Gift of Giving 2025

 

On Saturday, December 6, our Kiwanis Rough Risers club partnered with the Cedar Valley JayCees to engage youth in Giving to Others - and it was a SUCCESS!

The Gift of Giving event is an annual event where we can provide elementary school children with the opportunity (and funds) to purchase Christmas gifts for their family members.

Early in the morning, over 60 children gather at a local UAW center, where they are paired with adult volunteers. Together, they travel to Blain’s Farm & Fleet, where each child is given a $45 shopping credit to buy gifts. After shopping, they return to the UAW center to wrap their presents, enjoy breakfast, and meet with our magical Santa.

This heartwarming event creates lasting memories for all involved. 

Rough Risers Still Poppin' Up Funds and Service for Kids

 

The Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis Club once again fired up their kettle during the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration. But the real magic wasn’t just in the sweet-and-salty scent of kettle corn drifting through the park, it was in the camaraderie behind the booth. This year’s event was a true example of Kiwanis fellowship in action. Members of the Waterloo Kiwanis Club and the Easy Risers, Waterloo Kiwanis Club joined the Rough Risers throughout the weekend, working side-by-side to keep the kettles hot and the conversations lively. Members shared stories, laughter and plenty of teamwork reminded everyone why serving is more meaningful when done together. Beyond the fellowship, the booth was a hub of community engagement. Volunteers interacted with hundreds of attendees—greeting families, sharing the Kiwanis mission, and hearing stories from long-time kettle corn fans who consider the treat a “Sturgis tradition.” Over the course of the weekend, the clubs sold more than 1,000 bags of kettle corn and raised over $9,000. Proceeds from the event support the “Kiwanis Kettle Corn for Kids” initiative, which funds youth-focused projects across the Cedar Valley. With every bag popped and every kernel shared, these clubs are building a better community—one friend and one kid at a time. The club averages $15,000 a year in sales of kettle corn and that, plus generous donations by sponsors, allows donations back to schools and community organizations. Some of the recipients of these donations are the Food Bank, Salvation Army, Child Care and others. Kiwanians and SLP members get support from some well-known characters in this project too. The UNI Mascot, TC, also bought a bag of kettle corn as well as provided supervision at a recent sales event in front of the Cedar Falls Hy-Vee. The Rough Risers have also been assisted in some of the poppings by members of the UNI Athletic teams. Submitted by Leigh Zeitz and Jim Larson, Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis Club

Rough Risers Make it in the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District News

 

Once again, our reporter, Jim Larson, shared our accomplishments with the NE-IA District and they posted it in their News from aroudn the District newsletter.   Thank you, Jim.

Cedar Falls Rough Risers pop corn, clean up trails

The Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis Club popped one hundred bags of their $7 retail bags of kettle corn for the school's fun fair. The school sells the bags and receives $700. Pictured are some of the Rough Risers in May after the completion of popping kettlecorn for a Cedar Falls Elementary School.

The club donates to 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, and the high school’s “kick off” rally in the Fall - a total of $7,000 raised for the schools. This donation has been going on for 20-plus years. On April 26, club members joined other volunteers in cleaning up 125 miles of trails in the Cedar Valley. The Kiwanis group of six dedicated volunteers (family members included) covered five of those miles and collected three bags of refuse. This is their second year of participating in this very worthwhile project. Submitted by Jim Larson, Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis Club

Rough Risers Party at Gateway Park

 Our Kiwanis Rough Risers club need to have fun as well as work to make the Cedar Valley a better place for kids.  Headed by Sue Loy and Sara Jansen, the Internal Relations committee hosted a social event last night (6/5) at the Gateway Park in Cedar Falls.

Pulled Pork sandwiches were supplied along with some side dishes and dessert (Pies and Ice Cream).  The rest of the feast was provided by the club members.  The array was stupendous.

This festival also included an opportunity to induct our newest member, Debbie Lee.  She was joined by her sponsor (and husband), Randy Lee.  Our president, Leigh Zeitz, welcomed her into our club and thanked Randy for inviting her to join. Debbie received a Kiwanis pin and the coveted Kiwanis Rough Risers coffee mug as welcome presents. 

The evening ended in Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Bingo. Sue Loy distributed a stack of Bingo cards adorned with a collection of words that were specific to Kiwanis and our club. 
A Great time was had by all!

