Film Scene - Iowa Disability Film Festival - Olivia C
Through the KCRG Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the pleasure of promoting local events in the community with good causes. One such event was the Iowa Disability Film Festival. The festival, hosted by Iowa Citys FilmScene, was a celebration of films by and about people with disabilities, aiming to expand awareness, start dialogue, and promote diverse voices in the world of cinema. FilmScene is a nonprofit cinema organization dedicated to enhancing Iowa City through the presentation of film as art. This event was presented collaboratively by community partners and advocates. Through thoughtful programming, the festival offered opportunities to engage with the stories that reflect the experiences of individuals with a range of various disabilities. All screenings were designed to feature open captions, ASL interpretation, and descriptive audio so everyone could enjoy the films comfortably across a variety of circumstances and abilities. Beyond the screen, the festival invited meaningful conversations. Post-screening discussions, panels, and community events created a space for attendees to reflect, connect, and learn from one another. We are proud to support this event and others like it!
Iowa Farm Sanctuarys Inaugural Gala - Olivia C
Thanks to the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the opportunity to support local events with good causes. One of these events was the Iowa Farm Sanctuarys very first gala! This event was held at Wilsons Ciderhouse in Iowa City and kicked off with a cocktail hour. After some drinks, attendees were also treated to a gourmet vegan dinner. Later on in the night, there was a live art performance! The Iowa Farm Sanctuarys mission is to provide a safe haven for rescued farm animals in need of love and compassion. Through live and silent auctions, bidders were able to contribute to a good cause and support the functions of the sanctuary. Attendees also got the chance to hear about the rescue stories of the sanctuary and see why their work is so important. With over 140 rescued farm animals onsite, every dollar raised made a real difference. We are proud to support events like this one!
Bowl For Kids' Sake - Olivia C
By means of the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the pleasure of promoting local events with good causes. One of these events is Bowl for Kids Sake, an annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. People from all across the country came together for a perfect way to have fun while raising money to support kids in need. Participants formed teams with friends, family, or co-workers, raised funds by collecting donations, and then celebrated their success with a fun-filled bowling event. Anyone could participateno bowling skills required. People joined teams, donated to support bowlers, and helped spread the word. All the money raised helped Big Brothers Big Sisters connect kids ("Littles") with caring mentors ("Bigs"), giving them the support and encouragement they need to succeed. It was a simple way to make a huge impact in the community. Bowl for Kids Sake wasnt just a fundraiserit was a party with a purpose! Participants rolled strikes, had a blast, and helped change lives. We are proud to support this event and others like it!
Pollinator Garden Update - Olivia C
A couple of years ago, our Green Team saw the need for planting a pollinator garden near the Dave Wright Dog Park. Through collaboration with local master gardeners, and the City of Hiawatha, we were able to set up the garden. The following year, we expanded it further in order to attract more pollinators; such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, which are all critical to our ecosystem. This fall, we saw the need to prepare the garden for fall and winter months. Proper preparation can help protect plants and soil from the harsh winter conditions while ensuring a healthy start to the next growing season. The first step in preparing our garden for winter was to clean up any dead plants, and pull weeds. This helps prevent disease and pests from overwintering in our garden bed. We were sure to remove weeds that might have gone to seed, to prevent them from spreading throughout the winter months, which could create a mess in the spring. By clearing debris, amending soil, mulching, and protecting perennial plants, we can ensure the garden survives the winter and thrives come spring. As the seasons change and the cool breeze of autumn begins to settle in, it's time for other community gardeners to start thinking about how to prepare garden spaces for the winter months. Happy gardening!
Santa Village - Olivia C
Here in Cedar Rapids, Santa's Village at Hawkeye Downs is a beloved holiday tradition that brings festive cheer to families in our community. This seasonal event transforms the Hawkeye Downs venue into a winter wonderland where visitors can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities. Kids can meet Santa Claus himself, snap some photos with his reindeer, and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities like cookie decorating, craft-making, and even a ride on the mini train. The event also offers a festive marketplace where visitors can purchase unique gifts, holiday treats, and seasonal decor. They can also enjoy live entertainment, including holiday music and performances. Concessions including hot cocoa, cookies, and coffee are available to enjoy while exploring the holiday market and enjoying all the activities. Santas Village is a great way to make some special memories this Christmas season. All activities are sponsored by local businesses and bring the community together. We are proud to support events like this and others like it!
