Judy Kress Recognized with Memorial Bench

September 19, 2022 (Independence, IA) – The Mustang Foundation and Independence Community School District would like to extend their appreciation to the family of Judy Kress for naming a bench after her in front of West Elementary. The plaque reads “In Loving Memory of Judy Kress.” The memorial was donated by her daughters, Jami Dunn and Jodi Brewer, and the Dunn and Brewer families. 

Judy graduated from Independence High School in 1967. She worked at West Elementary in the library for 25 years and adored all of the kids throughout the years. Her co-workers were like family and brought her a great deal of happiness.  She loved to talk about the many pranks they played on one another. Judy loved spending time with her family and friends and helping out with her grand “fur babies.” She also enjoyed watching her daughters and grandkids play sports. Judy was very supportive of the Mustangs and never hesitated to volunteer at events. 

Memorial benches throughout the Independence Community School District are held by the Mustang Foundation, American Trotter Trail / Paver Project account and are used to pay for more benches and other extra-curricular related projects at Leinbaugh Field, Mustang Way Park, and the Tennis Courts.    

Making a donation to the Bench Naming Project is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize a graduating class (Class of XXXX), remember an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail.

To make a donation or for more information on the Bench Naming Project, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

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Leinbaugh Field Entry Plaza

Dear Mustang Activities Supporter,

We invite you to take part in the Leinbaugh Field Plaza enhancement project. The mission of this project is to improve the entrance to Leinbaugh Field by creating a new “plaza” outside the front entrance. The entryway will be relocated with a new ticket booth. Inside the entry to the new plaza, we are honored to create two distinct memorial sections, one for Coach Lyle Leinbaugh and one for Sergeant Jim Smith. The Smith Family has graciously donated the funds for the new mustang statue that will be located in the memorial section for Sergeant Jim Smith. We need your help to raise the additional funds for this project. The goal is to raise enough funds to commence construction in July 2022 and have the project completed in the fall of 2022. This $150,000 project will be funded from private contributions to the campaign. The Independence Community School Board has approved the use of $50,000 from the 1 Cent Sales Tax Funds for this project, leaving $100,000 to be raised privately.

Please see the attached flyer for complete donation details including the donation pledge form.

Leinbaugh Field Entry Plaza Flyer & Donation Pledge Form

Dennis Emberton Recognized On Trotter Trail

November 10, 2021, (Independence, IA) – The Mustang Foundation and Independence Community School District would like to extend their appreciation to the family of Dennis Emberton for naming a bench after him along the American Trotter Trail.  The plaque reads “In Loving Memory.  Dennis Emberton.  Proud Mustang Fan”.  Dennis wasn’t just a proud Mustang fan, but he was so proud of his family no matter what the case was. He was a proud husband, father of 5 daughters, grandfather of 11 grandkids, and a great-grandpa of 8 great-grandkids. Dennis attended as many athletic events as he could with his wife, Ann, as long as it didn’t interfere with his favorite thing, farming. He often enjoyed offering his glasses to the referees so they could see what he saw during basketball games!  As seen in the picture, the family stated, “It was very ironic that on the day we were taking the picture, the farmer started combining in the field behind where Dennis’ bench sits. Farming was his passion!”

The funds donated to the American Trotter Trail Project are used to pay for the benches, lighting,  litter receptacles along the trail, and other extra-curricular related projects at Leinbaugh Field, Mustang Way Park, and the Tennis Courts.

Making a donation to the American Trotter Trail is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize a graduating class (Class of XXXX), remember an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail.

Community members have access to this paved trail on part of the Independence Community School District’s 92 acres. The American Trotter Trail’s name is in honor of the late C.W. Williams, who owned a horse racing publication in the 1890s called, The American Trotter, and also had a nationally recognized kite-shaped horse racing track, located primarily on the school’s 92 acres.  The American Trotter Trail connects all three school buildings, creating a unified campus.

To make a donation or for more information on the American Trotter Trail, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

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Jensen Family Donates to the American Trotter Trail

October 18, (Independence, IA) – The Mustang Foundation would like to extend their thanks to a recent donor of the American Trotter Trail project, the Everett and Marilyn Jensen Family. The Jensen family has been a positive presence in the Independence Community for decades and represents how well the Independence Community Schools prepares students for success, as each family member are successful Independence High School graduates.

Name and Independence High School (IHS) Graduating Class:

  • Everett Jensen – IHS Class of 1954

    Pictured are Everett and Marilyn Jenson, along with four their children, who made the donation.  Front – Marilyn Jensen and Everett Jensen  Back L – R; Jeff, Kristin, Mike and Cyndi

    • Retired from Jensen Transport
  • Marilyn Jensen – IHS Class of 1956
    • Retired from Jensen Transport
  • Judy Jensen – IHS Class of 1977
    • Passed away in 1974
  • Cyndi Jensen – IHS Class of 1979
    • Graduated from Iowa State in 1984 with a Chemical Engineering degree
  • Jeff Jensen – IHS Class of 1982
    • Graduated from Luther College in 1986 with a Management/Economics degree
  • Kristin Jensen – IHS Class of 1985
    • Graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1990 with a BA in Accounting/CPA
  • Mike Jensen – IHS Class of 1990
    • Graduated from Iowa State University in 1994 with an Industrial Engineering degree

The funds donated to the American Trotter Trail Project are used to pay for the benches, lighting,  litter receptacles along the trail, and related projects.

