Coralville shopping spree benefits
kids with cancer

By Diane Heldt
Reprinted from The Gazette
November 16,
2007 - If a toy played a song, made a noise or had button
to push, Simeon Smith had to test it.
Simeon, 6 of Iowa City was on a mission to spend thousands of dollars
on toys, games and stuffed animals at the Coralville Wal-Mart store
Thursday, and he wanted to make sure to choose the best stuff.
But the toys weren’t for him. They’re items that will
be given away throughout the year to patients at the University
of Iowa Children’s hospital in Iowa City.
“I have this one. It gives me good luck” Simeon, son
of Kari and Johann Smith, said as he put a toy fire truck in the
cart.
Simeon and Sierra Manning, 7 of Cedar Rapids were chosen for their
toy-buying expertise by Children’s Hospital staff because
both have received gifts during past stays at the hospital for cancer
treatment. The $5000.00 spree was made possible by Aiming For A
Cure, a group formed by Central City parents, Steve and Jodie Ries
in honor of their son, Ben, who died of cancer in June 2005, to
support the hospital’s bone marrow transplant program.
Sierra, daughter of Jodee and Lyle Manning, said she was keeping
in mind what things she would like in picking out the toys. “they’re
gonna be surprised,:” she said of the future recipients. In
a flurry of toy-buying sierra and Simeon filled eight shopping carts
in less than an hour. There were assisted by Simeon’s younger
brother, Ammon and younger sister, Corrine and a few adults, who
push carts, reached items on the high shelves and kept track of
the running total as toys landed in the carts.
Dora the Explorer, Elmo and Spiderman were popular picks, along
with toy cars. Toward the end of the shopping expedition, Simeon
checked in with Sierra to make sure they were hitting all the key
toy demographics.
“Have you picked out any princess stuff” he asked her.
“We picked out a lot,” she replied.
2006 AFAC Raffle Winner Takes
Trip

Bruce Freeman was the lucky 2006 AFAC Raffle
Winner for an all expense paid guided Elk hunt at Heaven’s
Gate in Riggins, Idaho.
Four of his friends paid their own way to enjoy
their own hunting experiences. After arriving at their Heaven’s
Gate Lodge they got their gear, provisions, guide and the cook to
find out they would preceded by horse back to their camp which was
a 3 hour trip at an elevation of 5000 feet in the mountains. The
first day out Bruce bagged a 3 year old 5 X 5 Bull Elk that weighed
in at about 700 lbs. He took this trophy West of Riggins, up from
Cooper Creek in the West Fork. It was a fantastic experience and
he said the whole deal was “Top Notch”!
Oh yes, as for the friends that accompanied
Bruce they got keepers, too. Jerry Halverson shot a beautiful Mule
Deer and Dave Foster shot a 6 x 6 Elk and a Mule Deer. Another one
for the books!
Bob Dostal Memorial Golf Outing
donates $7,700 to Aiming for a Cure

Mary Dostal with Tonya & Dave Kahler
The Dostal Family has raised over $10,000 in
the first 3 years including the past event which raised $7700 alone.
This family is on fire for raising money for Aiming for a Cure in
memory of a father, husband and nephew. This event and this family
deserve great recognition for their time and efforts…but most
importantly for their hearts being in the right place!
Aiming for a Cure gives the
Children's Hospital of Iowa a check for $125,000

Wal-Mart donates $16K to Aiming
for a Cure

The Wal-Mart Foundation on Monday gave $16,000
to Aiming for a Cure, an organization that raises money to help
pediatric oncology patients at the Children’s Hospital of
Iowa.
The check was presented in the hospital’s
newly renovated children’s cancer center. Since 1988, Wal-Mart
and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have donated
more than $6.5 million to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa.
During that time, the company has helped the Children’s Miracle
Network raise more than $350 million.
Aiming for a Cure is a non-profit organization
that supports children and their families when they seek care at
University Hospitals. The group strives to improve the patient’s
quality of care and the quality of life through research funding.
Hunter's Specialties' 3rd Annual
Aiming for a Cure Proceeds Donated
Members of the Steering Committee
of Aiming for a Cure presented a check for $100,000 to Dr. Fred
Goldman of Children's Hospital of Iowa.

Front row, Susan Grosclaude, Lisa Baum, Michelle
Altmaier, Carla Friis, Shelley Kruse, Ryan Giannini, Back row: Wade
Wamre, Randy Fitzgerald, Dave Tatman, Mark Reed, Dr. Goldman, Steve
Ries, Founder, Tim Anderson, Curt Friis and Ed Kempf
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