One Year Later: Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund A Lifeline for Local Arts & Culture Nonprofits

Pottawattamie County museums grateful for IWF, PCCF support

From shutdowns to sanitizing to social distancing, pandemic protocol has forced local arts and culture nonprofits that rely on visitors to repeatedly adjust and adapt over the past year. Even though their buildings were often closed down, expenses didn’t stop piling up. Therefore, the nonprofit continuity of operations funding received through a collaboration between Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed their doors to stay open, and just in time for tourism season.

“We were thrilled to receive the financial support as we were basically closed all last year and had no income,” said Gayle Strickland of the Oakland Historical Society, which received $2,000 in operating funding for the Nishna Heritage Museum.

In a typical year, the museum welcomes approximately 1,000 visitors travelling along Highway 59 to see the 100 foot mural or get a glimpse of life in the early 20th century. In 2020, the number of guests and free will donations was practically nonexistent.

Council Bluffs’ Historic General Dodge House shares a similar story of struggle, but was able to maintain operations with the help of the Foundations’ funding.

“We are so thankful to be a part of a generous and supportive community,” said Tom Emmett, Executive Director of the Dodge House, which received $6,000. “We appreciate the generosity of Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and the Iowa West Foundation.”

Leaders from both museums as well as those of other cultural amenities in the region look forward to this summer, and are eager to provide fulfilling experiences for their patrons again.

“The arts are so much more than bricks and mortar in our community; they are invaluable when it comes to quality of life,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “This funding has done exactly what it was designed to do: support nonprofits during their most critical time of need.”

In addition to continuity of operations, the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund also supports emergency assistance to vulnerable populations and expanded infrastructure for public health.

“Ensuring the organizations that make up the fiber of our communities are strong and able to deliver on their intended mission is essential to the purpose of the COVID-19 Response initiative,” said Donna Dostal, President and CEO of Pottawattamie County Community Foundation. “As we work our way through this extremely difficult time in our region, the generosity of businesses, foundations, and individuals who are committed to the strength and resilience of our communities certainly is shining through and building on the hope of recovery from the devastating effects of this pandemic. The culture of philanthropy and generosity runs strong in Southwest Iowa and our Board and staff are honored to help as we rebound as a community.”

About the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund

Individuals, families, corporations, and others who would like to donate to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund are encouraged to visit www.ourpccf.org or call 712-256-7007. The fund also continues to accept applications on a rolling basis.

Iowa West Foundation awards more than $9 million in grants and initiatives

More than a dozen southwest Iowa communities receive funding for education & wellness

(Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded $9.4 million in grants and initiatives to several area nonprofits. Missions fueled by this cycle of funding include alleviating poverty, providing essential equipment for volunteer firefighters, supporting infrastructure and amenities in rural areas, and ensuring high-quality educational opportunities from cradle to career, among others. Among the communities impacted are Council Bluffs, Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tenant-Walnut, Carson, Crescent, Glidden, Neola, Oakland, Omaha, Treynor, Tri-Center, Underwood, and Woodbine.

“Glidden is no different from the larger communities in that if you can’t find high-quality childcare, it’s going to stifle your workforce opportunities,” said Angela Lensch, Board President of the Lil’ Wildcat Education Center, Inc., which received a $50,000 grant toward its $1.2 million childcare facility. “This grant will definitely help to fulfill this ever-growing need in our community.”

On the initiative side, IWF funded nearly $1 million for Pottawattamie Promise, which includes full tuition to Iowa Western for those who qualify from six area high schools. This is the 7th year for the program in partnership with Peter Kiewit Foundation and the IWCC Foundation.

“Support from Iowa West Foundation has a profound impact on the lives of children in our community from birth through college,” said Dr. Ann Mausbach, Chair of the Education Advisory Committee for the Iowa West Foundation and Associate Professor for Educational Leadership at Creighton University. Investing in parent education, high quality preschools, and college scholarships shows our commitment to making southwest Iowa communities healthy and vibrant.”

Other notable funding included $2.4 million toward the revitalization of the Council Bluffs Riverfront, an installment of the Foundation’s $15 million overall commitment. In addition, $1.4 million was allocated for the replacement of the “Looking Up” sculpture, to be installed later this spring. The Foundation also distributed more than $2 million in critical operating support for numerous local nonprofits with missions that support education, arts and culture, and healthy families. Letters of Intent for Cycle 2 of 2021 will be accepted through March 15.

