Strike a Chord Raises $100K for Local Families

In its biggest year yet, more than 300 guests escaped to the tropics on June 16 at the 13th annual “Strike a Chord” to help Heartland Family Service (heartlandfamilyservice.org) raise a record-breaking $100,000 for children and families throughout southwest Iowa.

At the casual-attire event in the Mid-America Center, guests were treated to games and raffle excitement, an instant camera photo booth, and the limbo dance. They also spent the night bidding on 125 silent auction items.

Longtime Master of Ceremonies and Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber introduced featured musical act Michael Fitzsimmons of Dancing Man Music, with special guests Ron Cooley and Joey Gulizia, who played the steel and bongo drums as guests enjoyed the island cuisine and tropical vibes. President and CEO John Jeanetta then presented the program and introduced the honorees for the Heartland Family Service Salute Awards, Ali Heimbaugh (Salute to Achievement Award) and Barry Cleaveland (Salute to Leadership Award).

The evening ended with the live auction and a large round of applause as the heart graphic filled to the top after exceeding the initial event goal of $80,400. All proceeds will benefit Heartland Family Service programs in southwest Iowa, including housing and support services for the homeless; a K-12 therapeutic school; integrated health home; mental health counseling; and substance abuse and problem gambling treatment. Heartland Family Service operates from eight locations throughout southwest Iowa, with offices in Council Bluffs, Logan and Glenwood.