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FOCUS: Philanthropy/Nonprofits
Rockwell Collins awards $87,500 in green grants
More than 40 organizations around the world will benefit from $87,500 in Green Communities environmental grants awarded by Rockwell Collins this year.
The grants benefit organizations like Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition), which has been a four-time recipient. Project AWARE works to remove thousands of pounds of trash from a different Iowa river each summer. The whole project serves to emphasize the role of recycling in the environmental decision-making process, all the while giving Iowans a sense of engagement with their environment.
Last summer's event targeted the Turkey River, where 429 volunteers worked to remove more than 32 tons of trash from the 88 miles of river. The project typically runs over a week-long period and brings in volunteers of all ages. Since it began in 2003, more than 2,150 volunteers have helped to clear more than 700 miles of Iowa rivers and have removed more than 182 tons of trash (65 percent of which has been recycled). This summer volunteers will complete similar work on 90 miles of the Iowa River.
The Green Communities grant program, in its ninth year, funds projects that improve the environmental condition of communities where Rockwell Collins operates. To apply, a qualified non-profit organization or public/government entity must team with a Rockwell Collins employee or retiree.
Horizons helps with foreclosure reviews
Cedar Rapids' homeowners that suffered financial injury as a result of errors in foreclosure actions on their homes in 2009 or 2010 can request an Independent Foreclosure Review. The deadline for applying for an Independent Foreclosure Review, conducted under the auspices of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve), is July 31.
Borrowers are eligible for an Independent Foreclosure Review if they meet the following basic criteria:
- The mortgage loan was serviced by one of the participating mortgage servicers.
- The mortgage loan was active in the foreclosure process between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
- The property securing the mortgage loan was the borrower's primary residence.
There are no costs associated with being included in the review; the review is a free program. Information about the review process, including how to request an independent review, was mailed to potentially eligible borrowers in November and December.
Select mortgage lenders are offering eligible borrowers a free and impartial Independent Foreclosure Review by an independent consultant to identify those who may have been financially injured due to errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in their foreclosure process. If the review finds that financial injury occurred, the customer may receive compensation or other remedy.
Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling Services may be contacted for information on eligibility, to assist with completing and filing a Request for Review form, and respond to any questions or concerns about the process. Individuals with questions about the Independent Foreclosure Review process can contact Horizons Consumer Credit Counseling at (319) 398-3576.
Dwight football camp offers scholarships
This year, the Tim Dwight Football Camp is giving 11 full-ride scholarships to kids involved in the Johnson County Salvation Army youth programs. The camp gives kids between the ages of 8 -14 a chance to experience football fundamentals taught by collegiate and high school coaches from the Midwest-along with hands on instruction throughout by former NFL player, Iowa Hawkeye and City High Alum, Tim Dwight.
During the past year, Mr. Dwight has become involved with the Salvation Army as the 2011 Honorary Christmas Chairperson and a VIP at the 1st Annual Youth Extravaganza held in May.
The camp is June 13-15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.at South East Junior High School in Iowa City. For more information about the camp, please visit timdwightcamp.com.
Linn County to offer surplus office furniture to nonprofits
Linn County will offer surplus office furniture to area nonprofits free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis June 19 from 1-3 p.m. on the first floor of Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Road SW.
The furniture includes desks, chairs and file cabinets. Non-profits will be responsible for providing their own transportation for the furniture.
To participate, non-profits must submit an email to amanda.hoy@linncounty.org before noon June 18 with the corporate name, Secretary of State number and contact information.
Culver's Garden Center Girls' Night Out to benefit Variety
Girls' Night Out: Toast to Summer will take place June 20, from 5-8 p.m. at Culver's Garden Center and Greenhouse, 1682 Dubuque Road in Marion.
Free and open to the public, the event benefits Variety - the Children's Charity. The night includes complimentary massages from Table for One, treats provided by Jule's Bakery and Corn-Fusion, prizes from area businesses, a Park Farm Winery tasting, and live music from Iowa City singer/songwriter Nikki Lunden. More details at www.culversgarden.com/girlsnight.
AHA registers teams for heart walk
The American Heart Association is inviting local businesses and area heart survivors to join them by registering as a team to walk in the annual Linn County Heart Walk on Aug. 4 at Kirkwood Community College. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. Heart health education, food, entertainment and a kids zone will be offered. Register teams at www.linncountyheartwalk.org.
Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center Clearinghouse moving
The Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center (ISAIC) Clearinghouse is moving into its new location at 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, the site of the new Cedar Rapids Public Library west side branch. West Side Transport is donating two trailers, a truck and driver for the move.
ISAIC will base its operations from the new West Side Branch Library. From offices at this location, ISAIC will support education, prevention and treatment efforts throughout Iowa by supplying accurate information and referral services over the phone, online and in person in the areas of substance abuse, problem gambling and tobacco. Additionally, the ISAIC clearinghouse for pamphlets, brochures, posters, and giveaway items, addressing drug abuse prevention, tobacco use prevention and cessation, problem gambling, mental health, and related issues will be housed in the back of the west side branch.
The new west side branch is scheduled to open in January 2013.
Book Fest volunteers needed
The Iowa City Book Festival is right around the corner, offering many opportunities to celebrate books, writing, and reading. To make it all go smoothly, volunteers are needed to staff various events July 14-15.
For more information, visit www.iowacitybookfestival.org/.
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