Junior League of Cedar Rapids News

Lil' Kids Plus Big Rigs Equals Collosal Fun

PR Team — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:53:05 GMT

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.

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

Duramed FUTURES Tour Adds 2009 Tournament In Iowa

PR Team — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:06:25 GMT

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 Brings Kids in the Kitchen to Local School

PR Team — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:56:27 GMT

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

PR Team — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:24:45 GMT

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 .

Download Full Press Release (pdf)

Donation Items List (pdf)

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

PR Team — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:31:23 GMT

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

PR Team — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:24:09 GMT

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

PR Team — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:34:53 GMT

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)

6th Annual Butterfly Kisses Event A Success

PR Team — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:49:52 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) presented it sixth Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at Cedar Rapids Country Club, when more than 600 braved the cold to attend the sold out father-daughter Valentine Dance. Proceeds from this event fund the non-profit organization’s mission of improving our community and developing the potential of women as trained volunteers.

At Butterfly Kisses, 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. Princess McNall, daughter of Todd McNall, 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; TrueNorth, LLC; Gehring Orthodontics; Citywide Cleaners; Lifetouch®; Scott and Monica Myers; Armstrong Development Company; Infinity Contact Solutions; Northwestern Mutual; Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C.; Dr. David and Dorea Burkamper; Dr. Mohit and Charu Chawla; and Dr. Clayton and Kim Parks.

Download the Full Press Release (pdf)

Second Annual Iron Chef Event Rescheduled

PR Team — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:41:39 GMT

Evening of Wednesday, March 12 agreed upon

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – After countless hours of rescheduling, the Second Annual Iron Chef event will still go on. It will now be held the evening of Wednesday, March 12. Near-blizzard conditions on Tuesday, Jan. 29 caused the event to be postponed. Everyone, from the judges, to the competing restaurants, to the wine and beer distributors are on board with the new date.

A full house will watch local culinary experts compete for the coveted title of “Iron Chef”, as approximately 200 guests will be present. For as many times as the event has been held, Iron Chef is officially sold out. Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) members will be contacting those who bought tickets for the original event to ensure they know of the rescheduled date. If you bought tickets for the January date and can no longer attend on Wednesday, March 12, please contact the JLCR office at 319-364-7892.

Kirkwood College Culinary Department, Iowa Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, will host the event Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised will help fund JLCR projects such as the upcoming Habitat for Humanity women-led build and further JLCR in its mission. One lucky raffle winner at Iron Chef will be selected to receive great prizes, including the unique opportunity to sample each of the contestants’ offerings. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the door; need be present to win.

Judges will decide who among the local chefs from Kirkwood, Daniel Arthur’s, Vino's Ristorante and Zins is this year’s “Iron Chef.” The “People’s Choice” award is also up for grabs as chefs from Marriott, CR Chophouse and Beckett’s compete. Vino’s Ristorante and CR Chophouse are new to the chef’s lineup. Those competing for the “People’s Choice” award will provide two different appetizers for guests. Dale Lee Distributing will provide a beer tasting. First Avenue Wine House and Secret Cellar will provide a tasting of ten varieties of wine.

This year’s silent auction offers exciting items for the whole family. Our emcee for the evening will be Beth Malicki from KCRG-TV9. Live music will be performed by guitarist Adam Beck. Free cookbooks will be offered to all attendees and great door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

Event sponsors are 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.

Download the Full Press Release (pdf)

Second Annual Iron Chef Event Sold Out

PR Team — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:26:14 GMT

Competing Chef Lineup Changes

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – A full house will watch local culinary experts compete for the coveted title of “Iron Chef”, as approximately 200 guests will be present. For as many times as the event has been held, Iron Chef is officially sold out. For those who missed out on buying tickets, feel free to call 319-364-7892 to be placed on a waiting list.

Kirkwood College Culinary Department, Iowa Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, will host the event Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised at this event will help fund Junior League of Cedar
Rapids (JLCR) projects such as the upcoming Habitat for Humanity women-led build and further JLCR in its mission. One lucky raffle winner at Iron Chef will be selected to receive great prizes, including the unique opportunity to sample each of the contestants’ offerings. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the door; need be present to win.

