform the surprise ingredient into an
award winning delicacy, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a beer tasting by
Dale Lee Distributing, a wine tasting by First Avenue Wine House and The
Secret Cellar, and live music by guitarists Adam Beck and Mark Moss.
All attendees received a free cookbook and great door prizes were
awarded throughout the night.

JLCR is proud to have partnered with the following event sponsors: Mix
96.5; House of Carpets; Kristen Trovas at Merrill Lynch; Office Express;
Guaranty Bank; Good Year; Iowa Pork Producers; Innovative Aesthetics at
Linn County OBGYN; Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust; NE Family Dentistry;
Carousel Nissan; Hawkeye Foods; Mike Gary at Principal; Salon Neil
Bouderaux; AB Transport; First Avenue Wine House; Secret Cellar; Cake
Buzz; Dale Lee Distributing; Pratt Audio and Video; and Coca-Cola
Bottling.

Funds raised at the second annual Iron Chef will help fund JLCR projects
such as the upcoming Habitat for Humanity women-led build, and help JLCR
fulfill its mission. For more information, please contact the Junior
League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at
www.juniorleaguecr.org.

Download the Full Press Release (pdf)

Join Us for 'Bring a Friend to League Night' on March 18

2008-02-14T14:31:00Z

Junior League of Cedar Rapids offers potential new members a chance to attend meeting.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Women looking to promote volunteerism, develop
their potential, and improve their community are invited to Junior
League of Cedar Rapids’ (JLCR’s) “Bring a Friend to League Night” on
Tuesday, March 18, 2008. The organization provides education and
training in areas as diverse as event planning, fundraising and team
building.

“Bring a Friend to League Night” allows potential members to learn more
about the non-profit organization, meet current JLCR members, and
experience a typical monthly meeting. Social time takes place prior to
the meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Clark Alumni House at Coe College,
located at 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. At 6:45 p.m., a short
presentation addressing the benefits of membership will be explained.
The meeting itself begins at 7:00 p.m.

In the last year, JLCR awarded $3,000 in grants to five local
organizations and announced a partnership with Cedar Valley Habitat for
Humanity, in which women will provide the labor for the building of a
local Habitat home. The organization’s annual fund-raisers help make
these projects a reality.

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

Download the Full Press Release (pdf)