  

Rough Risers’ Kettle Corn at the 4th Street Cruise: A Poppin' Success!

This past Saturday, May 24th, the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club had an exciting day at the 4th Street Cruise, where we spent over four hours popping up our famous Kettle Corn. The event was a massive hit, and by the end of the day, we’d popped nearly 300 bags—talk about a lot of kernels!

And here’s the best part: we earned an impressive $2,661! The crowd was nonstop, with a line that seemed never-ending. We even got the chance to sell to parade-goers zooming by in their cars! It was a fast-paced, fun-filled day, and we’re so grateful to everyone who stopped by to grab a bag (or two!) of our delicious Kettle Corn.

With all the support, we’re one step closer to making a better community, one kid and one kernel at a time.

Bell Ringers Attend Salvation Army Volunteer Dinner for Celebration

 

Barb Sanders and Leigh Zeitz attended the 2025 Salvation Army Dinner Celebration of Volunteers on Thursday, May 9.  It was an opportunity to meet and other volunteers who have been doing a variety of jobs including picking up and delivering food, serving weekly meals to customers, raising money through bell ringing, and many other ways to support people.

Barb and Leigh were invited because of their bell ringing during Christmas time.  The other Kiwanis members who rang bells last season were Dale and Sara Jansen, Jim Larson, Randy Lee, Bob Dickenson, Leigh Zeitz, Rod Hamer, and others.  

Thank you for all your work.

Kiwanis Rough Risers Clean the Cedar Valley Bike Trails

 Today, the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers rolled up their sleeves and hit the trails with a mission: cleaning up our beloved Cedar Valley Bike Trails. This marks our second year of dedicated service to clear 125 miles of trails, making them safer and cleaner for everyone to enjoy.

Our team of 6 dedicated members, including Dale Jansen, Bob Dickenson, Leigh Zeitz, Rob Williams (Holly's husband), and their two awesome children, Maddie and Owen, worked tirelessly to cover 5 miles of trails. Together, they collected 3 bags of refuse, showing our commitment to making a difference one step at a time.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers for their hard work and dedication to community service! Stay tuned for more updates on how the Rough Risers are making a positive impact in the Cedar Valley.

Have you seen the difference in the trails?  If so, tell us where.

Marv Will Be Missed, But Never Forgotten!

HE WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

Marv Heller  September 1935 - April 2025

The Rough Risers lost another one of our founders with the passing of Marv Heller.

We also lost:

A Leader

An Organizer

A Giving Servant

A Worker

                A Friend

Marv served in all of the offices of the Club as well as Lieutenant Governor for our Kiwanis District.

He organized countless construction projects at the Soccer Center, Hartman Reserve, Cedar Falls, and Waterloo Parks etc. He provided the leadership to see the projects completed.

He was always willing to help in any Club project such as the Gift of Giving, Christmas Family, etc.

Marv made his time and talents available for others - Habitat for Humanity, Education,

and Nazareth Lutheran Church.  He made thirteen trips to the New Orleans area

to help renew the devastated area.

The list goes on, but in the final essence:     

“Marvin Heller Mattered”

 

Our long-time club member, Dr. Emily Borcherding, has been recognized as a Gold Star teacher for Waterloo Schools.  She is a 6-12 math teacher at the Expo School in Waterloo. Emily is one of 10 Black Hawk County teachers who will be awarded with the 2025 Gold Star Award for outstanding teaching.

CONGRATULATIONS, EMILY!!

Kiwanis Kettle Corn for Kids: Supporting Cedar Valley Youth for 20 Years

For the past 20 years, the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers have been popping kettlecorn with one purpose in mind: to support and uplift youth in the Cedar Valley. The Kiwanis Kettle Corn for Kids project has always been about more than just providing a tasty snack at local events - It's about making a lasting difference in the lives of children in our community.

Our kettlecorn booth is a labor of love, driven by the shared goal of raising funds for youth programs, scholarships, and other initiatives that benefit young people. But our impact doesn’t stop there. We are proud to have the support of 27 local businesses who sponsor our efforts, recognizing the importance of investing in the future of our youth.