About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking, and healthy families.

2021 Cycle 1 Grants and Initiatives

Angels Among Us
Assistance for Iowa families battling childhood cancer        
$14,400

Carson Volunteer Fire Department
PPE and rescue equipment
$10,000

Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program     
$53,332

Crescent Volunteer Fire Department
PPE acquisition
$9,604

Heartland Family Service
HEAT 2021
$170,000

Historic General Dodge House, Inc.
2021 Critical Repairs
$21,405

Iowa Environmental Council
Missouri River Flooding Protection
$7,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Looking Up Art
$1,400,000

Iowa Western Community College
Pottawattamie Promise
$939,894

Lil Wildcat Education Center, Inc.
Quality Childcare
$50,000

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc.
Baldwin Wildlife Center & Hubbard Family Wildlife Hospital
$25,000

Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty, Inc.
Southwest Iowa Poverty Alleviation Initiative
$100,000

Omaha Women’s Fund
Women of Color leadership program
$70,000

Pottawattamie County
CITIES Program
City of Neola -$50,000

City of Oakland –$54,328

City of Underwood – $84,275

Promise Partners
Early Childhood Iowa
$100,000

Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact
Riverfront Revitalization         
$2,425,710     

The 712 Initiative
530 W. Broadway
$340,000

The 712 Initiative
Operating Support
$375,000        

United Way of the Midlands
Community Care Fund 2021
$255,500

Vision Treynor Group
Treynor Family Recreation Complex “The T”
$175,000

Woodbine Community Foundation
Woodbine Regional Wellness Center
$250,000

           

2021 Multi-Year Funding Recipients

Ballet Nebraska
$125,000

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
$85,000

Durham Museum
$25,000

FAMILY, Inc.
$120,000

Green Hills AEA
$1,100,000

Heartland Family Services
$330,000

Iowa Western Community College Foundation – Performing Arts Center
$30,000

Joslyn Art Museum
$25,000

Immigrant Legal Center
$65,000

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.
$50,000

MICAH House
$90,000

Lauritzen Gardens
$12,500

Lauritzen Gardens – Railroad Days
$25,000

Omaha Children’s Museum
$45,000

Omaha Symphony Association
$25,000

Omaha Theater Company – Rose Theater
$25,000

Opera Omaha
$25,000

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
$200,000

Foundations Fuel Hospitals’ Joint Effort to Combat COVID-19

(Council Bluffs, IA) – In a world full of competition, four distinct, yet like-minded organizations in the heartland have come together for the common good.

The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund, a collaboration between the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, recently awarded $150,000 – approximately $75,000 each – to the two hospitals that sit on opposite sides of main thoroughfare in Council Bluffs.

While each is its own unique entity, the two health care providers have a long history of collaboration. Fortunately, they have been especially unified in their provision of COVID-19 care. Unfortunately, that has also resulted in a mirror image of increased need for treatment space as well as essential equipment since the pandemic began.

“From the very beginning, we sat down together to brainstorm ways to support our staff members as well as our community,” said Tara Slevin, Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Foundation. “The first few months we talked regularly as we partnered up to engage public health experts, funders and community partners. Looking ahead, I anticipate continuing to collaborate on matters that affect the health of our community.”

Slevin’s counterpart at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs echoed those sentiments.

“The Jennie Ed team has been so wonderful to work with throughout COVID,” said Abby Jares, Development Officer. “I have really enjoyed and valued the spirit of collaboration between our two health systems. We are all in this together and strive to work side-by-side for the betterment of Southwest Iowa.”

The SWI COVID-19 Response Fund grants awarded to the hospitals will both allow for:

Dr. Mark Otto of CHI Health Mercy

Dr. Mark Otto of CHI Health Mercy dons a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) while preparing an isolation cart outfitted with essential medical equipment needed for treating COVID-19 patients. CHI Health Mercy and Methodist Jennie Edmundson in Council Bluffs each recently received approximately $75,000 from the SWI COVID-19 Response Fund, a collaboration between Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation.