Judges will decide who among the local chefs from Kirkwood, Daniel Arthur’s, Vino's Ristorante and Zins is this year’s “Iron Chef.” The “People’s Choice” award is also up for grabs as chefs from Marriott, CR Chophouse and Beckett’s compete. Vino’s Ristorante and CR Chophouse are new to the chef’s lineup. Those competing for the “People’s Choice” award will provide two different appetizers for guests. Dale Lee Distributing will provide a beer tasting. First Avenue Wine House and Secret Cellar will provide a tasting of ten varieties of wine.

This year’s silent auction offers exciting items for the whole family. Our emcee for the evening will be Beth Malicki from KCRG-TV9. Live music will be performed by guitarist Adam Beck. Free cookbooks will be offered to all attendees and great door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

Event sponsors are 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.

Download Press Release (pdf)

6th Annual Butterfly Kisses Fundraiser

PR Team — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:41:59 GMT

Proceeds will help non-profit better our community

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) presents its sixth annual Butterfly Kisses event Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008 at Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive S.E., Cedar Rapids, from 1 until 4 p.m. This father-daughter Valentine Dance will help fund JLCR’s annual budget, which, in turn, helps the non-profit organziation fulfill its mission of improving our community.

At Butterfly Kisses, daughters and granddaughters alongside their fathers and grandfathers will enjoy 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. 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.

Ticket prices are $35 for one father and daughter couple, with $15 for each additional daughter. “Keepsake Packages” are available for $60 per father and daughter couple, with $20 for each additional daughter. In addition to the events listed above, the “Keepsake Package” also includes a 5x7 professional photograph by Jill Christine Photography, a Keepsake Valentine gift and five Grand Prize Drawing tickets.

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; TrueNorth, LC; Gehring Orthodontics; Citywide Cleaners; Lifetouch®; Scott and Monica Myers; Armstrong Development Company; Infinity Contact Solutions; Northwestern Mutual; Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C.; Dr. David and Dorea Burkamper; Dr. Mohit and Charu Chawla; and Dr. Clayton and Kim Parks.

Download Press Release (pdf)

JLCR Reschedules Toy and Book Sale to Benefit Science Station Due to Ice Storm

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:33:58 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) has rescheduled its holiday toy and book sale for this coming Saturday, Dec. 8. The sale was originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, but was canceled due inclement weather. The toy and book sale will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Cherry Building, 329 10th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. In line with JLCR’s mission to improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, all proceeds will benefit the Science Station.

JLCR has helped the Science Station set up a new and improved gift store. The toys sold at this holiday toy and book sale are examples of what unique items can be found at the Science Station’s gift shop. JLCR also continues to support the Science Station and its new gift store by helping staff the shop voluntarily on Saturdays.

The holiday toy and book sale will run during the Very Cherry Holiday. This event has also been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. due to an ice storm this past weekend. The Very Cherry Holiday is an annual open house and studio tour held by the artists and entrepreneurs of the Cherry Building. Over 25 studios, galleries and renovated workspaces will be open to the public with original artwork and unique gift packages available for purchase.

The Cherry Building is located in the Czech Village/New Bohemia Cultural District. The Very Cherry Holiday Open House has driven hundreds of visitors to the District as they walk through the renovated 88-year-old building and find hidden treasures.

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 Press Release (pdf)

Second Annual Iron Chef Event to Benefit JLCR Mission

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:33:54 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The coveted title of “Iron Chef” is on the line once again as Junior League of Cedar Rapids holds its second annual competition Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised at this event will help fund Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) projects such as the upcoming Habitat for Humanity women-led build and help JLCR fulfill its mission.

Kirkwood College Culinary Department will host the event as local chefs from Kirkwood, Daniel Arthur’s, Konstantinos and Zins vie for the title. One lucky raffle winner at Iron Chef will be selected to receive great prizes, including the unique opportunity to sample each of the contestants’ offerings.

The “People’s Choice” award is also up for grabs as chefs from Marriott, Gourmet Made Simple, and Beckett’s compete. These professionals will provide two different appetizers for guests. Dale Lee Distributing will provide a beer tasting; and First Avenue Wine House and Secret Cellar will provide a tasting of ten varieties of wine.

