Hoping to make up for losses after the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated one of their biggest fundraisers of the year, the West Liberty Youth Dream Catchers is hosting an on-line fundraiser that is being matched by an anonymous donor, adult leaders of the organization announced this month.
The group has a donor who will match up to $20,000 toward the scholarship program that gives first-time college bound students in a family an opportunity to get a major portion of their college or technical education awarded by getting into a college program after being selected in third grade in the West Liberty Community School District to be a "Dream Catcher."
The group, which held a four-player best shot golf outing on Aug. 8 in Iowa City as their only fundraiser of the year, had to postpone until Spring their 16th annual Taco Dinner fundraiser, typically held at the West Liberty Community Center. The event had been slated for Nov. 20 and had been reworked this year into a carry-out only event, but even that was cancelled because of a major outbreak of positive COVID-19 cases in Muscatine County.
Describing the donor only as "an anonymous friend of the program," the organization, including the dozens of youngsters selected in the program, attempt to raise at least $20,000 annually as the group hopes to award five students $2,000 annual scholarships for their education.
The group did get a surprise in October when the Community Foundation of Muscatine County awarded the organization the Tom Hendricks Community Service Award for $7,500. The endowment fund is awarded to only one organization annually.
The Taco Dinner event typically also carries with it a variety of silent auction items and benefit drawings and students who benefit from the program participate by serving tacos.
To donate toward the fundraiser, go to the organization's website: westlibertydreamcatchers.org and look for a donation button. Donations are also accepted through Dream Catcher leaders Steve Hanson or organization President Carol Moreno at Gentle Dental Family Practice at 1205 Highway 6 in West Liberty. The non-profit organization is a 501(c) (3). anyone wishing more information can call 319-627-4918.
Matching donations are being accepted through the end of January, officials pointed out.
Moreno said the group is fortunate to get the support it does from the community, noting businesses and individuals have always stepped forward to provide help.
The students, selected in third grade, are tutored through elementary, middle school and high school grades to insure they are on-line to get the scholarships, tracking academic progress.
Approximately 40 Dream Catchers and their families are part of the mentoring program and a board of directors that includes a variety of members from the community, guides the organization annually.
Volunteers are always needed to help mentor youngsters, many involved in the program after school hours.
The first "Dream Catcher" was sent to college in 2015. The program was founded by Carol and Ed Moreno.