Grill and Groove for Good
A Community Fundraiser for Camp Tanager
Camp Tanager celebrated it’s 100th anniversary with their Grill and Groove for Good fundraiser at Camp Tanager on Saturday February 28th from 5:30PM-9:00PM. Tanager offers programs that address disruptive actions, behaviors, and emotions in children. They also teach important life skills, prepare children and teens to make positive decisions in the future, and give parents the information needed to understand how mental health affects their child’s development and well being. Camp Tanager hosts overnight camps, day camps, medically specialized camps and more in order to provide kids a place to go when they are in need. The Grill and Groove for Good fundraiser boasted a cash bar, silent auction, and party games for guests to participate in. All proceeds from the event will go to Tanager’s prevention programs which include Expressive Arts, Freedom Schools, and the LGBTQ+ Youth Center.
Pitmaster Thyron Mathews from Oelwein Iowa prepares barbeque for guests at Tanager Place’s Grill and Groove for Good. Mathews won Netflix’s “The American Barbecue Showdown” Season Two. He credits his family for his skills in the kitchen.
Dillon Rairdin plays the keyboard during his set with the band, Vibe. The musicians played several sets throughout the night. Music included jazz, classic R&B, Motown and Soul music. The group has been playing together on and off for a decade.
Emcee Ryan Shenefelt addresses the crowd. Shenefelt has volunteered for Tanager Place’s annual fundraisers for four years in a row. “I love bringing everyone together and raising money,” Shenefelt said.
Attendees of Tanager’s Grill and Groove for Good Fundraiser take a look at some of the items available in the silent auction. Tanager’s mission is to provide services to families that inspire, empower and heal, and they do this through prevention, treatment and outreach.
Todd Kerska, Executive Vice President of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, speaks to the crowd about the bank’s involvement in Tanager Place. The Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust was the presenting sponsor of Grill and Groove for Good.
Mary Beth O’Neill chats with other guests at her table. O’Neill is the President and CEO of Four Oaks Family and Children Services. Four Oaks is an organization located in Cedar Rapids "comprehensively helping children and families through all of their struggles”. They partner with Tanager Place to help families in need of support thrive.
Kellie Sauter talks with a fellow guest while she makes her plate. Sauter was one of several attendees who helped Tanager Place raise money for their prevention program. This program provides kids with the opportunity to attend Tanager’s annual camps.
Tiffany Meeker plays Heads or Tails at her table. Tanager hosted several activities throughout the evening. Meeker tied for second, missing the final round’s guess.
Okpara Rice, CEO of Tanager Place, speaks to the crowd about what Tanager means to those it impacts. He told his story of life as a social worker and those who helped him get where he is today. Rice finished his speech with the sentiment that Tanager doesn’t just solve people’s problems, but walks alongside them on their journeys.
Quinn Pettifer makes the final speech of the night. She reminded the community of the positive impact that Tanager has, and announced that they had met their final fundraising goal of $5,000.
This post features guest writer Maura De Cicco. Please feel free to check out her newsletter here.
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