This year’s silent auction offers exciting items for the whole family. Our emcee for the evening will be Beth Malicki from KCRG-TV9. Live music will be performed by guitarist Mark Moss. Free cookbooks will be offered to all attendees and great door prizes will be awarded throughout the night.

We anticipate a sell-out crowd of approximately 200 guests. Tickets price will be $45 per person and will go on sale starting December 15. 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.

Download the Press Release (pdf)

JLCR Toy and Book Sale to Benefit Science Station

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:33:50 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) will host a
holiday toy and book sale, Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at
the Cherry Building, 329 10th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. In line with
JLCR’s mission to improve the community through the effective action and
leadership of trained volunteers, all proceeds will benefit the Science
Station.

The holiday toy and book sale will run during the Very Cherry Holiday,
an annual open house and studio tour held by the artists and
entrepreneurs of the Cherry Building. Over 25 studios, galleries and
renovated workspaces will be open to the public with original artwork
and unique gift packages available for purchase.

The Cherry Building is located in the Czech Village/New Bohemia Cultural
District. The Very Cherry Holiday Open House has driven hundreds of
visitors to the District as they walk through the renovated 88-year-old
building and find hidden treasures.

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 Press Release (pdf)

Under the Harvest Moon Tickets Going Fast

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:50:05 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Tickets to Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ tenth annual fall fundraiser, Under the Harvest Moon, are selling quickly with only five days until the event. You won’t want to miss being a part of this interactive night of laughter and fun. Act quickly, and get your tickets to this highly entertaining evening online at www.juniorleaguecr.org. Tickets cost $60 and will be available for pick up at Theatre Cedar Rapids’ will call window the night of the event.

Thursday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. Junior League of Cedar Rapids will team up with Theatre Cedar Rapids for a performance of The Rocky Horror Show. Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. There will be the traditional wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions at Theatre Cedar Rapids; however, this year it will wrap around a stage performance of The Rocky Horror Show.

Cumulus Media and KDAT 104.5 are proud to sponsor the Junior League of Cedar Rapids in this event. Other generous sponsors include: Bill and Tascha Keettel; Bank Iowa; Dave Berry Real Estate Team of Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty; Citywide Cleaners; Precision Structures; TrueNorth Companies; Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust; Wells Fargo; Rockwell Collins; Bohr, Dahm, Greif & Associates, P.C.; Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty; Hills Bank; Infinity Contact; Insight Vision; and Iowa Illinois Taylor Insulation.

For more information, please contact the Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org. Or, for those looking to become involved in this unique fund raiser through a sponsorship, contact Kris Berry at (319) 364-7892.

Download the complete press release (pdf)

Junior League of Cedar Rapids Awards Community Grants

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:44 GMT

$3,000 Given to Five Area Non-Profits

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ (JLCR) Public Policy Committee proudly announces the recipients of this year’s Community Grant Program. In total, five area non-profit organizations received $3,000 worth of grants. “We received 19 applications for a total amount of $29,332.25 in requests. Thanks to our growing endowment, Junior League of Cedar Rapids was able to give $1,000 more this year than previous years,” said Kristine Chaifos, Public Policy Committee Chair.

Kids First Law Center will be awarded the largest grant for $975.75 for the “Workbooks for Divorce Workshops” program; Metro High School will receive $724.25 for it’s “Smoking Cessation Program”; Access Iowa will receive $500 for the “Taylor Mentoring Program”; $500 will be given to Community Circle of Care for the “Sleepout for the Homeless” program; finally, Cedar Rapids Noon Lions Club will be granted $300 for the “KidSight Vision Program.”

This year’s grant recipients will be announced at JLCR’s Community Awareness Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 10. JLCR will hold its bi-annual community awareness breakfast from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at The Bridge, located at 2100 First Avenue NE.

The focus of this year’s awareness breakfast is the United Way of East Central Iowa’s Community Agenda for Action plan. Our guest speaker will be Leslie Wright, director of community impact for the United Way of East Central Iowa. Hy-Vee is a contributing sponsor for the breakfast. Please contact Kristine Chiafos, Public Policy Committee chair, at 350-5010 or kchiafos@yahoo.com if you have any questions regarding this event.

