Meet Our Donors

Honoring the Past by Planning for the Future

Discover how Bill Severa, a passionate philanthropist in Cedar Rapids, created a lasting impact through his donor-advised fund and endowed designated fund, supporting local nonprofits and preserving history. Learn how his meticulous planning and appreciation for his community shaped his philanthropic legacy.

Malcolm and Ruth Ann Peel: Maintaining Connections and Prioritizing Education

Malcolm and Ruth Ann Peel have always seen the value in education and connection. Ruth Ann taught in special education for 17 years before serving for another 15 years as an adjunct professor in the field at Ashland University in Ohio. Malcolm enjoyed a long career in higher education, teaching at three different colleges and serving as department chair at two of them.

Couple Finds Philanthropic Passion in Supporting Education Opportunities for Youth

To say that Bill and Patricia Buss have deep roots in Denver, Iowa would be an understatement. For more than 50 years the couple has lived in the small Bremer County town, and for just as long, they have been generous and influential members of the community.

Caring for the Community

Steve and Joanne Carfrae aren't the type of people that like to be in the limelight. They do, however, enjoy giving back to their community.The Carfraes began giving through the Community Foundation in 1991. Since then they have humbly made yearly contributions to about 13 to 15 local organizations through their donor-advised fund.

Supporting the Community Now and Forever

Jay Petersen has long been an advocate for Cedar Rapids. A major player in establishing and championing a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) in downtown Cedar Rapids, Petersen has supported many community projects in the last several decades. His support of many fundraising campaigns-including the Science Center and Veterans Memorial Stadium for example-quickly became tied to the Community Foundation.

Carl and Mary Koehler Make a Lasting Difference

Carl and Mary Koehler's names are familiar to many in this community thanks to the generous contributions they made to support various organizations during their lifetimes and beyond. Not long after moving to Cedar Rapids, the Koehler's began charitably supporting various organizations they cared about, including St. Luke's Hospital, the American Cancer Society, Meth-Wick Retirement Center and The History Center.

Memorial Scholarship Honors Legacy of Kennedy High School Golfer

Drew Wall as the kind of kid you don't easily forget. Drew battled bone cancer since the age of 11 and passed away at the age of 16. But his spirit and memory continue to live on through those that knew him, as well as through a scholarship fund administered by the Community Foundation.

Volunteering Leads to Charitable Donations

Marjorie Fletcher has been volunteering in the Cedar Rapids community for as long as she can remember. Through the help of her professional advisor and the Community Foundation, Fletcher selected six organizations and made end of the year contributions through distributions from her IRA. Marjorie's choices of organizations to donate to were very much connected to her long-time volunteer efforts.

Frank and Cheryle Mitvalsky Enjoy Giving While Living

Frank and Cheryle Mitvalsky established an endowed fund in 2004 to support scholarships for students attending Kirkwood Community College and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML). Through the years, their fund has provided scholarships for six students and regular support of the NCSML.

Leaving a Legacy for Their Community

With successful professional careers behind them, Gilda and Barry Boyer have fulfilled a long desired dream of giving back to the community...in perpetuity. The Boyers opened a significant endowed fund at the Community Foundation in 2012. At the heart of their intentions is to give back to a community that has supported them for so long.

Memorial Gift Honors Mother With Lasting Legacy

In 2011, the Downey family lost their wife, mother and grandmother, Joann Downey. In the spirit of her quiet generosity, the family set up The Joann Elizabeth Downey Endowed Fund as a way for the entire family to honor and remember their mother each year.

Meet Our Donors

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