Building Stronger Communities
2025 marked a year of meaningful change for the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation, as we transitioned to a new funding schedule and established the Merchants Memorial Grant. What didn’t change was our core mission of “providing support to non-profit organizations to improve our communities and enrich the lives of children in the communities we serve.”
We invite you to explore the impact of the Foundation’s work.
2025 Community Giving Breakdown
Total Giving Since Inception (2008): $3,762,381
Additional Giving
$73,001.48 to United Way of Central Iowa
An increased focus on our company’s commitment to United Way of Central Iowa led to a 17% 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.
$18,086 from 63 associates to 48 organizations
Organizations addressing the cares and concerns of associates receive support through Merchants’ matching gift program.
422.50 Volunteer Hours to Over 50 Organizations by 67 associates
All eligible associates receive 7.5 hours of paid volunteer time off (VTO) each year to participate in community service activities of their choice.
2025 Charity of Choice
Each year, Merchants selects a Charity of Choice for company-wide fundraising, led by our Community Outreach Council. In 2025, Merchants launched the inaugural Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Memorial Grant, awarding $169,000 to Children’s Cancer Connection (CCC). The funds directly supported Camp Heart Connection, a life-changing program that provides free camp experiences for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Through our Do S’More Good campaign, Merchants associates, agent partners, and donors united around a shared mission – to bring joy, hope, and healing to Iowa families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer. From the campaign kickoff to the final campfire celebration, our community showed extraordinary generosity and heart.
Spirit of Camp
A highlight of the year was the unveiling of Spirit of Camp, a commissioned piece by Iowa artist, Chris Vance, created to celebrate the joy and resilience found at Camp Heart Connection. The painting now resides in the CCC conference room, serving as a daily reminder of the hope Merchants helped ignite.
Party With A Purpose
The annual Party with a Purpose brought Merchants associates together for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. The event served as the grand finale of the Do S’More Good campaign and the moment the Foundation Memorial Grant was officially presented to CCC, marking a milestone year in Merchants’ charitable giving efforts.
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.
Olivia Danner
Co-chair
Joe Bernhard
Co-chair
Addie Lee
Aleah Vaske
Amanda Brunkhorst
Beth Pettigrew
Dakota Ingles
Deanne Edwards
Eli Krambeer
Erica Johnson
Erin Hatch
Jesseca Gepner
Kim Lee
Kim Mullins
Kyle Nielsen
Margie Spencer
Gallery
Shining Star Award
Established in 2011, the Shining Star Award honors two associates each year who go above and beyond in giving back, both in their communities and within the company. Nominated by their peers, recipients exemplify compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference in their local communities. Winners receive a monetary donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice.
Shining Star Winner
Scott Olsen
Scott Olsen, Manager of Web Development, has been selected as the 2025 Shining Star Award winner. A founding member of the Madrid Bunch, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting Easterseals and other community needs, Scott has helped build a beloved annual bowling tournament that raises between $15,000 and $20,000 each year for Easterseals. The event features raffles, a silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing, garnering longtime supporters from across the community.
In addition to the tournament, Scott helps organize special fundraisers for local individuals and families facing medical or personal challenges. His sustained dedication to service earned him Easterseals’ Mark Melton Volunteer of the Year Award in November 2023. Scott’s leadership, generosity, and passion for making a difference inspire us all at Merchants.
Shining Star Runner-Up
Michael Ekins
Merchants also celebrates Michael Ekins, Commercial Underwriter, as the 2025 Shining Star Award runner-up. Each year, Michael volunteers at Camp Erin King County, a free bereavement camp for youth ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the death of a loved one. As a volunteer “Big Buddy,” he provides mentorship, emotional support, and a compassionate presence to campers navigating loss.
Michael’s dedication is deeply personal; he experienced bereavement as a teen and attended a similar camp that helped him through his grief. Today, he honors that impact by supporting young people facing similar challenges. Volunteering at Camp Erin has also become a family tradition, as his sister joins him in service each year.
2026 CHARITY OF CHOICE
The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation has selected United Way as the charity of choice for 2026. Known for its ability to unite organizations and mobilize collective impact, United Way will help us broaden our reach and support the communities where our associates live and work. Guided by United Way’s Five Elements of a Thriving Community: essential needs, economic opportunity, early childhood success, education success, and health & well-being, the Community Outreach Council will offer engagement opportunities, creating a balance of fundraising and hands-on involvement for all associates, including those working remotely.
Foundation Leadership
Larry Taylor
President
Elisabeth Sandersfeld
Treasurer & Secretary
Therese Wielage
Vice President
Stacey Cale
Vice President