June 2019

The Shell Rock Diving for Dollars campaign recently received two substantial gifts toward its fundraising efforts for a new aquatic facility. The MidAmerican Energy Foundation and Butler Bremer Communications each recently made $10,000 gifts toward the project, bringing the group closer to their goal of $2.65 million.

Corrie Ramige, Co-Chair of the campaign explains “We are so pleased to see local businesses supporting this project. We appreciate their recognition of the positive impact the aquatic center will have on our community for years to come. Their investment in the Shell Rock community speaks volumes.”

The new facility will feature a zero-depth entry which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops.

The committee is in the process of finalizing facility plans and preparing to put out bids to local contractors. To-date, the committee has raised over $2.4 million of the $2.65 million needed. The group hopes to have raised enough money to break ground in the fall of 2019 and open the new facility in June of 2020.

On Saturday, June 29^th, the Splash Dash 5K will be held at 7am at McCague Park 614 E. Jackson Street Shell Rock. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first male and female overall, and medals will be awarded to the first through third place runners in each age group. Participants can register on the Diving for Dollars website at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars or by picking up a registration form at the Shell Rock City Hall. Those who register on or before June 14^th will receive a complimentary Splash Dash T-shirt.

If, at any time, a community member, group, or business would like to make a gift, they can do so one of three ways:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

May 2019

The Diving for Dollars Campaign continues its fundraising efforts for a new aquatic facility. The volunteer fundraising committee will host the 2019 Splash Dash 5K to take place over the community’s annual 4^th of July celebration.

On Saturday, June 29^th, the Splash Dash 5K will be held at 7am at McCague Park 614 E. Jackson Street Shell Rock. The event is sponsored by Tim Vannordstrand – Farm Bureau Financial Services Agent, Shell Rock Clinic, Nelson and Toenjes Law Offices, and Northern Iowa Railway Company.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first male and female overall, and medals will be awarded to the first through third place runners in each age group. Participants can register on the Diving for Dollars website at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars or by picking up a registration form at the Shell Rock City Hall. Those whose registrations are received on or before June 14^th will receive a complimentary Splash Dash T-shirt.

The Diving for Dollars Campaign has raised over $2.5 million toward the town’s new aquatic facility. The group plans to break ground in the fall of 2019 with the grand opening taking place at the start of summer 2020.

If, at any time, a community members, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at the website above.

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

March 2019

The dream of a new swimming pool in Shell Rock is quickly becoming a reality. Recent fundraising activities and a community vote have helped push forward the efforts to raise over 2.65 million dollars.

The Diving for Dollars Campaign held a Beach Party for youth and families on February 16^th. The event was sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, and DJ services were donated by Premier Sound Entertainment. The committee served hot dogs, chips, and ice cream, and held a silent auction with items donated by various individuals and businesses. The event brought in over $4,500 toward the campaign, bringing the total raised over $125,000. “We are so proud of our little community. Raising this much money in a short amount of time is really impressive,” says Diving for Dollars Co-Chair, Corrie Ramige. “We know the community supports this project because they have really stepped up and gotten us this far.”

On Tuesday, February 26, the Diving for Dollars Committee held its second community meeting for community members to ask questions and learn more about the project. Conversations at the meeting included the voting process, fundraising progress, and more.

On March 5, Shell Rock residents voted with 87.5% in favor of the $2 million referendum to support the project. Diving for Dollars Co-Chair, Casey Reints reflects on what the referendum’s passage means for the campaign. “It’s been a delicate balance trying to raise money and write grants before the vote. We are so excited that our community supported the project by voting “yes.” This will really strengthen our grant applications and help us get closer to breaking ground.”

If enough funds have been raised, the group hopes to be able to break ground in August of 2019 and open the new facility in June of 2020.

Shell Rock’s current swimming pool was built in 1975 and faces a number of issues such as leaks, cracked concrete, dated filtration systems, and more. Recent developments to the community’s adjacent park area have increased traffic to the pool. There is a demand for increased space for programming such as lap swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics. The new facility will feature a zero-depth entry which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops.

If, at any time, a community member, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

January 2019

The Diving for Dollars Campaign for a new aquatic facility in Shell Rock continues with several upcoming events. The group has raised over $115,000 to-date.

Shell Rock’s current swimming pool was built in 1975 and is in need of expensive renovations unless replaced. There is demand for increased space for programming such as lap swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics. The new facility will feature a zero-depth entry area which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops. The group hopes to be able to break ground in August of 2019, with the facility opening in June of 2020.