With Iowa’s record high numbers of COVID-19 cases, all are crucial to the safety of front-line health care workers, as well as COVID and non-COVID patients. With the pandemic came never-before-seen policies and protocols, which forced many facilities to come up with more space in short time, costing millions of dollars and thereby straining budgets like never before.

“The COVID pandemic and patient surge has stressed our healthcare systems in Southwest Iowa,” said Denise McNitt, Vice President of Patient Care at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs. “Receiving these much-needed funds from the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has enabled us to purchase essential pieces of equipment needed to care for these critically-ill patients.”

Dave Burd, Senior Vice President Operations at Methodist Jennie Edmundson agreed, thanking the convening funders for their support of local health care teams.

“Throughout this pandemic, Methodist Jennie Edmundson has directed a considerable amount of resources to safely take care of our COVID patients and our employees,” he said. “We are truly grateful for the Iowa West and Pottawattamie County Community Foundations’ for their COVID financial assistance funds.”

The partnership between the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed for foundation funds to be combined with outside donations that are collectively channeled to provide

“Health care is not one of our standard funding areas, but when the extreme need for expanding public health infrastructure arose, we adapted to meet the needs of our community,” said Deb Debbaut, Director of Grants Programs and Manager of the Healthy Families portfolio at the Iowa West Foundation. “The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund has helped to stabilize nonprofits and organizations who are on the front lines serving and caring for those affected by the pandemic, and we’re thankful for their service.”

President and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, Donna Dostal, said on behalf of her organization, PCCF is honored to be able to support the hospitals.

“The true spirit of service shines at both Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs,” Dostal said. “The staff, volunteers, and leadership at these organizations have been working tirelessly in service of our community, providing the healthcare support necessary to battle this pandemic, and we are truly grateful to them.”

Individuals, families, corporations, and others who would like to donate to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 relief efforts are encouraged to visit www.ourpccf.org or call 712-256-7007. The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund also continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. The universal application for relief funding can be found at both www.iowawestfoundation.org and www.ourpccf.org.

About the Iowa West Foundation
The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies throughout southwest Iowa since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking, and healthy families.

About Pottawattamie County Community Foundation
The Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Through PCCF, individuals, families, businesses and organizations can create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. The foundation invests and administers these charitable funds.

About CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs
CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 10,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.
In fiscal 2019, CHI Health invested more than $185 million back into our communities. The majority of those dollars went to caring for the poor and underserved. CHI Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthy communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. With its national office in Chicago and a team of approximately 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 700 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2018, Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health had combined revenues of $29.2 billion and provided $4.2 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs.

About Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital
Established in 1886 and affiliated with Methodist Health System since 1994, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital is a 230 licensed bed regional health care center serving approximately 250,000 residents in southwestern Iowa. Jennie Edmundson Hospital employs a workforce of 422 full-time and nearly 162 part-time staffers, and has over 300 physicians on its Medical Staff, 168 which are currently active.

Iowa West Elects New Board Member

Iowa West’s Board of Directors recently elected a new board member to serve a 3-year term. Steve Baumert, CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, brings decades of experience to the role, having served on a number of nonprofit boards throughout southwest Iowa including the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Iowa Foundation.

“Steve’s familiarity with the community, along with his proven leadership capabilities made him an excellent board member candidate,” said Matt Gronstal, Iowa West Foundation Board Chair. “His wealth of knowledge from economic development to entrepreneurship along with his demonstrated commitment to Council Bluffs will be an enormous asset to our organization.”

“My career motto has been to engage and make a positive difference,” Baumert said. “I believe in Council Bluffs, and throughout my career have worked to improve and strengthen our community. This aligns well with Iowa West’s vision, and I hope to continue the significant impact they’ve made on the community.”

In addition to Baumert’s election, members of the Iowa West Foundation and the Iowa West Racing Association board re-elected officers for 2021. Those members include:

“Our Board members have the significant responsibility of being good stewards of the Foundation’s assets and ensuring that our investments have a lasting impact, said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “We are confident all of our board members will serve as great contributors to achieving the vision of the Iowa West Foundation: a community where families choose to live and businesses choose to locate because of the quality of life and standard of living.”

Nominations for board members are solicited from multiple outside organizations throughout the community including the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs City Council, the Council Bluffs Community School District, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors and Western Iowa Development Association.