These generous merchants play a crucial role in our ability to continue making a difference. Their contributions help us fund vital programs, ensuring that every bag of kettlecorn sold is an investment in a child's education, well-being, and opportunities for growth.

Each year, as we sell our kettlecorn at Sturgis Falls, 4th Street Cruise, and school events, we are reminded that our work is about more than just selling a snack — it’s about building a stronger, more supportive community for our kids.

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and those of you who enjoy our kettlecorn, as your support makes this program possible. Together, we are creating a brighter future for the youth of Cedar Valley.

We are:
"Making a better community, one kid and one kernel at a time."

Ron Steele Reports on the Gift of Giving

 IT HAPPENED!!

The Gift of Giving was a huge success.   75 kids had the opportunity to purchase gifts at Blain's Farm and Fleet for people in their families and we had a chance to make it a reality.   The details of this were included in the last posting, but the Real Ron Steele visited Blain's when we were there and aired his experience on December 12.   

Here it is.  Most of the interviews were with the UNI athletes who worked with the kids but we are interviewed around 2:30 on the report.

Click here to watch the 4-minute interview.

BIG Thank You to Our Sponsors!!

BIG THANK YOU to our CEDAR VALLEY SPONSORS!!!

Every year, our club sells thousands of bags of kettle corn to raise funds to support our Cedar Valley Youth.  Thank you for purchasing and enjoying our Kiwanis Kettle Corn.

We also receive GENEROUS support from 28 Cedar Valley sponsors.  These gracious sponsors help fund our ongoing work in the Cedar Valley to support our youth.  

We are Improving the World - One Child and One Community at a time. (Kiwanis Mission)

This is an ad that is running in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on Sundays, 12/8 and 12/15:

Please contact us if you are interested in helping our Cedar Valley Youth.

Kiwanis and Jaycees give The Gift of Giving

The Gift of Giving is an event where children are given the opportunity (and funds) to buy Christmas gifts for people in their family. It is a time of opportunity and receiving the joy of experiencing it.

The Cedar Valley Jaycees began this event in 2010 when they asked us to join with them in making this event a reality.  We are looking forward to Saturday, December 7, when our club, Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers, will meet with 100 kids to go shopping.

We begin by meeting at the UAW in Waterloo at 6:00 AM.  The kids have created shopping lists to use while they are buying gifts for their families.  We pair up with kids and then join them as we board buses to journey over to the Blain’s Farm and Fleet store in Cedar Falls. When we arrive at Blain’s, we are greeted by Santa Claus and begin our shopping spree. 

The kids are each given a shopping credit of about $40 (I think) and they roll carts around the store along with their partner as they find gifts for their family.  After they check out, we get back on the bus and return to our Gift of Giving celebration at the UAW in Waterloo. 

When we disembark from the bus, our Kiwanis gourmet chefs have prepared a scrumptious breakfast of waffles, sausage, orange juice, and some other treats.  After we finish our breakfast, we gift wrap the presents they purchased.  It is a great time to connect and have a lot of fun.

Their parents pick them up around 9:00.  As each of the children leaves, they receive a gift for themselves.  A great time is had by all. 

Recently, Ron Steele of KWWL interviewed the president of the Jaycees, Abby Webb; Nikki Werning, Family Support Worker in Waterloo Schools, and our president, Leigh Zeitz, about the Gift of Giving event.

Here is a link to the interview video.

If you have problems watching the video, try watching it using the KWWL app on your phone. 

Here is a link to his informative article about the Gift of Giving.

Want to sign up for the Gift of Giving as a young participant or as an adult?

Visit the Cedar Valley Jaycees Gift of Giving webpage. 

Dr. Marv Heller Recognized as a 2024 "8 Over 80" Winner.

Dr. Marvin Heller, a founding member of Kiwanis Rough Risers, is being honored with the Cedar Valley 2024 8-over-80 award for his exceptional community service.  A celebratory luncheon will be held on July 18 (see details below.)

This award acknowledges those who have made a difference and set examples in their careers and lives. They are recognizing those who are still contributing to our community's well-being both now and in the past. 

