Greater Poweshiek County Foundation Spirit of Giving honorees - Round 1

SHE Counts and More - Rachel Bly 

​     In October, GPCF celebrates the GIVERS in our community! Our first Spirit of Giving awardee is Rachel Bly who was nominated for her volunteer efforts with SHE Counts, the Poweshiek County Democrats, TTT, and the League of Women Voters, to name a few. Rachel is a tireless cheerleader for so many causes and she makes everything she touches better. She truly leads by example when giving of her time and expertise. Also, how can you not love to hear Rachel's laugh when attending an event? Thank you, Rachel! Your Spirit of Giving shows in everything you do!

The LINK - Chad Nath

    Our next Spirit of Giving awardee is Chad Nath. Chad, the director of the LINK afterschool and mentoring program, was nominated for his compassion, kindness, and generous spirit. Of the many hats you might see Chad wearing around our community, he always turns up with a smile, endless patience, and a can-do attitude. His leadership in the LINK program for children, parents, and staff reaches far beyond the program's doors as he generously shares his time and resources to make our community better. Thank you, Chad! We appreciate your Spirit of Giving!
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​Brooklyn’s Center Ground - Carla Kriegel 
 
     Center Ground, a coffee shop located in Brooklyn, was nominated for the Spirit of Giving honor last month. Center Ground's owner, Carla Kriegel, is an amazing community partner who created the business to be a hub of activity. She hosts Brooklyn's youth group during the school year, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce meetings, book clubs, and private gatherings like graduation parties or wedding showers, among other things! Carla's daughter, Megan, notes that the establishment was opened a couple of years ago to bring the community together!  Center Ground does that every day with their friendly staff and a bright, welcoming shop with lots of comfy seating and a variety of food and delicious caffeinated and un-caffeinated beverages!

​A Passion for Music - Frank and Sherry Shults
 
    Frank and Sherry Shults share their Spirit of Giving across the Grinnell community. They have turned their passion for music into a way to support local charitable causes through Shults and Co. musical performances and have given more than $100,000 in proceeds from their shows over the years. Frank also serves on several local nonprofit boards and Sherry has been involved in community theater productions. They lead by example with a commitment to sharing their time, talents and resources for the benefit of the entire community.

USDA Food Boxes - Bayer Crop Science 
 
    GPCF recognizes Bayer Crop Science for their generous Spirit of Giving working with the Grinnell Food Coalition to distribute over 7,000 USDA food boxes to area families. From logistics to warehouse space, snow-clearing to heavy-lifting, the Bayer team met every challenge with a can-do attitude and the team to get it done. Nearly 215,000 pounds of food was distributed during the six food box events in weather ranging from sub-zero temperatures to pouring rain. This would not have been possible without Bayer's enthusiastic support. Receiving the honor on behalf of the company was Steve Gant, left, Site Lead, and Matt Moyer, Production Manager, right. Thank you, Bayer Crop Science team, for your generous Spirit of Giving!