Merchants Event Raises Record Funds

August 22, 2023

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation’s Bill Warner Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Classic raised $171,278 for EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest program, a record amount for the event, and collected nearly 20,000 diapers in the Stack Up to Stock Up drive leading up to the outing.

The proceeds are the result of: a record number of golfers, many of them our valued surety agent partners who traveled from 21 states; dozens of corporate sponsors; and donors from across the country. “We’re proud that our tournament once again brought together so many generous participants to benefit our community,” said Merchants’ Chairman of the Board and President Larry Taylor. “The Stork’s Nest program does such important work, reaching out to vulnerable families and ensuring they get the support they need for their babies.”

EveryStep's Stork's Nest program is an important resource for disadvantaged families in Central Iowa. Using a 'learn and earn' model, the program allows participants to earn points by taking part in educational opportunities like prenatal classes or engaging in healthy behaviors like smoking cessation. The points they earn can then be spent at the Stork's Nest store for essential items like cribs, car seats, diapers and more, to give their babies a safe and healthy start in life. 

“We are grateful for Merchants Bonding Company’s support of EveryStep and our Stork’s Nest program,” said Tray Wade, CEO of EveryStep. “The efforts and commitment of Merchants means more young families will have the critical supplies they need to raise a healthy baby. Together, we are pulling the threads between the health and social service systems tight, so no one falls through the gaps and no one is left to struggle on their own.”

Since its inception in 2010 the Golf Classic, held every other year, has raised nearly $1 million for organizations in Iowa. Past beneficiaries include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Youth Homes of Mid-America, Blank Children’s Hospital NICU, Puppy Jake Foundation, Easterseals Iowa, and Vision to Learn.