“Looking Up” Sculpture Moving Out of Council Bluffs’ River’s Edge

Similar version of popular art piece by Tom Friedman will fill empty space in 2021

Looking Up sculpture

(Council Bluffs, IA)  The popular “Looking Up” sculpture along the Council Bluffs Riverfront, which serves as a unique photo backdrop for residents and visitors alike, will be removed and transported to a private location this week. However, the space won’t sit empty for long, as a similar version is planned to land at the River’s Edge in 2021.

“’Looking Up’ was loaned as a temporary installation, but the popularity of the piece inspired an anonymous donation to create a site-specific, permanent version,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, which matched the anonymous donation. “This permanent artistic addition will add to the Riverfront’s status as a regional destination.”

In 2019, the National Center for Arts Research ranked the Council Bluffs metro at No. 6 on the list of most vibrant art communities in the country for medium-sized cities.  

“Public art not only serves to beautify our green spaces, but it also provides visitors and residents with even more access to cultural opportunities in our parks.” said Mayor Matt Walsh.

No taxpayer dollars were used to fund either “Looking Up” sculpture. Arrangements are currently being made to install the new edition on the dry side of the levee sometime next spring. Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (PACE), an Iowa West Foundation initiative, helped bring the original version to River’s Edge in May of 2019. Artist Tom Friedman’s sculpture had previously been installed along Chicago’s lakefront and on Park Avenue in New York City.

The polished stainless steel piece is quasi-human figure gazing up to the sky, inviting others to stand at its base and do the same. To learn more about Friedman’s inspiration, the fabrication process and more, download the free Otocast art app.

About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking and healthy families.

Iowa West Foundation awards more than $2 Million in final cycle of 2020

Grants primarily focused on healthy families

(Council Bluffs, IA) The Iowa West Foundation Board of Directors recently approved nearly $2.3 million in grants and initiatives funding, with a focus on programs and projects that seek to strengthen families in Pottawattamie County. The healthy families portfolio includes critical community needs such as mental health, housing/homelessness, and diversity.

“The Iowa West Foundation is dedicated to helping communities by assisting nonprofits that serve those who may not have the means or support to get the help they need,” said Jenny Barnett, Chair of the Healthy Families Advisory Committee at the Iowa West Foundation. “Agencies on the receiving end use these grant awards to create dividends and to help our communities thrive.”

Beneficiaries of the third and final grants cycle for 2020 included the homeless community, rural firefighters, children with mental and behavioral health needs, women of southwest Iowa, and the Latino community through the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC).

“Our grant funding from the Iowa West Foundation will allow us to increase the number of Latino-owned childcare businesses and improve the access to high quality childcare services in Council Bluffs,” said Juan Montoya, Executive Director for the MLCDC. “Currently, there is a need for culturally and linguistically appropriate in-home daycares in the area, and this grant will provide the tools and training to individuals wanting to start an in-home daycare.”

Montoya said recruitment for the training program will begin later this year, with the goal to graduate the first cohort of participants in the spring and open a daycare in the summer of 2021.

On the initiative side, IWF funding included $1.2 million for Riverfront Revitalization, an installment of the Foundation’s $15 million overall commitment to bringing new life to the Council Bluffs Riverfront.

“This initiative funding supports the continued work to develop more recreational amenities along the Council Bluffs Riverfront, similar to Belle’s Playground,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “While we are committed to supporting our partners through the pandemic, at the same time we are still investing in a future where we can enjoy the unique assets that make southwest Iowa a great place to live.”

The Iowa West Foundation has contributed $1 million to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund since March. In partnership with the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, the fund provides relief for local nonprofits and organizations impacted by the pandemic. Applications are currently being accepted. More information can be found at: www.iowawestfoundation.org/covid-19

About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking and healthy families.