Making a donation to the American Trotter Trail is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize a graduating class (Class of XXXX), remember an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail.

Community members have access to this paved trail on part of the Independence Community School District’s 92 acres. The American Trotter Trail’s name is in honor of the late C.W. Williams, who owned a horse racing publication in the 1890s called, The American Trotter, and also had a nationally recognized kite-shaped horse racing track, located primarily on the school’s 92 acres.  The American Trotter Trail connects all three school buildings, creating a unified campus.

To make a donation or for more information on the American Trotter Trail, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

 

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Bench Named after Mike Hayward at Leinbaugh Field

Briana Hayward, Emmerson Hayward, Cameron Hayward, McKenzie Hayward, Blake Hayward, Jessica Hayward and Logan Hayward

August 26, 2021 (Independence, IA) – The Independence Mustang Foundation, Inc. and the Independence Community School District (ICSD) would like to extend their thanks to the Hayward Family for a recent donation in memory of Mike Hayward.  The family honored Mike with a plaque on a picnic table at Leinbaugh Field which reads “Mike Hayward, Class of 1969, Father, Papa, and Lifelong Fan and Supporter of Mustang Athletics”. 

Mike loved watching Mustang athletics, in particular Mustang football.  He was often seen watching games at a picnic table at Leinbaugh Field.  Now he will always be there at his very own picnic table to watch and enjoy Friday Night Lights!

Mike enjoyed working at River Ridge Golf Course and the Independence Community School District. He served multiple terms on the Independence City Council and was a member of St. John Catholic Church.  Mike was very community-minded, and family-focused. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed going to Independence Mustang events, well after his sons had graduated. He loved to watch the Waterloo Black Hawks, Iowa Hawkeyes, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals.

Funds donated to the Paver / Trail Project are used to help pay for improvements along the American Trotter Trail and the Independence Community School District campus.  Making a donation is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail and campus.

To make a donation or for more information, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

Bench Named after Bob Bearbower at Mustang Way Park

 

July 5, 2021 (Independence, IA) – The Independence Mustang Foundation, Inc. and the Independence Community School District (ICSD) would like to extend their thanks to the Bearbower Family for a recent donation to the American Trotter Trail project.  The Bearbower Family made a donation of a bench, in the memory of Robert (Bob) Bearbower, which is now located next to the BankIowa Softball Field at Mustang Way Park.   The family honored Bob with a plaque on the bench which reads “Memory of Bob Bearbower.  Dedicated Fan.  Served 1966 – 2021”. 

Bob, a beloved husband, father of two, grandfather of six, great grand father of five, and a friend to many, passed away at the age of 83 on February 3, 2021.   Bob  graduated from Brandon High School and attended Upper Iowa University. On May 26, 1956, Bob married Lavon Bauer.  They were married for 64 years.

Bob worked as a carpenter, deliveryman and jobber for Standard Oil, and employee of Denton Castings.  Bob served on the Brandon City Council, was mayor of Brandon for 21 years and was also a member of the Brandon Fire Department for 64 years.

However, one of his true passions was serving as a school bus driver from 1966 – 2021 (four years for Brandon) where he fell in love with watching softball and baseball games.  Many students over the years were able to enjoy Bob as their bus driver, especially on road trips to softball and baseball games.  The bench in memory of Bob is located next to the home dugout of the softball field at Mustang Way Park, right where Bob often sat in a lawn chair to watch the games.

Funds donated to the American Trotter Trail Project are used to help pay for improvements along the American Trotter Trail and the Independence Community School District campus.  Making a donation to the American Trotter Trail is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail and campus.

To make a donation or for more information on the American Trotter Trail, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

 

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Media Contact
Fusion Forward
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319.334.9300

Extracurricular Donations

Many generous school district supporters are considering donations to offset the expense of cancelled extracurricular activities, including the musical.  Consider making the donation through the Mustang Foundation, Inc.. The Foundation will distribute those funds across school activities so that those activities, which will not receive money from ticket sales, recover from these extenuating circumstances.

To increase the power of your donation, investigate if your employer would match your donation.  Some businesses offer a match as an employment benefit.  The Mustang Foundation can receive those matching funds to benefit the activities in need.

Donations to the Mustang Foundation are tax deductible and should be directed to:  Mustang Foundation Inc. c/o BankIowa, 230 1st Street East, Independence Iowa.