Dave Wright Subaru Food Drive - Sydney W
Each year, we host a food drive at Dave Wright Subaru. We ask the community to come together and help us fight hunger in our area. We collect food all month long, and then donate it to HACAP, which is a local nonprofit dedicated to improving human life. The food we donate is then dispersed between different food banks across Eastern Iowa, including many food banks at local schools. This year we donated 1,795 pounds of food! Every 1.2 pounds of food is equivalent to 1 full meal. This year we were able to provide 1,495 meals, all thanks to those in our community who came together for a good cause!
K9Splash - K9Cola - Olivia C
Thanks to the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the opportunity to support local events with good causes. One of these events is the K9Splash, a fundraising event for the K9COLA, Citizens for Off-Leash Areas, a non-profit corporation which supports and promotes safe off-leash areas in and around Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa. Every year, dog lovers and their furry companions eagerly await this unique and delightful celebration dedicated to dogs and their owners. Held at the Cherry Hill Aquatic Center, the K9Splash transforms the facility into a doggy paradise, offering a fun-filled day of swimming, socializing, and splashing around. At the K9Splash, theres something for every dog, regardless of size, breed, or swimming ability. Throughout the day, there are a variety of activities and contests designed to engage both dogs and their owners, these include dock diving, fetch competitions, an agility course, and even a costume contest! The K9Splash is not just about having fun; its also about supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event go towards maintaining and improving local off-leash dog parks, as well as funding future events and initiatives by K9COLA. The organization is dedicated to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to exercise and socialize, and the K9Splash event plays a significant role in their fundraising efforts. We are proud to support this event and others like it!
Marion Metro Kiwanis - BBQ Rendezvous - Olivia C
By means of the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the pleasure of promoting local events with good causes. Every summer, the Marion Metro Kiwanis group ignites the grill and the community spirit with their BBQ Rendezvous. This event, held in the beginning of June, transforms one of the local parks into a fun filled destination filled with food, music, and family fun. One of the highlights of the day is the live music. With three bands performing on stage, the event provides a perfect backdrop for a summer day. This event is also known for its food vendors, who set up Friday evening and slow-cook the meat overnight in preparation for a long Saturday. Kids can enjoy a range of activities, like face painting, balloon animals, sidewalk chalking, and bean bag tosses. But the BBQ Rendezvous is more than just a fun event; it's the Marion Metro Kiwanis' biggest fundraiser. Kiwanis clubs are involved in a wide range of service projects that address the specific needs of their communities. These projects can vary from building playgrounds and organizing food drives to sponsoring youth programs and providing educational scholarships. The emphasis is always on improving the lives of children and fostering a sense of community service among members. The event receives support from the City of Marion and numerous local businesses. These contributions are vital to the success of the event and the community initiatives it supports. With free admission, excellent food, live music, and a range of activities, the Marion BBQ Rendezvous is an event that brings people together to celebrate the start of summer in the best way possible. We at Dave Wright Subaru are proud to support local events like this one!
Dave Wright Subaru gives Love and Hope to cancer patients - Caroline B
On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Dave Wright Subaru kindly delivered 80 blankets and 30 patient care kits to the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, as part of the Subaru Loves To Care partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). These comforting gifts were accompanied by personalized messages of hope written by the customers and staff at Dave Wright Subaru. The Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center staff were so grateful to receive these gifts, and they look forward to distributing them to their patients. Thank you to everyone at Dave Wright Subaru and the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center for their incredible support of the LLS mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families!
Ronald McDonald House Charities - Red Shoe Run - Olivia C
Through the KCRG- TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the opportunity to support local events with good causes. One of these events was the Ronald McDonald Red Shoe Run/Walk 5k. Hundreds of people gathered at Lower City Park Sunday for the 40th annual fundraiser. People could choose to run, walk or push strollers, and some even participated in teams. By supporting this event, participants help the organization to provide resources, free of charge, to families with children undergoing medical treatment. The Ronald McDonald House Charity provides a home away from home for families with sick children. When a child falls ill, families face immense challenges, especially when medical treatment requires traveling far from home. RMHC helps remove the barriers that separate families while they receive pediatric care at the hospital. They provide lodging, meals, laundry facilities, recreation areas and more, in order to give families a more comfortable experience during difficult times. This event is one of RMHCs bigger fundraisers, usually pulling in at least $50,000 for the organization. We are proud to promote events like this one, which help the families in our community during uncertain times.