2020 Cycle 3 Grants and Initiatives

Christian Home Association, Children’s Square
Capacity Building
$25,000

Council Bluffs Community School District
BLink (Carter Lake)
$100,000

Golden Hills RC&D
Planning for Rural Leadership Program
$30,000

Heartland Family Service
Children’s Mental Health Program
$30,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
LUCAS Devices for Rural Fire Departments
$120,000

Iowa West Foundation Initiative
Riverfront Revitalization
$1,274,289

Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation
Business Development Program for Latinos in Council Bluffs
$50,000

Minden Volunteer Fire Department
Safety Gear and Equipment
$4,505

New Visions Homeless Services
Homeless Services
$115,000

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation
Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa & Matching Funds
$85,633

Red Oak School District
Security System for Childcare Facility
$14,511

The 712 Initiative
General Operating Support
$250,000

COVID-19 Response Fund Grants

Council Bluffs Community School District
BLink Phase VII
$20,000

Heartland Child Development
Childcare Operations
$7,000

Heartland Family Service
HEAT Program (Housing Emergency Assistance)
$75,833

Jennie Edmundson Hospital
COVID-19 Testing Equipment
$25,000

Charles E Lakin Human Services Campus Foundation
Back-to-School support
$4,000

MICAH House
Equipment to adapt operations to COVID-19 environment
$8,468

YMCA Healthy Living Center
Enhanced services for seniors
$60,000

Foundations award additional $200,000 through SWI COVID-19 Response Fund

A recent anonymous donation helped make more grants possible

(Council Bluffs, IA) – The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund continues to provide relief for Pottawattamie County nonprofits and organizations impacted by the pandemic. The partnership between the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation has allowed for foundation funds to be combined with outside donations that are collectively channeled to provide everything from internet access to COVID-19 testing equipment.

President and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation Donna Dostal said a recent anonymous donation to the fund was instrumental in the ability to provide relief.

“Our southwest Iowa community is truly fortunate to leverage the amazing generosity of our local corporations, private foundations, and generous individual donors,” Dostal said. “The anonymous gift affords us an additional $300,000 in philanthropic investment to ensure our community continues to resolve issues and plan for recovery in the aftermath of this public health crisis.”

The Iowa West Foundation has contributed $1 million to the cause since March.

“The needs of our community in the wake of COVID-19 are ongoing and the Iowa West Foundation will continue to respond to those needs,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO.

Individuals, families, corporations, and others who would like to donate to the Southwest Iowa COVID-19 relief efforts are encouraged to visit www.ourpccf.org or call 712-256-7007. The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund also continues to accept applications on a rolling basis.

COVID-19 Response Fund Grants

Council Bluffs Community School District
BLink Phase VII
$20,000

Heartland Child Development
Childcare Operations
$7,000

Heartland Family Service
HEAT Program (Housing Emergency Assistance)
$75,833

Jennie Edmundson Hospital
COVID-19 Testing Equipment
$25,000

Charles E Lakin Human Services Campus Foundation
Back-to-School support
$4,000

MICAH House
Equipment to adapt operations to COVID-19 environment
$8,468

YMCA Health Living Center
Enhanced services for older adults
$60,000

About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies throughout southwest Iowa since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking, and healthy families.

About Pottawattamie County Community Foundation

The Pottawattamie County Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Through PCCF, individuals, families, businesses and organizations can create permanent charitable funds that help their communities meet the challenges of changing times. The foundation invests and administers these charitable funds.

Historic Mural Brings More Color to Council Bluffs

Iowa West Foundation initiative, in partnership with local businesses, leads to more place-based art

Riverboat on the Missouri mural

(Council Bluffs, IA) A mural titled “Riverboat on the Missouri” is coming to life by the day in Council Bluffs, thanks to an Iowa West Foundation initiative designed to create a cultural trail throughout the downtown. By partnering with local businesses Availa Bank and Western Iowa Mutual Insurance to fund the mural, Iowa West Foundation’s initiative will bring art to a blank passageway between Bayliss Park and the Council Bluffs Public Library along Pearl St.

Address of mural: 127 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

“This mural will be a cultural destination in our community that is part of a larger ongoing initiative seeking to take the amenities present in downtown Council Bluffs and unify them into a formal trail,” said Matthew Henkes, Vice President of Grants and Initiatives for the Iowa West Foundation. “The added vibrancy to the downtown district becomes an opportunity for discovery for tourists and increased sense of place for residents.”

Other points along the cultural trail included the temporary crosswalk murals that coincided with the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad in 2019 and the current “Telepoem Booth” exhibit at Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment’s Hoff Center.

