Milestone Year Culminates in Record-Breaking Giving
Total Giving Since Inception: $3,036,690
Merchants’ Foundation was formed in 2008 in celebration of its 75th anniversary and to foster a culture of giving back. Philanthropy was one of the most powerful ways Merchants Bonding Company marked its 90th anniversary with new records for single-event fundraising and total annual giving.
Additional Giving
$90,000 to Construction and Surety
A $90,000 donation by the Foundation not only honored Merchants’ 90th anniversary but also recognized the importance of the ongoing partnership between the construction and surety industries with funds directed to scholarships programs supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
$60,000
Associated General Contractors Workforce Development Scholarships
$30,000
SFAA Surety & Fidelity Intern & Scholarship Program
$42,640 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:
Essential Needs
Early Childhood Success
Education Success
Economic Opportunity
Health & Well-Being
36 Matching Gifts Totaling $7,744
Organizations addressing the cares and concerns of associates and agent partners receive support through Merchants’ matching gift program.
325.75 Volunteer Hours to 33 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.
2023 Focus Charity
Each year, Merchants Bonding Company Foundation chooses a focus charity to support and EveryStep’s Stork’s Nest program was the 2023 selection. The program is an important support network for disadvantaged families in our community, providing essential items like cribs, car seats, formula, and diapers to give babies a safe and healthy start in life.
Bill Warner Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Classic
2023’s premier fundraising event for EveryStep was the Bill Warner Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Classic. Held every other year, the tournament raised a record-breaking $171,278 for the Stork’s Nest program thanks to the generosity of the event’s participants and sponsors. The program also received 20,000 diapers donated through the Foundation’s Stack Up to Stock Up drive.
224
Golfers – New Record!
50
Sponsors
$171,278
Raised – New Record!
20,000
Diapers Collected
Diaper Tower Donations
Check-In
Larry Taylor Opening Remarks
Bill Warner, Jr. Opening Remarks
Carts Take Off
EveryStep Booth
Associate Volunteers
Golfing
Golfing
Associate Volunteers
Golf Foursome
Golfing
Associate Volunteers
Golfing
Associate Volunteers
Golf Foursome
Golfing
Golf Foursome
Reception
Reception
Reception
Live Auction
Reception
Foursome Winners
Foursome Winners
Check Presentation
Community Outreach Council
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.
Chair
Co-chair
EveryStep Post-Partem Packing
Mini-Golf Food Drive
Meals from the Heartland Hunger Fight
Blessing Tree
Trivia Night Fundraiser
Bake Sale
DAV Donation Drive
Black History Month Music Bingo
Hawthorn Hill Volunteer of the Year
EveryStep’s Amanda the Panda
Shuffleboard Tournament Fundraiser
Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
Easterseals Iowa Caroling
Can Play Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award
Food Day Fundraisers
Raise the Bar Initiative Trivia Fundraiser
American Heart Association Heart Walk
Meals from the Heartland Charity Golf Tournament
Shining Star Award
Shining Star Winner Doug Mercer
Doug Mercer, territory directory of contract underwriting in Austin, Texas, was selected as Merchants Bonding Company’s 2023 Shining Star for his involvement with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The 19-day-long event raises funds for college and trade school scholarships. Throughout his extensive tenure as a volunteer, Doug has taken on increasing responsibilities. The event he currently directs, the Go Rodeo Roundup, achieved a remarkable feat netting more than $400,000 in a single night. Doug’s involvement is year-round, on a near daily basis, with the support of his wife. Doug says his connection to the students is what drives his enormous commitment.
Shining Star Runner-up Kyle Nielsen
Merchants also recognized Kyle Nielsen, product compliance specialist in West Des Moines, Iowa, as the 2023 Shining Star runner-up. Kyle is involved in the community on many levels; not only does he coach through the YMCA, and volunteer at his kids’ school, but he’s an active supporter of the Eat Greater Des Moines food rescue program. Every weekend, Kyle and his family collect donated food from Trader Joe’s and transport it to a community program catering to families in need. Kyle's active participation in Merchants’ Community Outreach Council further amplifies his dedication to the community.
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.
EDUCATE. INSPIRE. BELIEVE.
Gigi’s Playhouse Selected as 2024 Charity Beneficiary
The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation selected Gigi’s Playhouse as the focus charity for 2024. Gigi’s Playhouse provides programming and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and works to change the way the world views Down syndrome, sending a global message of acceptance for all. Merchants’ Community Outreach Council will facilitate events throughout the year to raise funds in support of arts programming and transform an existing storage space in the Des Moines chapter into a functioning art studio stocked with supplies. Because Gigi’s Playhouse is a national network of chapters, their selection allows Merchants’ associates around the country to participate by volunteering at their local level.
Foundation Leadership
Larry Taylor
President
Bill Warner, Jr.
Sr. Vice President & Secretary
Elisabeth Sandersfeld
Treasurer
Therese Wielage
Vice President