On February 16, from 5pm-8pm, a beach-themed dance party will take place at the Boyd Building in Shell Rock. A free-will donation will get you in for music, hot dogs, chips, drink, and dessert. Silent auction items will also be available.

On February 26, the Diving for Dollars Committee will hold its second community meeting at the Boyd Building from 6pm-7:30pm. Community members can ask questions and learn more about the project.

On March 5, Shell Rock residents will have the opportunity to vote on a $2 million referendum to support the project. Residents with questions are encouraged to email srdivingfordollars@gmail.com or contact Shell Rock City Hall.

If, at any time, a community member, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

December 2018

The Diving for Dollars Committee, a volunteer group raising funds for a new aquatic facility in Shell Rock, has reached a milestone in its fundraising efforts. The group has raised over $100,000 toward its goal of $2.65 million. The Shell Rock Community Trust has committed a matching grant of up to $325,000 for all private monies donated, which means that over $200,000 total has been committed.

Of the $2.65 million needed, $2 million would come from the proposed referendum. The other $650,000 would come from the committee’s goal of raising $325,000 and the additional $325,000 matching grant.

“We are in a really good place right now heading in to our grant applications,” says Casey Reints, Diving for Dollars Committee Co-Chair. “We cannot thank this community enough for putting us in a good position to secure the funding we need to bring this project to fruition. Every gift gets us that much closer to our goal, and makes our funding applications stronger.”

Shell Rock’s current swimming pool was built in 1975 and is in need of expensive renovations unless replaced. There is a demand for increased space for programming such as lap swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics. The new facility will feature a zero-entry area which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house area, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops. The group hopes to be able to break ground in August of 2019, with the facility opening in June of 2020.

On November 27th, a public meeting was held so community members could ask questions and offer feedback. Topics ranged from parking plans, to facility design, to fundraising. A second community meeting will take place in February before Shell Rock residents vote on the referendum.

On November 28^th the Diving for Dollars Committee held an event at Waverly Pizza Ranch, with a portion of the evening’s sales benefitting the campaign. The group raised over $600 that evening in sales proceeds and tips.

On December 9^th, they held a Breakfast with Santa event at the Boyd Building in Shell Rock. Guests enjoyed breakfast and took pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while a silent auction featured holiday décor. All auction items were donated by Linda Arends. The event, which raised over $7,600 was sponsored by Flint Hills Resources and catered by Butler Center Barbeque.

If, at any time, a community member, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

October 2018

The Shell Rock Community Development Corporation has committed a $50,000 gift toward the Diving for Dollars Campaign, an effort to raise $2.65 million for a new aquatic facility in Shell Rock.

The Shell Rock Community Development Corporation is a 501C(3) nonprofit operated by an 8-member volunteer board of directors whose income is supported by contributions from the public. The organization was developed in the late 1960s to serve the community of Shell Rock. The residents had many ideas of projects that would help grow and enhance the community.

One of their first major projects was a new city park and swimming pool. From 1971 to its opening in 1975, the residents raised over $130,000 from grants and donations for the swimming pool. The campaign included a drive called “Pennies for our Pool” which received national attention. This is how the committee decided on the current name “Diving for Dollars.” The next phase was to develop the city park. Together, residents gave hundreds of hours of volunteerism to finish the park, which now includes ball diamonds, a shelter house, tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court.

In more recent years, the Shell Rock Community Development Corporation has assisted the community with other projects such as purchasing land for commercial and residential development, assisting with the community arts festival, bike trails, and more.

The organization’s President, Tim Vannordstrand, notes the benefits having a quality pool facility will have on community members. “It is so important for the health and growth of this community that we have an aquatic facility that meets the needs of the residents and visitors. From swim lessons to water aerobics to open swim, these programs are in high demand and are important for us to continue. Our board of directors voted, in a unanimous decision, to support this project.”

There are on-going efforts to increase the Shell Rock Community Development Corporation’s assets so it can continue to make a positive impact on the community. Community members can consider a gift to the organization when thinking about their will and estate planning, year-end tax-deductible giving, and other philanthropic goals. “We encourage anyone thinking of the future of our community to consider a gift to the organization. They can contact us at 319-493-0672 to discuss the many ways they can help us further our mission,” says Vannordstrand.

The Diving for Dollars committee, consisting of pool board members, community members, and city officials, began working with USAquatics, Inc. in the summer to plan and design the facility based on the community’s size, programming needs, and community feedback. The facility features a zero-entry area which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house area, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops.

The group plans to have a Trunk or Treat event on Monday, October 29^th at the Shell Rock Swimming Pool’s parking lot from 5:30-8pm. Visitors can trick-or-treat and enjoy cocoa and popcorn. There will be information on the new pool, and people are welcome to bring their vehicles and hand out candy.