United Way "Your Time For Art" Event - Olivia C
Through the KCRG Show You Care program, we at Dave Wright Subaru are proud to promote local volunteer organizations in our community. One of these organizations is United Way of East Central Iowa. United Way is holding an event called Your Time for Art. This is an annual event in Eastern Iowa that celebrates volunteerism and local art. At this event, outstanding volunteers are recognized with awards, and attendees have the chance to bid on artwork using volunteer hours instead of money. The event showcases the importance of volunteers in our community and highlights the talent of local artists. Through a silent auction, attendees can bid on donated artwork by pledging their time to volunteer for various causes. The event concludes with the announcement of Volunteer Award winners, honoring those who have made significant contributions to Eastern Iowa. Award categories have been updated to focus on critical community needs. Your Time for Art is not just a gathering; it's a celebration of generosity and creativity, showcasing how volunteerism and art can come together to make a difference in our community. We are proud to support this event and others like it!
Young Parents Network - Trivia Night - Olivia C
Through the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the opportunity to promote fundraising events in the Cedar Rapids area. One of these events will be the YPN Trivia Night! Community members are encouraged to join a group at the Eastbank Venue downtown for a night of Trivia! In Cedar Rapids, the Young Parents Network (YPN) is a vital resource for young parents. Through various programs, they offer crucial support and education to help families thrive. YPN's prenatal and parenting education groups provide valuable information on topics like childbirth, infant care, and positive parenting techniques. Their home visitation program offers personalized support to families, addressing specific needs and connecting families with community resources. The YPN also collaborates with local organizations to advocate for the needs of young parents and ensure access to essential services. This Trivia Night promises an evening of fun while helping the YPN provide prenatal and parenting education to local families. Participating in this event directly supports their mission of empowering parents and allows them to continue the programs and resources they provide regularly. We are proud to support local events like this one!
Cedar Valley Humane Society - Bags & Wags - Olivia C
Through our partnership with the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, we at Dave Wright Subaru are proud to support fundraising events in the Cedar Rapids area. One of these recent events was the Bags and Wags Cornhole Tournament hosted by the Cedar Valley Humane Society. Both serious competitors and amateurs were encouraged to participate in pro and rec player brackets. Participants were encouraged to register in pairs or cheer on the competing teams. The event featured special furry visitors, raffle baskets, and drink specials for all those attending. All proceeds benefit the pets at the Cedar Valley Humane Society and its many programs. Fundraising supports programs such as the Pets for Vets and Cat Companions adoption services, which allows U.S. veterans and seniors to match and adopt pets for companionship. This event was a great way to support the shelter and their good cause of getting animals forever homes. We are proud to support events like this one!
Cargiver Wellness Day - Olivia C
Thanks to the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the opportunity to support local events with good causes. One of these events was the Caregiver Wellness Day hosted by the Heritage Area Agency on Aging. This agency is a non-profit organization which provides services and resources that improve the quality of life for older adults, family caregivers and adults with disabilities. Family caregivers play a vital role in our communities, offering care and support to their elderly family members. This is a free event designed to honor and support family caregivers. It acknowledges that each caregiver's journey is different and is a way to say thank you for their selfless efforts. Caregiver Wellness Day offers a well-rounded program of informative talks by expert speakers, time to connect with fellow caregivers, and local resources for older adults. The silent auction raises funds to directly support family caregivers in the Eastern Iowa area, and includes a chance to sign up for massages and flu shots as an added benefit. Caregiver Wellness Day is a heartfelt tribute to family caregivers. It appreciates their sacrifices and contributions. It provides support and resources and celebrates their unique journey. We are proud to support this local event and others like it!
Walk to Defeat ALS - ALS Association - Olivia C
By means of the KCRG-TV9 Show You Care program, Dave Wright Subaru has the joy of supporting local events that help our community in a variety of ways. One of these events was the Walk to Defeat ALS through the ALS Association. Community members come together each year to walk and raise awareness about ALS. It is a serious disease which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord; this can affect a persons ability to walk, speak, move, eat, swallow, breathe, and grasp objects. The walk is a way for everyone to support those suffering from ALS, as well as the families who are affected by a loved ones condition. This fundraiser helps to provide essential support services for those living with ALS. These services include specialized medical care, mobility and communication equipment, and assistance with daily tasks that become more difficult to do as the disease progresses. ALS is a disease that still remains relatively unknown to many. This event is a powerful platform for raising awareness about the disease and educating the public about its effects on individuals and families. Each participant advocates for increased ALS research funding, improved patient care, and enhanced support systems. The Walk to Defeat ALS brings people together to raise money, increase awareness, and support those with ALS. We are proud to take part in making a real difference and show there is hope for a world without ALS.

