DES MOINES AND OTTUMWA, IOWA - December 3, 2014 - Susan G. Komen Iowa, based in Des Moines and Susan G. Komen Southeast Iowa, based in Ottumwa, announced today that they are joining forces and will now operate as one entity. The new combined organization, which became effective on December 1, 2014, will retain the name of Susan G. Komen - Iowa, but will incorporate the volunteer leadership, grant making relationships and fund raising capacities of both organizations.
"We are delighted to create this opportunity for our volunteers to focus on the most important aspect of our work; translating the generosity of the people of southeast Iowa into funds for programs that will save lives and end breast cancer forever," said Gayla Harrison, a breast cancer survivor and most recent Board President of Komen Southeast Iowa. "The demand for accountability from our supporters can best be managed through the type of full-time professional support that Komen Iowa can provide. Our volunteers want to concentrate on raising funds and providing help through local community involvement. This agreement gives us the opportunity to do just that."
"We all know what a friendly state Iowa is," said Greg Edwards, current Board President of Komen Iowa. "We have a strong commitment as Iowans to help our neighbors. For that reason, it made great sense to us to combine our resources and support our neighbors in southeast Iowa. Together we can strengthen our presence and impact throughout the state."
"We know that many of our friends and supporters in southeast Iowa want to know when (and if) the Race for the Cure will return to Ottumwa," said Roger Dahl, Executive Director of Komen Iowa. "Rest assured we are committed to hosting a Race in Ottumwa. It is important that we continue to earn the trust and support of our partners in southeast Iowa and we know that the Race is one of the best ways to engage our communities in the fight against breast cancer. We are in the planning process right now and hope to be able to announce a date for the next Race in Ottumwa very soon."
About Susan G. Komen®, and Susan G. Komen - Iowa
Susan G. Komen Iowa is an Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, the world's largest breast cancer organization, which annually funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $847 million in research and provided $1.8 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. Komen Iowa has invested more than $5 million in recent years for community breast cancer programs within our 91 county service area. Over 80% of those funds come through events such as Race for the Cure, which last year attracted around 10,000 participants to downtown Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, call (515) 309-0095 or visit www.komeniowa.org. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
