CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (August 9, 2022) — In the two years since a powerful derecho devastated the Cedar Rapids tree canopy, donors have contributed more than $2.8 million to support the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids recovery plan in a fundraising campaign led by Trees Forever. This (ie contributions) is added to $10 million previously committed by the City of Cedar Rapids.
"Thanks to the amazing generosity of the people and businesses of Cedar Rapids, tremendous progress has been made toward executing the ReLeaf CR plan and restoring the tree canopy," said Kiley Miller, Trees Forever President and CEO. "Dozens of businesses, organizations, and individuals have expressed strong interest in supporting the plan and we expect the total amount raised to climb rapidly. There is a decade's worth of work to do, but the second anniversary of the derecho is the right time to take stock and take pride in what has been accomplished."
"This is a big task that the City and Trees Forever cannot accomplish alone," said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell. "We appreciate every organization, business, and individual who is as committed to this initiative as we are."
"ReLeaf is an ambitious plan which will require dedication and commitment from the whole community," said Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. "We are especially grateful to those who have shown financial support for this initiative."
The fundraising effort is guided by a campaign steering committee co-chaired by Mary Quass and John and Dyan Smith.
"Thank you to all who have come forward with donations to plant a beautiful future for our community," said Mary Quass, president and CEO of NRG Media. "Our legacy of tree-lined streets and shaded parks will benefit many thousands of people for generations to come."
Among the lead gifts is $900,000 from the Hall-Perrine Foundation and $550,000 from Alliant Energy.
"Alliant Energy's work to help rebuild derecho-affected communities in our service area started immediately after the storm and continues today," said Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy's Iowa energy company.
"One of the first things you notice when driving into a community that was impacted by the derecho is the spaces where the trees used to be. It takes many great partners to help regrow that tree canopy and we're very proud to be one of them. Supporting Cedar Rapids' ReLeaf speaks to our commitment to serve customers and build (or help rebuild) better communities."
Other lead gifts include:
* Collins Aerospace — $250,000
* ITC Midwest — $200,000
* Confluence Landscape Architects — $200,000
* Aegon Transamerica Foundation — $140,000
* The Arbor Day Foundation and six of its corporate partners including Texas Roadhouse, WestRock, International Paper, State Farm, Hy-Vee, and CHEPS - $125,000
* General Mills — $60,000
* Hy-Vee — $40,000
* Cargill — $37,500
Since the derecho, 2,470 trees have been planted along streets and in parks throughout Cedar Rapids. These trees were planted by City staff, contractors hired by the City and by Trees Forever and its volunteers. Of that total, 977 street trees have been planted in the four months since the Cedar Rapids City Council adopted the ReLeaf plan in February 2022. This number represents more than half of the 1,711 street trees that the ReLeaf plan set as a goal for 2022, the first year of implementation.
In addition, some 8,200 trees have been made available to private citizens in Cedar Rapids through a series of distribution events following the derecho.
Trees Forever is a partner to the City of Cedar Rapids on implementation of the recovery plan and in raising the necessary funds for the project, the cost for which is estimated at $37.5 million over 10 years.
To contribute to ReLeaf CR, visit www.TreesForever.org/Releaf, or contact Trees Forever at 319-373-0650.
About Trees Forever
Trees Forever is a non-profit charitable organization headquartered in Marion, Iowa. Its mission — to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship — is fulfilled through cutting-edge programs and innovative practices. Trained and experienced staff have assisted community leaders and landowners across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond with thousands of planting projects. Each year, on average, Trees Forever works with and engages more than 7,000 volunteers who give generously of their time and talents. To date, they've helped plant more than three million trees.
