BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Driving Positive Change Through Partnerships in Art, Education, and Community Betterment
Total Giving Since Inception: $3,293,613
Merchants Bonding Company Foundation was formed in 2008 in celebration of its 75th anniversary to foster a culture of giving back.
Community Giving Breakdown
Additional Giving
$75,000 To Inspire Iowa Visitors
A $75,000 pledge by the Foundation reflects Merchants’ commitment to enriching the lives of Iowa residents and visitors. This contribution supports two major initiatives: bringing inspiring public art to the new Des Moines International Airport terminal and advancing wildlife education and conservation through the Blank Park Zoo’s expansion and renovation efforts.
$50,000
$25,000
$62,629.40 to United Way of Central Iowa
An increased focus on our company’s commitment to United Way of Central Iowa led to a 47% increase in associate giving. We’re proud to be a partner in the organization’s success, as their goals closely align with those of our own Foundation.
35 Matching Gifts Totaling $10,504
Organizations addressing the cares and concerns of associates and agent partners receive support through Merchants’ matching gift program.
412 Volunteer Hours to Over 50 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.
2024 Charity of Choice
Each year, Merchants selects a charity of choice for company-wide fundraising, led by our Community Outreach Council. In 2024, we supported Gigi’s Playhouse, a national organization with local chapters, allowing associates nationwide to engage with the cause. Along with attending Gigi’s events, our associates took on an ‘extreme makeover’, transforming a storage space at the Des Moines chapter into a functional art studio. Merchants associates raised over $10,000 for Gigi’s Playhouse.
Party With A Purpose
Merchants’ fundraising efforts for Gigi’s Playhouse culminated in our Party With A Purpose. Merchants associates gathered for an evening filled with delicious food, drinks, games, and fun, all in support of our focus charity. A standout moment was a heartfelt speech by Sam Hatten, a lifelong Gigi’s participant, who shared how community support impacts individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
The Big Reveal
A highlight of the event was the reveal of the revamped art studio. Led by Merchants’ Community Outreach Council, volunteers cleaned, painted, and restocked the space, with new tables and shelves generously donated by WorkSpace, enhancing both its look and functionality.
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Gigi's Revamped Art Studio
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
Party with a Purpose
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.
Dakota Ingles
Co-chair
Olivia Danner
Co-chair
Addie Lee
Aleah Vaske
Amanda Brunkhorst
Beth Pettigrew
Deanne Edwards
Eli Krambeer
Erica Johnson
Jesseca Gepner
Joe Bernhard
Kate Mykhalova
Kim Lee
Kim Mullins
Kyle Nielsen
Margie Spencer
Gallery
American Heart Association’s Heart Walk
Bags Tournament Fundraiser
Big Sisters Big Brothers’ Bowl for Kids Sake
Can Play’s Courage on the Court
Food Day Fundraiser
Meals From the Heartland Packing Event
Mini-Golf Food Drive for Food Bank of Iowa
Shuffleboard Tournament Fundraiser
Trivia Fundraiser
Zoo Tour
Gigi's Playhouse Building Tour
5K Donut Run
Gigi's Playhouse Golf Outing
Gigi’s Playhouse Gala
Gigi’s Playhouse Art Room Volunteering
Shining Star Award
Shining Star Winner Aleah Vaske
Aleah Vaske, Human Resources Generalist, has been selected as the 2024 Shining Star for her remarkable commitment to giving back to the community through multiple organizations. She plays a key role with the Iowa International Center, supporting its mission to assist refugees by providing HR guidance and helping organize the Passport to Prosperity gala, which honors individuals who began their journey in Iowa as refugees. Aleah is also deeply involved in Cajun Fest, a Des Moines event that has raised over $100,000 for local charities. She has helped market, staff, and organize the event, most recently serving as Director of the VIP section. Her passion for HR extends to Disrupt HR, where she has not only participated but also helped plan the event and coach speakers. Within Merchants, Aleah is an active member of the COC, consistently contributing her time and expertise.
Shining Star Runners-up Brandon Phillips and Scott Olsen
Merchants also recognized Brandon Phillips, Commercial Underwriter in Austin, Texas, and Scott Olsen, Web Development Manager in West Des Moines, Iowa, for their dedication to giving back to their communities.
Brandon has been a longtime mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, currently serving as a Big Brother to a 13-year-old boy in Austin. He is passionate about the organization’s mission to “be a defender of potential” and finds deep fulfillment in helping children grow and reach their full potential.
Scott Olsen, inspired by his father’s example, is a founding member of the Madrid Bunch, a small but mighty group that organizes an annual bowling tournament benefiting Easterseals. The event has become a local tradition, raising an impressive $15,000-$20,000 in a single day.
Both Brandon and Scott embody the spirit of community service and generosity.
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.
STANDING UP TO CHILDHOOD CANCER
Children’s Cancer Connection Selected As 2025 Charity of Choice
The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation selected Children’s Cancer Connection as the charity of choice for 2025, with funds directed to their Camp Heart Connection program. The program’s mission is to “provide campers affected by childhood cancer, and their families, a secure environment to connect, grow, and create lifelong memories.” All the camps in the program are offered at no cost to the participants, and aim to provide a true summer camp experience with offerings like rock wall climbing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and more! Merchants’ Community Outreach Council will organize events throughout the year to raise funds and provide support for Camp Heart Connection.
Foundation Leadership
Larry Taylor
President
Elisabeth Sandersfeld
Treasurer & Secretary
Therese Wielage
Vice President
Stacey Cale
Vice President