All grant applications will be kept on file and used by Junior League of Cedar Rapids to help assess the needs of the community. This information will be used to develop ideas for future signature projects and to identify potential “Done in a Day” projects, which are completed by JLCR throughout the year.

Download the full press release (pdf)

Junior League of Cedar Rapids Teams With Cedar Valley Habitat For Humanity

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:47 GMT

Partnership Starts with Open House

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Two powerful non-profit volunteer organizations are coming together for a new innovative approach to building a home in the Cedar Valley. Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) will provide the “woman power” and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity will provide the expertise and knowledge. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2008. This women led build will take approximately seven months.

A Contractor Open House is being held Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m at Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, located at 725 North Center Point Rd., Hiawatha. This open house is purely informational for contractors and construction professionals. It allows these experts to come with an open mind and find out how they can help our community, while receiving the recognition and acknowledgment they deserve. Contractors are encouraged to come as they are; food and beverages will be provided.

“This project fits hand-in-hand with JLCR’s mission and commitment to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” said Ashley Ernst, Co-Chair of Habitat for Humanity Committee.

Junior League of Cedar Rapids will also be helping Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity by creating a database of area contractors and construction experts willing to donate their time, materials and resources to not only the JLCR women led build, but also other Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity builds.

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Junior League of Cedar Rapids Hosts Community Awareness Breakfast

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:50 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – On Saturday, Nov. 10, Junior League of Cedar Rapids
will hold its bi-annual community awareness breakfast from 9:00 – 11:00
a.m. at The Bridge, located at 2100 First Avenue NE.

The focus of this year’s awareness breakfast is the United Way of East
Central Iowa’s Community Agenda for Action plan. Leslie Wright,
director of community impact for the United Way of East Central Iowa,
will be the guest speaker.

Wright will discuss the Agenda’s three Impact Areas that will focus
resource investment in the coming year. The three Impact Areas include:
Strengthening Children & Youth, Strengthening Families and Strengthening
Connections. The Agenda was developed in partnership with the community,
including agencies, donors and other key stakeholders. Discussion will
highlight the needs of women and children in our community.

We are still seeking sponsors for this event. Please contact Kristine
Chiafos, Public Policy Committee chair, at (319) 364-7892 if you have
sponsor information to share.

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Under the Harvest Moon Goes to the Dark Side of the Moon

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:53 GMT

The Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ tenth annual fall fundraiser, Under the Harvest Moon, is going to the dark side of the moon this fall. On Thursday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. Junior League of Cedar Rapids will team up with Theatre Cedar Rapids for a performance of The Rocky Horror Show. Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss this interactive night of laughter and fun while supporting the Junior League of Cedar Rapids at the same time.

There will be the traditional wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions at Theater Cedar Rapids; however, this year it will wrap around a stage performance of The Rocky Horror Show. Tickets to this
highly entertaining evening start at $60. Purchase your tickets online at www.juniorleaguecr.org. Tickets will be available for pick up at Theatre Cedar Rapids’ will call window.

Cumulus Media and KDAT are proud to sponsor the Junior League of Cedar Rapids in this event. Other generous sponsors include: The Dave Berry Real Estate Team of Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty; TrueNorth Companies;
Bank Iowa; Prescision Structures; Citywide Cleaners; Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust; Infinity Contact; Bohr, Dahm, Greif & Associates; Insight Vision; and Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty.

For more information, please contact the Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org. Or, for those looking to become involved in this unique fund raiser through
a sponsorship, contact Kris Berry at (319) 364-7892, or to donate an item for the silent or live auction contact Amy Furhman at (319) 364-7892.

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The Junior League of Cedar Rapids Hosts Welcome Night

PR Team — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:13:56 GMT

Women interested in joining the Junior League of Cedar Rapids are invited to attend “Welcome Night” on Wednesday, September 19 at the Four Oaks Building, located at 2100 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. Come visit with other women like yourself and see how you can be a part of a dynamic group of leaders. The evening will include an informational presentation focusing on the benefits of membership.

Please RSVP to the Membership Development Committee Chair by Saturday, September 15 at 319.364.1358 or info@juniorleaguecr.org.

Download the full press release (pdf)