IRONWORKS GIVES WINNERS

ST. John's lutheran School

Leif Briel supports St. John’s Lutheran School, where he has served on the Board of Education, as well as Council of Deacons. St. John’s believes in the development of the whole child – spiritually, academically, and physically, and relies on donations to continue it’s mission each year. This grant will go into their Endowment fund that will help those in need who would not normally be able to afford it, receive a free Christian education. 

SAFE HAVEN FOSTER SHOPPE

Kailee Soderlund supports Safe Haven Foster Shoppe, and helps assemble bags of essential supplies to children entering foster care. She became involved with the organization when her friend adopted 2 children from foster care and Safe Haven was a helpful part of their transition.This donation helps SHFS meet emergency needs when specific inventory isn’t available, ensuring no child goes without necessities after being taken from their home. Each bag offers an immediate sense of care and ownership.

Leukemia and lymphoma society

Jana serves on the Executive Leadership Team for Indiana’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year campaign. After her grandfather passed away from complication from lymphoma, Jana joined the cause when her sister ran for Woman of the Year in 2019. She continues to support the nominated candidates annually. 

Jarrett Yehlen supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Minnesota/Dakotas chapter! Donations will be used to supply one year’s worth Trikafta, the new 90% effective drug to increase lung function in one CF patient. Jarrett and his wife Jenny became involved with CF after longtime clients and now dear friends became parents to a daughter born with CF. The Yehlens are fighting alongside them to see their daughter live a longer life and become a parent herself! For the last few years, Jarrett has hosted his “College Football for the Cure” event, which is a Gopher football watch party that has raised over $25,000 for CF!

Jim Stinson supports Vine St BBQ Community Outreach, which benefits Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, as well as Cancer Survivorship Center, Avenues to Independence and the Maine Township Food Pantry! Donations will be used to provide assistance to help patients and former patients at the hospital achieve a healthier lifestyle, empower and help survivors navigate the health care system, offer care for long-term recovery of physical and mental well-being of patients, and give survivors the tools needed for to live life beyond cancer. Jim gives not only money, but his time to support his cause by being part of their Junior Board. If you would like to learn more or get involved, visit their website at https://www.vinestbbq.org/

Tiffany Kostuch supports River City Rhythm’s mission is to educate and inspire lifelong excellence in young people through unique opportunities in the performing arts. Tiffany’s experience in marching arts fostered many of her current life skills such as organization, multitasking, empathy of others, and drive for improvements. She is actively involved with teaching this organization today, and is a main component of structuring the backend of the organization to help ensure that it will be in existence for years to come. They have many students who come from challenging home situations with limited access to fiscal resources, so donations will be used to reduce barriers for young students so they have the opportunity to experience the same growth, compassion, and friendships that those in the organization were able to grow up with.

Tanner Peeler supports Foster’s Voice! Foster’s Voice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end suicide and the stigma around mental illness by improving the conversations and creating awareness, action and hope! Tanner’s close family friends started the foundation their son committed suicide at 19. Donations will be used to put on events in the community for people to come and learn about ways to cope, open up, and grow rather than taking their own life. Tanner donates to the cause financially, but also spends his time volunteering for their events.

Five Cities Financial supports Empower House, a community that provides empowerment for a more purposeful life after a brain injury. They offer daily programming, social activities, and additional resources to their Clubhouse members and their families or caregivers. One of Five Cities Financial’s clients started this charity with 3 other therapists. Empower House works to retrain their members to accomplish the basic tasks of living such as cooking, cleaning, communication, social skills, job training, etc. Donations will be used to help enhance the services they provide!

Tracy Owen supports Project Linus, a non-profit organization, that provides new handmade blankets to children in need, typically to provide comfort during hospital stays. Their blankets are lovingly made by adults and children from all walks of life and many different sources. Donations will be used to support operational costs and program services. Tracy supports this cause because of the love and compassion they have for children in need, with a heartbreaking connection through her daughter receiving one during an unexpected hospital stay prior to her passing away. Tracy donates to Project Linus in her daughter’s name and also makes some of the blankets as well.