Numerous non-profit groups and/or agencies in Audubon and Cass Counties have received a total of $53,560 in grant funds from the Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations. All of grant recipients met the criteria as non-profit agencies or organizations in both respective counties. Representatives of the organizations received their checks on November 13th and 16th.

Nonprofit representatives receiving grant awards: 1st row from left to right: Shirley Bierbaum, Cass County Museum; Bob Boots and Steve Livengood, ARISE; Chelsea Fulton, City of Griswold and Griswold Volunteer Fire Department; and Glenda Farrier and Sam Hansen, CASS Incorporated. 2nd row: Vicki L. Christensen, Director, Anita Public Library; Kim Wendt, Anita Health and Wellness Center; Konnor Wendt, CAM Youth Sports; Kristi Burg, Daycare Board President, Anita Child Care Center; Dianna Williams, Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center; Leslie Haynes, Jack and Jill Preschool. 3rd row: Mark McNees, Atlantic Fire Department; Meredith Scherb, Atlantic Public Library; Jim Conn, Chuck Ehen and Leon Hodges, Atlantic Lions; Dan Hayne, Nishna Valley Family YMCA. Back row: Cass County Community Foundation Board Members Roland Landsness, Secretary/Treasurer; Nicholas Hunt, Chair; and Royal Bierbaum.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Iowa reports $21, 380 in grants were awarded to Cass County non-profit organizations through the Cass County Community Foundation. The biggest grants, of $2,000 each, were awarded to CAM Youth Sports, for a New Concession Stand at the Dave Bolt Field, and to the City of Griswold, for playground equipment at the Cocklin Fish Farm.

The City of Anita’s Public Library received a $1,700 grant for a multi-access server with color printer for use by patrons and staff. Grants amounting to $1,500 each were awarded to: the Anita Wellness Center; Atlantic Fire Department; Atlantic Lions Clubs; and the Cass County Historical Society. A $1,200 grant was awarded to the Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center in Atlantic. And, grants amounting to $1,000 each went to: The Anita Foundation Child Care Center; Atlantic Public Library; Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE); The Griswold Volunteer Fire Dept.; Jack and Jill Preschool in Atlantic, and the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic. In addition, the City of Marne received a $480 grant for playground equipment at the City Park.

Nonprofit representatives receiving grant awards: 1st row from left to right: Brett Irlmeier of Audubon, Chair, Audubon County Community Foundation; Pat Nyland, City of Brayton; Julie Olson, Audubon County Hospital Foundation; Melissa Thygesen, Audubon Firehouse Flames; and Gary Van Aernam, Audubon County Agricultural Society.

In Audubon County, $32,180 in grants were awarded. The biggest award went to the Audubon County Hospital Foundation, which received a $10,000 grant to fund architectural designs for a Rec Center. The Audubon County Agricultural Society received an $8,180 grant to replace the livestock show and cattle barns with a multipurpose building. The Little Mermaid Trail Committee received a $5,000 grant from the Audubon County Community Foundation, for the installation of an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible public restrooms in the park.

In addition, the PE4Life organization received a $3,000 grant for materials to build storage cabinets for skates to be used at the Agri-Hall. And, the Audubon County Hospital Foundation, City of Brayton, the Exira Fire Department and Audubon Firehouse Flames, received grants amount to $2,000 each, for various equipment or facilities improvements. The Audubon County Players Community Theater group received $757 for the purchase of tables for the dinner theater and supplies to make and repair flats.