On Tuesday, November 27th, there will be a public meeting where community members can come learn more about the project and ask any questions they may have to committee members. The meeting will take place from 6pm-7:30pm at the Boyd Building in Shell Rock.

Another event will be a fundraiser at the Waverly Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, November 28^th from 5pm-8pm. Diving for Dollars will bus tables and have information available, while a donation jar and a portion of proceeds from the evening will benefit the campaign.

Shell Rock Aquatic Facility Takes Shape

September 2018

Shell Rock’s Diving For Dollars Campaign for a new aquatic facility has reached an exciting point in its planning process, as the tentative drawings and cost have been finalized. The volunteer committee, consisting of pool board members, community members, and city officials, began working with USAquatics, Inc. in the summer to plan and design the facility based on the community’s size, programming needs, and community feedback. The facility features a zero-entry area which allows for increased accessibility, a larger and more efficient bath house area, more deep water swim area, additional water surface and deck space, as well as a slide, diving board, volleyball net and basketball hoops.

Pool Board Member, Jennifer Miller shares, “This is such an exciting time, because now we can show people what we’ve been working on, and what an incredible facility we can provide to the community. It’s so important that we have room to grow our programming and meet the recreational needs of our residents and visitors. This facility will be a great addition to the adjacent sports facilities and city park.”

Shell Rock’s current swimming pool was built in 1975 and is in need of expensive renovations unless replaced. There is a demand for increased space for programming such as lap swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics. To-date, the group has raised over $75,000 toward the project.

The committee has received substantial commitments from two community groups in recent weeks. The Shell Rock Community Trust has committed a matching grant of up to $325,000, providing a dollar-for-dollar match of all private monies donated. The Shell Rock Community Development Corporation made a nearly $11,000 donation in the early stages of the planning process, and has given another $50,000 donation.

The Diving for Dollars Committee is planning several upcoming events to promote the project and get people involved in the planning process. On Monday, October 29^th, a Trunk or Treat event will be held at the Shell Rock Swimming Pool parking lot from 5:30-8pm. People can bring their vehicles and hand out candy during that time to anyone who wants to come trick-or-treating there. Diving for Dollars will also have an informational booth and cocoa and popcorn.

On Tuesday, November 27th, there will be a public meeting where community members can come learn more about the project and ask any questions they may have to committee members. The meeting will take place from 6pm-7:30pm at the Boyd Building in Shell Rock.

A third event will be a fundraiser at the Waverly Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, November 28^th from 5pm-8pm. Diving for Dollars will bus tables and have information available, while a donation jar and a portion of proceeds from the evening will benefit the campaign.

If, at any time, a community member, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall

Diving for Dollars Campaign Propels Forward with Large Gift

August 2018

Shell Rock’s Diving For Dollars Campaign for a new aquatic facility received a substantial donation to propel its fundraising efforts. The Shell Rock Development Corporation, a nonprofit group aimed at assisting in commercial, residential, and community development, gave a $10,951 donation to the committee in recent days.

Chairman of the Shell Rock Development Corporation, Tim Vannordstrand, says they were looking to make a significant impact on the fundraising efforts. “We hope this money will help get them where they need to go. These are exactly the types of projects we are interested in, and would love to see a new aquatic facility for people of all ages to use in Shell Rock.”

Casey Reints, Co-Chair of the Diving for Dollars committee says the donation has a specific purpose. “This donation will help us cover the cost of Phase 1, which is the feasibility study, design, and budget for the new facility. We simply couldn’t begin the project without seed money from supporters like the Shell Rock Development Corporation. We can’t wait to get this process started.”

The Diving for Dollars Committee held some events during the 4^th of July holiday, including a 5k Splash Dash, a parade float, and a 50/50 raffle. Between the 5k and the raffle, the group raised over $2,300. “It was so incredible that the winners of the 50/50 raffle donated the money back to us. We are so grateful for the support we’ve received,” says Reints.

The town’s current pool was built in 1975 and is in need of costly updates or a complete replacement. While there is not yet a sketch or final project cost estimate, the group anticipates the new facility to be more accessible, with a zero-entry zone, and to have other modern amenities that will keep youth and adults of all ages engaged.

If, at any time, a community members, group, or business would like to make a general contribution to the Diving for Dollars campaign, there are 3 ways to do so:

1) Mail a check to “Diving for Dollars” PO Box 522 Shell Rock, IA 50670

2) Donate online via PayPal or credit card at https://sites.google.com/view/diving-for-dollars

3) Drop off donations at Security State Bank or Shell Rock City Hall