The Merchants Bonding
Company Foundation

2022 Annual Report

The mission of the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation is to provide support to non-profit organizations to improve our communities, and enrich the lives of children in the communities we serve.

Vision

Improving the human experience for all children in our communities.

Matching Gifts

of 2022 Contributions Support Children & Education

2022 Foundation Highlights

We value excellence, integrity and transparency in ourselves and in all of the organizations we support; and positive and collaborative partnerships built on trust and respect.

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Children & Education

We are committed to serving those less fortunate than us, especially children lacking health, wealth, safety or education.

Associate & Agent Partner Priorities

We value the cares and concerns of Merchants associates and our agent partners, and we seek to contribute to the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Community Betterment

We are committed to the principle that all people are created equal and value diversity and inclusion. We value opportunities to make a more equitable world.

Arts & Culture

We support the role of arts and culture in society to spark innovative ideas and solutions that shape social responsibility and effective philanthropy.

$13,836 to Hawthorn Hill

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Hawthorn Hill was selected as the Foundation’s primary beneficiary for 2022. Hawthorn Hill’s mission is to establish and operate housing programs for homeless families with children to help them obtain permanent housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Merchants’ Community Outreach Council (COC) raised funds to help assist clients financially with items such as apartment application fees, rent/deposits, utility bills, transportation and clothing.

$33,939 to United Way of Central Iowa

United Way of Central Iowa works to give every central Iowan the opportunities to succeed by providing quality, equitable access to the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community:

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Essential Needs

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Early Childhood Success

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Education Success

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Economic Opportunity

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Health & Well-Being

23 Matching Gifts Totaling $4,669

Matching Gifts

The Foundation matches eligible associates’ donations of at least $25, up to $400 per year.


  • Academy Prep Foundation
  • American Heart Association
  • Ankeny Kiwanis Charitable Foundation
  • Boys & Girls Club of Bisbee
  • Cedar Falls Schools Foundation
  • Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
  • Des Moines Public Schools
  • Everybody Wins! Iowa
  • Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
  • Indiana University Foundation
  • Mission Haiti
  • Raise the Bar Initiative
  • Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
  • Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.
  • Timber Ridge Elementary Parent Teacher Organization
  • Variety – the Children’s Charity
  • Waukee Area Christian Services

319.5 Service Hours to 21 Organizations

All eligible associates receive 7.5 hours of paid volunteer time off (VTO) each year to participate in community services activities of their choice.


  • Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Community School District (ADM)
  • Amanda the Panda
  • Bgstrong Charities Inc.
  • Central Iowa Metro League (CIML)
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
  • Easterseals Iowa
  • Everybody Wins! Iowa
  • Furry Friend's Refuge
  • Give Grace Give Hope
  • Hawthorn Hill
  • Iowans for Ukrainians
  • J.B. Nelson Elementary
  • Junior Achievement
  • Maitland Rotary
  • Many Hands for Haiti
  • Meals from the Heartland
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Raise the Bar Initiative
  • South Union Elementary
  • Webster Elementary
  • Wildwood Hills Ranch

Community Outreach Council

To help support its mission, the Foundation formed the Community Outreach Council (COC), a committee of dedicated Merchants associates who encourage and facilitate financial giving and volunteer efforts throughout the company and our community.


Shining Star Award

Shining Star Winner Eugenia DeMello

Commercial Assistant Eugenia DeMello was selected as Merchants Bonding Company’s 2022 Shining Star for her involvement with Iowans for Ukrainians and Easterseals Iowa. Eugenia serves on the board of Iowans for Ukrainians and organized a bake sale and gala which raised more than $20,000 for Ukraine efforts. Her support of Easterseals included organizing a team for their Fall Fest and Walk, and selling a necklace she designed for a fundraising event at Kendra Scott.

Shining Star winner Eugenia Demello holding certificate next to Bill Warner, Jr.
Shining Star runner-up Kim Phillips holding certificate

 

Shining Star runner-up Jarvis Williams holding certificate next to Bill Warner, Jr.

Shining Star Runners-up Kim Phillips & Jarvis Williams

Bookkeeper Kim Phillips was selected for her outstanding work as the co-chair of Merchants’ Community Outreach Council (COC). Kim played a key role in exceeding goals set by the COC over the past two years including providing food for office fundraising luncheons, participating in volunteer opportunities and managing the company raffle to raise funds for Hawthorne Hill. Additionally, Kim dedicates her time and talents to South Union Elementary School and Hope Ministries.


Human Resource Generalist Jarvis Williams was selected for his commitments to youth programs around Des Moines. Jarvis mentors youth through the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa’s Great Futures Society, and participates in many events like Can Play’s Annual Game for Good, a youth baseball exhibition allowing all walks of life the opportunity to be a part of an adaptive recreation-based activity. Jarvis is also a member of several committees at Merchants including the COC; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) committee; and special events subcommittee.


Merchants’ annual Shining Star Award honors associates who are getting involved and giving back to their community. Nominations are reviewed and winners selected by Merchants’ Executive Committee.

FULFILLING FAMILY NEEDS

EveryStep Selected as 2023 Charity Beneficiary

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The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation selected EveryStep Care and Support Services as the focus charity for 2023. Through its more than 30 programs and services, EveryStep helps their clients and families navigate challenges from birth through end of life. From those deserving services, the Foundation selected EveryStep’s Nest programs as the recipient of our fundraising across the upcoming year. The Nest programs provide critical items for new moms and babies like cribs, car-seats, formula, and diapers, necessities that can often be out of reach for struggling families. The purpose of these programs closely aligns with the Foundation’s mission of enriching the lives of the children in the communities we serve.

Foundation Leadership

Headshot of Larry Taylor
Larry Taylor
President
Headshot of Bill Warner
Bill Warner, Jr.
Sr. Vice President & Secretary
Headshot of Don Blum
Don Blum
Treasurer
Headshot of Therese Wielage
Therese Wielage
Vice President