2023 Charity Partner
Cedar Valley Hospice
Proceeds from the 2023 event benefited Cedar Valley Hospice. They have served hundreds of patients and families every year from Buchanan County for over 30 years. They continue to meet the unique needs of individuals with advanced-stage illnesses, their families and those who grieve with their staff of over 120 professionals and 350 volunteers.
For more information about Cedar Valley Hospice and their services visit: cvhospice.org
2022 Charity Partner
Otter Creek Animal Shelter
Proceeds from the 2022 event benefited the Otter Creek Animal Shelter’s ongoing needs for their Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program to help manage feral and stray cats in our area.
2021 Charity Partner
Buchanan County Fair Association
Proceeds from the 2021 event benefited the Fair Association’s new 4-H Building/Events Center project. BrewBQ donated $8,500 to the new building which will provide ample space for 4-H and FFA groups year-round and will house the Buchanan County ISU Agricultural Extension District office.
Community groups will be able to hold classes, meetings, and seminars in the reception space and conference room. The building will also be available as rental space for weddings, conferences and large events.
Click here to visit the Buchanan County Fair Association’s website.
Click here to visit Buchanan County Fair Association on Facebook.
2019 Charity Partner
Otter Creek Animal Shelter
The Independence BrewBQ presented a check to our 2019 charity partner, the Otter Creek Animal Shelter, for $10,000. This marks the largest single donation from Independence BrewBQ to a charity partner to date. Funds for the $10,000 donation were made possible by generous event sponsors, sales of bike raffle tickets, sales of Craft Brew Zone passes and beverage purchases at the event.
The Otter Creek Animal Shelter (formerly the Buchanan County Animal Shelter) was formed by a group of dedicated volunteers who professionally and passionately were concerned about what to do with pets in need. Their initial goal was to build a no-kill animal shelter to take in pets who had owners that were no longer able or willing to care for them in Buchanan County. Also, they needed a place for our residents to take animals who had been abandoned by the owners in rural areas.
Click here to visit the Otter Creek Animal Shelter website.
Click here to follow them on Facebook.
2018 Charity Partner
Independence Fire Department
Proceeds from the 2018 event helped the department reach their goal of upgrading a grass fire suppression rig.
“Our current rig is overweight and underpowered for the tasks we are trying to perform”, said Blake Hayward, City of Independence Fire Department. “We are looking to purchase an apparatus that will carry at least four firefighters safely and be equipped with a remote control nozzle on the front which can be controlled safely from the inside of the cab. This apparatus will be used not only in our fire district but also when needed by surrounding communities that need mutual aid.”
The Independence Fire Department’s staff of 26 serve the residents of Independence as well as Sumner and Washington Townships. Six of the firefighters are also EMTs. “We are really looking forward to our partnership with the Fire Department. They are a great group of individuals who care a great deal about our community,” said Pete Gaumer, Independence BrewBQ committee member.
Independence Fire Department Crew Front row sitting (left to right John Butler, Richard Newton, Daryl Johnson Jr, Doug Cook, Rick Wulfekuhle, Blake Hayward, Judd Taylor) Back row standing ( left to right Gordy Fenner, David Dunlap, Jordon Wulfekuhle, Adam Kuhse, Jacob Wolf, Lane Zahourek, Jen Simmons, Matt Mayner, Tim Erickson, Ben Reiff, Jesse Manning, Rob Ratchford) Missing from the photo is: Roger Kremer, Jason Decker, Mike Loveless, Tristian Dilley, Andrew Hermsen.
Click here to follow the Independence Fire Department on Facebook!
2017 Charity Partner
Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund
Earlier this year we lost a good friend, Jon Holland. Jon was a founding member of Independence BrewBQ and a very important part of so may community activities. He was truly a “Professional Volunteer”.
The Board of Independence Celebrations Committee (who also oversees Independence BrewBQ) has established the Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund to continue Jon’s legacy by creating a perpetual income stream to make a positive impact in Independence. The best way to honor Jon is to encourage people to get involved by offering their time and talents to better Independence.
The Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund is a permanent fund with the Community Foundation. The annual distribution from the fund will support community betterment projects and programs in Jon’s memory. The program areas include financial support for secondary education endeavors and projects to enhance the Independence Community.
This fund is eligible for the Endow Iowa Tax Credit as it is a permanent fund with an accredited Community Foundation. As a donor, individuals receive a 25% Iowa tax credit for your donation. This year’s credits are going fast however, donations will be eligible for the 2018 tax credit pool on a first-in-line basis. The donation is also eligible for the regular federal tax deduction for the current tax year. The tax credit is more favorable than a deduction.
Click here for a program flyer to share and/or send in a contribution.
Individuals may contribute online at www.cfneia.org/jonholland or mail checks to CFNEIA at 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Please make your check payable to the Jon Holland Impact Indee Fund or the Buchanan County Community Foundation noting the Holland Impact Fund in the memo. If you have questions, please contact Terry Gaumer via email or phone 319-243-1354.
2016 Charity Partner
Independence Area Food Pantry
The Main Program of the Independence Area Food Pantry is the procurement and distribution of emergency or supplemental food with an emphasis on nutrition. This service is available five days a week, and clients may use it once a month. It provides about 34 pounds of basic foods per person. Shelf stable fruits and vegetables, whole grain pastas and cereals, rice, bread, peanut butter, and canned tuna or meat are offered along with frozen vegetables and fruit, fresh fluid milk, eggs, and frozen meat in a grocery store format. Clients are limited on how much they may take, based on household size, but may choose the foods they can and will use. This has reduced waste, helps those with diet restrictions, and feels comfortable to our clients. Fresh produce and items with very short shelf life are offered unlimited, and clients have access to them as often as they like.
Visit the Independence Area Food Pantry on Facebook.
2015 Charity Partner
Buchanan County Animal Shelter
The Buchanan County Animal Shelter is a group of citizens working as a non-profit organization, dedicated to finding homes for misplaced animals in Buchanan County, Iowa. They are located just north of Hazleton on Highway 150.
Visit the Buchanan County Animal Shelter online.
Follow Buchanan County Animal Shelter on Facebook.
2014 Charity Partner
Buchanan County Volunteer Co-op
Buchanan County Volunteer Co-op has been providing extended preventative home visitation and support services since 1984. These services are meant to strengthen and empower families with children, at no cost, that reside in Buchanan County. Emergency and Crisis Child Care Services are also available at no cost to county residents
Read the KWWL “Someone You Should Know” segment featuring Brenda Ristvedt and the Buchanan County Volunteer Co-op.
Visit Buchanan County Volunteer Co-op on Facebook
2013 Charity Partner
Building a Dream in the Country
Visit the Building a Dream in the Country website.
Follow Building a Dream in the Country on Facebook.
2012 Charity Partner
Relay for Life
Visit Buchanan County Relay for Life on Facebook.
2011 Charity Partner
Post 730 Honor Flight
Visit the Post 730 Honor Flight website.