Since its inception, The Wallace Centers of Iowa has received generous support from the community in many ways: volunteer efforts, financial contributions, in-kind support, memberships, and artifact donations. We are pleased to feature these generous contributions for 2012-13:

Implement Dealership Lends a Gator
Barker Implement, with eight locations in southwest and south central Iowa, has loaned a John Deere gator utility vehicle to The Wallace Centers of Iowa for the fourth year. The gator will be put to use immediately at the Country Life Center with its four acres of fruits and vegetables and ten acres of restored prairie. Our thanks to Todd Barker and all of Barker Implement's staff.

First National Bank contributes major gift
Headquartered in Fontanelle, Iowa, First National Bank made a major gift contribution of $15,000 in September 2012 to be divided between WCI's annual operations and the Growing Better Capital Campaign. The bank has also been a strong supporter of tourism efforts in Adair County and often underwrites the cost of bringing motor coach tours to local tourist attractions, which include the Country Life Center.

Pioneer Hi-Bred Contributes in Three Ways
The Wallace Centers of Iowa received three generous contributions recently from DuPont Pioneer. A $7,000 grant will be used to support a program targeting teens and food issues. Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference immerses teens in a week-long study of current food issues such as food insecurity, obesity, technology’s impact on food production, and how the environment is affected by food production. The teens develop a year-long food-related project involving their peers that encourages systemic change. More than half of the funding will be used for student scholarships.

A $2,000 contribution helped WCI expand its Farm-to-Table Dinners at the Wallace House, increasing to four in 2012. These special meals showcase the fruits and vegetables produced on four acres of land at the Henry A. Wallace birthplace farm near Orient and other locally-sourced ingredients.

Grant Awards Announced
In March 2012, the north central region of the Sustainable Agriculure Research and Education program (SARE) announced a $2,000 grant award to WCi for support of its Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference teen education program.

In January 2013, the Empowering Adair County Foundation awarded WCI $7,000 to support a Garden Assistant at the Country Life Center.

Iowa State University's Leopold Center awarded WCI more than $6,800 in support of a new Small Farm Field and Business Apprenticeship program. WCI will offer four apprenticeships in 2013, providing practical experience in managing a medium-sized organic vegetable and fruit production garden.

Family Foundations commit to WCI
The Wallace Genetic Foundation and the Wallace Global Fund made significant contributions in 2012 towards program development and organizational operations. Thank you to both of these major donors as WCI expands existing programs and develops new initiatives.

Iowa State Savings Bank connects WCI to community
Iowa State Savings Bank of Creston, Iowa is in the third year of a 3-year financial commitment in support of operations. Bank president Karl Knock and marketing director Jan Knock connected WCI staff to local high school teachers who are interested in finding out more about the new Real Soil, Real Food, A Real Difference teen food program. Iowa State Savings Bank sponsored a local teen who participated in the program. Karl and Jan also personally participate in WCI's Community Supported Agriculture program. Our thanks to Karl and Jan for their generosity and support.

Annual Operations Gift
You can make a gift to The Wallace Centers of Iowa to help with annual operating needs such as program development and implementation, staff training, building and grounds upkeep, and other necessities. Gifts can be in any amount that you choose; simply change the amount in the PayPal box below.