[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING SARA BONNEY AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

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                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, this week, many of us took the opportunity 
to observe Giving Tuesday by contributing to nonprofit organizations 
that support those in need and help us build a better community.
  Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has stood as a reminder to each of us to 
do good and to give what we can to help others in more need than 
ourselves. I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me 
in honoring an exceptional Iowan who exemplifies the charitable spirit 
of the people in central and southwest Iowa. Sara Bonney is the Chief 
Marketing Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. 
Over the last 7 years, Sara has done incredible work to promote the 
mission of the Community Foundation and make meaningful connections 
between donors and nonprofit organizations in the Des Moines area.
  Like many Iowans, Sara grew up on a farm in rural Iowa. Her parents 
were active members in their community, constantly finding ways to give 
back and volunteer their time. Sara's parents believed everybody has 
their own gifts--and that it is their responsibility to use those gifts 
for giving back to others. This is a value that Sara has carried with 
her and inspired her to pursue a career in nonprofit work and 
charitable giving,
  The Community Foundation of Great Des Moines has worked with donors 
and nonprofits in the Des Moines metro area for over 50 years. The 
Community Foundation has established countless giving funds and grants 
to support projects and organizations which have addressed their 
critical needs--spanning from education, fine arts, immigration and 
health care amongst so many others.
  Over the last year, Sara and her team identified an opportunity to 
make it easier for donors and nonprofits to connect in a way that would 
produce more impactful contributions. That led to revamping their 
website givedsm.org. This website works with nonprofits to list their 
specific needs. In turn, donors can access their lists. find 
organizations that align with their values, and make contributions that 
will have greater impacts on the recipients.
  Givedsm.org is just one of the many projects Sara has worked on in 
the last 7 years. When asked what inspires her to continue doing her 
work, Sara cites her amazement at the charitable nature of Iowans. Over 
the last year, thousands of Iowans have faced extreme hardships due to 
coronavirus. One might think this would negatively impact the number of 
contributions received on givedsm.org. However, the Community 
Foundation has seen an exponential increase in the number of donations 
they have received through the website.
  As Sara likes to say: when Iowans rise, we rise together.
  Sara's extraordinary commitment to supporting nonprofits in our 
community has widereaching impacts on people in all walks of life. A 
lifelong Iowan, Sara hopes her work continues to make Iowa a better 
home for generations to come.
  We are incredibly fortunate to have people like Sara in Iowa's Third 
District. It is my honor to recognize her as our Iowan of the Week.

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