Waterloo-based Iowa love, a newly founded social enterprise with Mission “uniting the millions of folks who have an affinity for Iowa while supporting Iowa businesses, craftspeople, and nonprofits” teamed up with Downtown Charles City-based gifts & home decor destination The Rustic Corner, Mason City-based Home & Gift Gallery, and Waverly-based Moe & Arrow Boutique to retail “Iowa love” T-Shirts throughout the community, fundraising $1,580 for Floyd County Fairgrounds cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
“We can’t thank Iowa love enough for helping with our rebuild process. We are truly blessed to be part of a generous community and County!” shares Amy Staudt, President, Floyd County Fair.
The day after a tornado destroyed four buildings and damaged several others, “Iowa love” (www.iowalove.org) founder Willam Heathershaw approached their Charles City retail partner The Rustic Corner where dozens of “Iowa love” shirts had already been adopted by the community since the beginning of May.
“Within minutes of William texting me to see if there is something we could do together to support recovery efforts, we were determined that we wanted to donate a big chunk of our Iowa love T-shirt sales - $10 of each sold - for the following 10 days,” shares Tami Vetter, CEO of The Rustic Corner.
Soon after, Moe & Arrow Boutique of Waverly and Home & Gift Gallery of Mason City - both retail partners of “Iowa love” - asked to join the fundraising. And Heathershaw received emails from several companies across the area - from restaurants to laser engraving services - asking how they could join the efforts.
Since founding the social enterprise at the end of April this year, hundreds of “Iowa love”-ers have purchased an “Iowa love” T-Shirt online (www.iowalove.org) and through its network of 20 retail partners in 15 towns across Iowa to in part support Iowa nonprofits.
And “Iowa love” has supported.
In April, “Iowa love” donated $700 to flood relief and recovery efforts in the Council Bluffs and Sioux City.
Currently, “Iowa love” T-Shirts serve as a fundraiser for nonprofits that also serve as a retail partner - Top of Iowa Welcome Center in Northwood, The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, and Grinnell College Pioneer Bookshop in Grinnell.
What’s next for “Iowa love” fundraising efforts?
On Thursday, “Iowa love” is launching its partnership with Rodney’s Kitchen of Waterloo, supporting the summertime free kids sack lunch program.
And, for those still wanting to support the Floyd County Fairgrounds recovery efforts fundraising by purchasing an “Iowa love” T-Shirt, efforts continue with Darbe & Co. Boutique in Greene. Orders over the phone at 641-816-4040 are accepted.
About “Iowa love”
“Iowa love” is a community of folks across Iowa and the country who have an affinity for the state. Its symbol - a unique script simultaneously displaying both the words “Iowa” and “love” - is featured on apparel and gift items to support Iowa businesses, craftspeople, and nonprofits.
“Iowa love” Tees are designed in Waterloo and screen printed in Cedar Falls by Shirt Shack. Available through local retailers in Cedar Falls, Charles City, Clear Lake, Decorah, Des Moines, Dubuque, Hampton, Grinnell, Independence, Iowa City, Iowa Falls, Manchester, Montezuma, Northwood, Waterloo, Waverly and through its website (www.iowalove.org).
About “The Rustic Corner”
The Rustic Corner is North East Iowa’s award winning home decor, gift, personalized engraving, ladies fashion & creative arts store, in addition to being the area’s largest Hallmark Gold Crown Store. Located at 413 N Main Street in Charles City, IA, it was designated Iowa’s Best Business by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Main Street Iowa in 2015. You’re sure to discover why they say The Rustic Corner is worth the trip EVERY time! Open Tuesday - Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm.