Charity on RAGBRAI

Pools, parks, and after-proms — they all take money.

And in a small town, they mean fundraisers are asking the same small group of people for money frequently.

So when thousands of cyclists and support crews from across the country roll into town, it presents a perfect opportunity — even aside from the fun everyone stresses they are having.

“In a small town, you’re always pulling from the community,” said Margie McWilliams. She was helping collect money in Viktor for the HLV junior after-prom. The school serves students from Hartwick, Ladora and Viktor.

To collect money, they set up photo opportunities for riders. Bales of straw lined the town with bikes leaning against them. Parents of HLV students pulled their tractors into town and parked them up and down the street. A large piece of wood had a farm scene painted on it and holes for people’s faces. Volunteers started setting everything up at 2 a.m. And next to every tractor a sign asked anyone who took a photo there to donate money to after-prom.

Melissa Albert, another parent, said she estimated they had collected $500 and hoping to reach $1,000.

Down the road, in Marengo, several organizations were also taking advantage of the rush of new people.

In the central park, people could “noodling,” essentially hand fishing. Anyone who caught a carp from a wading pool (or a turtle for those with slower reflexes) could win beer tickets or a rubber bracelet. All the donations went to River Access for Iowa Valley.

The organization strives to promote and improve Gateway Park, near Marengo.

“It’s something different,” said Danielle Smith, who is on the organization’s committee. “And it’s for the park.”

She said they had a late start setting up — a delay in getting the fish to the park — but had been doing steady business since noon.

“It’s nice for a small community,” she said. “Anytime outside people can help out, it’s nice.”

And just across the park, Leanne Slaymaker sat in a black hat and overalls next to a wading pool and a sign declaring “Hillbilly Hot tub.” She was trying to raise money for Pennies for the Pool to build a new pool in Marengo. The current pool is 35 years old and falling apart, she said.

The organization started on July 4, 2010, and has already raised $22,000. It’s a good start, volunteers said. But still a ways from the millions of dollars they will need.

They agreed it was nice to be able to use RAGBRAI to collect donations. But it was also nice to just see so many new faces.

To make a donation to River Access for Iowa Valley or for more information, call Danielle at (319) 642-5502 or Jeff at (319) 642-7154. Anyone wishing to donate to Pennies for the Pool can send the donation to 153 E. Main St., Marengo, Iowa, 52301.

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