Bank Partners with a “Certified Lunatic” to Raise Money for Charity, Bring Culture to Community
Iowa State Bank in Algona saw a need in their community. A partnership with the Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust and Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa alongside the Bank was the avenue in which to ease that need.
This partnership was formed to bring TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK, Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible, to Algona to raise funds to support the Kossuth County Food Pantry and the Kossuth County CARE (Child Assistance Resource Education) Team. These organizations serve hundreds of area residents each year providing food and personal items as well as parenting assistance and supplies.
“The Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust approached us and asked if Iowa State Bank would ‘produce’ the performance,” said Liz Stowater, Vice President of Marketing at Iowa State Bank. “We were happy to oblige!”
As the producer Iowa State Bank was in charge of all promotional and organizational activities. Bank employees and community volunteers donated hundreds of volunteer hours to make the show a success. Area media outlets donated time and space to promote the show and raise awareness.
“I was extremely proud of the commitment our staff made to benefit two important charities in Kossuth County,” said Tom Larson, CEO of Iowa State Bank. “We have a very dedicated staff and we look forward to continuing our charitable work.”
The Trust also funded a workshop for the Algona High School Drama Department for area students to work with TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK prior to the show.
Iowa State Bank gave away 500 free tickets to the show asking patrons to make a good will offering instead of charging admission. Before the show, about $700 was donated. The crowd was moved to do more, however when TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK donated his fee for the performance, about $2,400.
“We were completely shocked by TOMÁŠ’ generosity,” said Stowater. “His gift inspired the audience as well; several members stood up and passed a hat around collecting donations.”
At the end of the night, over $5,800 had bee raised to benefit the Kossuth County Food Pantry and the Kossuth County CARE Team.
“It was a magnificent event!” said Scott Buchanan, trustee for the Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust. “The entire bank was terrific to work with. The staff got on board and embraced the idea.”
Iowa State Bank also received recognition for its work, winning a Gold Award in the Community Service category of the 2006 Best of Iowa Marketing Awards.
“This event was truly a way for Iowa State Bank to leverage the money that the Trust spent to bring TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK to Algona,” said Stowater. “The Bank simply could have chosen to write a check to these two non-profit organizations for the amount spent. But by engaging the community, we were able to generate as much money for the charities as the money we spent in our local economy.”
Volunteers from the Kossuth County Food Pantry and Kossuth County CARE Team accept a check from Iowa State Bank President Tom Larson and Liz Stowater along with Scott Buchanan of the Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust.
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