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Muralist
Facebook: /luisvalleart
Instagram: el_chan_guri

About Luis Valle
Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri, is a Nicaraguan artist born April 16, 1977 in Managua, Nicaragua.  At an early age his family exiled to the United States due to war and political instability in his homeland.  Valle’s family re-located to Miami, Florida where he was raised and gained his primary education.   Growing up in Miami Luis excelled in the arts from an early age. Valle received his formal training from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida where he graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts. He later went on to receive a Masters in Arts Degree from New York University, where he developed an interest in video and video art while continuing his progression as a painter.

Living in New York was a big influence on Valle’s work.  Being in one of the world’s epicenters of art helped enrich his knowledge and skill as an artist.  Visiting the city’s museums and local galleries helped give Valle invaluable lessons as he continued on his studies and research for his own work.  Luis grew an affinity for New York, especially Brooklyn and its diverse art scene but Art Basel and the ever-growing Miami art scene brought Luis back to where he grew up.

Valle has immersed himself in the local scene working closely with the community and local organizations such as Arts For Learning Miami, the Miami children’s Museum, The Miami Dade Library Systems, Boys and Girls Club of Miami, The Overtown Youth Center, Dade County Public Schools, The Art Experience, Giants in the City and Irreversible Projects to name a few. He also worked closely with several of the city’s art galleries and art studios formulating art exhibits and events.  Luis was the co-founder of Brisky Gallery Miami where he served as the gallery director, curator and was also one of the artist.

Currently Luis is very active creating commissioned murals as well as paintings for public art projects, corporate clients, yachts, hotels, cruise ships, malls, businesses, private homes and neighborhoods.  His work can be seen throughout South Florida.  He is an internationally recognized artist with murals in China, India. Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba and throughout the US.    His style can be easily recognized, as it is a blend of influences from indigenous cultures, psychology, shamanism, religion, spirituality, frequency, vibration and energy.  Luis is considered a staple in the Miami art scene and art community.

Luis believes that spirituality has been lost in the mix of commercialism and fashion in art. He strives to bring the essence of the soul to his artwork. He believes that humans are inherently spiritual beings who are here to realize the same goal. Which is the self-realization of thy self and destiny.

About the Iowa West Foundation
The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $500 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. IWRA is the license sponsor for Ameristar and Harrah’s and the license holder for Horseshoe-Bluffs Run. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on economic development, education, placemaking and healthy families.

Funders work together to bring play to River’s Edge Park

Belle’s Play Garden Coming to Council Bluffs in 2021

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Council Bluffs’ River’s Edge will soon be home to another attractive amenity for area families with the announcement of an outdoor children’s playground. Named “Belle’s Play Garden” after the lead donors’ daughters, the 2,000 square-foot area will feature interactive play elements in vibrant colors and patterns that represent the Missouri River and unique topography of the bluffs.

Belle's Play Garden Rendering
This project is part of the “Go Play” initiative co-founded by the Knudtson-Tomasek and Davidson families. Dusty Davidson and Rick Knudtson are the co-founders of Flywheel, one of Nebraska’s fastest growing tech startups. Together, along with their families, they have committed $200,000 to the project. Iowa West Foundation will match the donation. The Back to the River organization also will contribute $100,000.

Knudtson-Tomasek and Davidson families

Pictured from left to right: Rick Knudtson and Heather Tomasek, Marlina and Dusty Davidson. Front row: Daughters for whom the park is named after, Ella (El Belle) Knudtson (left) and Annabelle Davidson. Photo by Kimberly Dovi Photography.

Marlina and Dusty Davidson were born and raised in Council Bluffs, and Tomasek formerly worked for the City of Council Bluffs’ Parks Department managing the landscape architecture for Phase II of River’s Edge Park.

“This Go Play initiative was founded with the hopes of returning the idea of play back to the park and the neighborhoods in the former Playland Park area,” Tomasek said. “Both our families have young daughters that love to spend time outside at various parks around the metro so this is named in honor of them. We believe it will reintroduce a new play space that enhances one’s sense of discovery and adds to the growing momentum at the riverfront.”

“The Foundation has been the catalyst for Riverfront development from the beginning, and as more infrastructure and amenities are layered on, the potential for future development multiplies,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “The park will be a popular component to the overall development. We are grateful for the vision and generosity of the Knudtson-Tomasek and Davidson families, along with Iowa West’s former leader, Pete Tulipana, who have made this possible.”