Bench Named in Memory of Jim Bell

October 14, 2019 (Independence, IA) – The Independence Community School District (ICSD) and Mustang Foundation, Inc. would like to extend their thanks after a recent donation was made to the American Trotter Trail project.  Emily Cahalan organized a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for a bench in memory of her uncle, Jim Bell.  In less than two weeks, more than $1500 was raised from various community and family members to reach the fundraising goal.

Jim spent more than 17 years as a custodian for the Independence Community School District, and cared deeply about the staff and students he worked with. He enjoyed reading, and spent many hours lost in a mystery or western novel. His family was important to him, and he attended every one of his boys’ basketball games. He was usually found in the opposing teams bleachers making friends.

The bench will be located in front of the JR/SR High School where students, staff and guests entering the facility can see Jim’s plaque and remember all the good he brought to the community and his family. The family chose to have the plaque say “loved by family and friends” because of the love of the family and friends who paid for the bench.   

Making a donation to Mustang Foundation, Inc., c/o the American Trotter Trail Project is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize a graduating class (Class of XXXX), remember an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail. The funds donated to the Mustang Foundation, c/o the American Trotter Trail Project, are used to pay for additional benches and other improvements at Leinbaugh Field, Mustang Way Park and the tennis courts. 

Community members have access to this paved trail on part of the Independence Community School District’s 92 acres. The American Trotter Trail name is in honor of the late C.W. Williams who owned a horse racing publication in the 1890’s called The American Trotter, and also had a nationally recognized kite-shaped horse racing track, located primarily on the school’s 92 acres. 

To make a donation or for more information on the American Trotter Trail, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

Donate in memory of Tom Sheets

Donors in the community are coming together to purchase a blocking sled for the Independence Mustang Football to use this coming football season. This blocking sled will be purchased in memory of Tom Sheet and his many years of dedication to the Mustang Football program.

Here’s how you can donate to this cause:

  • Online donation
  • Write a check to the Mustang Foundation with the name Tom Sheets in the memo line.
    • Checks can me mailed to: Mustang Foundation, Inc. c/o Rob Robinson, P.O. Box 229, Independence, Iowa 50644
    • Checks can be dropped off to any local BankIowa location

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The Mustang Foundation Inc. (Foundation) is a 501 (c) (3) public charity and is qualified by the IRS to receive tax-deductible gifts, bequests, devises or transfers.

The Foundation is organized exclusively for the charitable, educational, and scientific purposes which benefit or support extra curricular activities of the Independence Community School District. A nine-person board appointed in staggered terms by the Independence Community School District Board governs the Foundation.

The Foundation’s assets are made up of endowments as well as restricted nonendowed funds for specific short-term projects. Past projects have included, but are not limited to, funding for an all-weather track, gifts for mentoring programs, gifts for classroom reading programs, funds for softball / baseball complex improvements, sponsoring guest fine arts performers, class and whole-grade field trip funding support, funding to construct a stand alone multi-purpose athletic facility, funding for after school and summer education programming, and funding for theatre productions and sound equipment upgrades.

Questions regarding the Foundation can be directed to board member and treasurer Rob Robinson at 319-334-7181 or rob.robinson@bankiowa.com.

LOCAL FARMER DIRECTS AMERICA’S FARMERS GROW COMMUNITIES DONATION TO THE INDEPENDENCE MUSTANG FOUNDATION

America Farmers

 
Release: Immediately

Contacts: Angela Allen, America’s Farmers Grow Communities, (314) 694-1333


LOCAL FARMER DIRECTS AMERICA’S FARMERS GROW COMMUNITIES DONATION TO THE INDEPENDENCE MUSTANG FOUNDATION

  • Each year, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program partners with local farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits.
  • Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, the program provides farmers the opportunity to support and give back to nonprofit organizations they care about in their local communities by enrolling for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice.
  • Since 2010, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program has given more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.

Independence, IA (February 2019) – County farmer, Jim Beatty, directed $2,500 to The Independence Mustang Foundation through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer. As part of their mission, “The Independence Mustang Foundation will use the funds exclusively for the charitable, educational, and scientific purposes which benefit or support extracurricular activities of the Independence Community School District.” said, Rob Robinson, Mustang Foundation Treasurer.

Celebrating its 10th year, America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to support nonprofit organizations strengthening rural communities. The program offers farmers the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. It has awarded more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.

“A better life is Bayer’s goal. Farmers are invested in their communities, they root for their neighbors, and they know when and where there is a need,” said Al Mitchell, Vice President Corporate Engagement, Bayer. “Farmers are one of America’s best resources, which is why Grow Communities partners with them to direct donations to the organizations they are passionate about and that make a positive impact and a better life in communities.”

To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.

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About America’s Farmers
Started in 2010, the America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, have been dedicated to partnering with farmers to strengthen rural communities. The programs provide funding for ag scholarships, nonprofit donations and school STEM grants. Since inception the fund has awarded over $50 million to rural communities. For more information visit AmericasFarmers.com.

About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Bayer employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.