As one of the founding members of the Cedar Valley Kiwanis Rough Risers in 1981, Dr. Heller has demonstrated his commitment to service through his leadership within our club. He has played a pivotal role in coordinating numerous construction projects that have significantly enhanced our community. From the construction of eight shelters at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex to the impressive 40-foot shelter at the back of the YMCA, Dr.Heller's vision and tireless efforts have left a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Dr.Heller's impact extends beyond the realm of community service and into the field of education. As a professor of elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa, he has greatly influenced the lives of hundreds of future teachers. His passion for education and unwavering dedication to his students has helped shape the minds and hearts of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the future of education in our community and beyond.

Thank you, Marv.

Join us at the recognition ceremony and luncheon taking place at 11:30 a.m. July 18 at the Diamond Event Center, 5307 Caraway Lane, in Cedar Falls.

Make a reservation for the event at $30 per per person - register at this site.

Courier's article about Marv.

It's been a GREAT YEAR!

 On Tuesday night, May 7, our club held a  Social Get Together at the Cedar Falls Public Safety Center.  About 40 members and +1s shared a wonderful meal catered by the wonderful Moment in Thyme people. It was an informal get-together with president Leigh Zeitz sharing experiences and telling stories about the Rough Risers' past year.

Click Here to see his slide show:

Rough Risers Help Schools - Featured in Nebraske-Iowa Monthly

 

Article featured in the Kiwanis Nebraska-Iowa monthly newsletter!

Cedar Falls Rough Risers Help Local Schools with Kettle Corn

It is popping season here in Cedar Falls and the Kiwanis Rough Risers are busy at work! The Cedar Falls Rough Risers have already popped over 400 bags of kettle corn for three local elementary and middle schools. The schools will sell the delicious bags of kettle corn at their local spring fundraising events. Each school gets 100 bags to sell. Sold at $7 a bag that is $700 of profit for each school!

Stay tuned for more popping as the club continues to help 5 more schools this spring! That will be almost 1,000 bags of kettle corn!

Ben Miller Speaks from the Grout Museum

 Ben Miller, Director of Education for the Grout Museum, shared the museums and facilities they share with the public in the Cedar Valley. They have an enlightening series of camps and programs for the children throughout the year. Thanks for speaking Ben! https://www.groutmuseumdistrict.org/

Dr. Nick Teig has passed away

We regret to announce that our long-time friend and founding member for the Kiwanis Rough Risers Kiwanis Club passed away on Sunday, October 29. 

 Nick has been an active member and was always there to help when anyone needed him.

The funeral will be on Friday, November 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. Memorial serivces will be at 11:00 am.

Nick Teig Obituary

CEDAR FALLS – Nick E. Teig, 83, died on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Western Home Communities-The Deery Suites.

He was born on September 23, 1940, in Radcliffe, IA, the son of Clarence and Beatrice (Sasse) Teig. On August 11, 1962, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Arthur in Randalia, IA. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Northern Iowa before earning his Ed.D. from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He was employed as an associate professor at UNI before his retirement, spending most of his career at Price Laboratory School/NU High.

Nick was very involved in his Kiwanis group and his church, First United Methodist. He was always willing to assist with building projects, loved fishing, bird watching and being with his family.

Nick is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Debra (Mark) Sand of Waverly and Kristin (Travis) Torres of Cedar Falls; and grandchildren, Ryan and Andrew Sand, and Jack and Ava Torres.  He was preceded in death by sister, Caroline Berkman, and two brothers, Carl and Brian Teig.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9th at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls. Inurnment at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls.

Memorials may be directed to the church, Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers, or the ALS Association Iowa Chapter/Des Moines.

Mary Potter Sells Us on the Metro Community Concert Association

Where can we go to get affordable entertainment?   

Why go to the Metro Community Concert Association - of course!

Mary Potter, Membership Secretary for the Metro Community Concert Association, joined us today to share the Concerts Association's story and which shows are coming to town.

Thank you, Mary

Author Sherry J. Kubalsky Shares Her Books and Her Purpose

 

Author Sherry Kubalsky stopped by to share her books and purpose with us today. She told us some stories about her life in Iowa, her love of windmills, and her desire to write children's books. 

She has written two so far: It's OK to Be Me and The Square Wreath. She shared some plans she has for a couple of more books that sound quite interesting.

Her purpose for these books was to raise money to build water wells in Ghana. All of the money that Sherry makes in selling her books will go to bring clean water to those who have not. 

Thank you for sharing your books and purpose with us, Sherry.