R.J. McElroy Trust

05/21/2026

We’ve decorated, we’ve warmed up, and we tried out the Photo Booth. We’re ready for you to join us to celebrate our 10 GOLD STAR TEACHERS! 🌟

7pm at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

04/17/2026

What a fun week surprising these 10 teachers! 🌟
The Gold Star Teacher program celebrates 10 of Black Hawk County’s outstanding teachers each year, nominated by their students, school families, and colleagues!

Come help us celebrate them on May 21st at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center!

We would like to announce our 2026 Gold Star Teachers for Black Hawk County:
Robert Driscol – Hudson Elementary – K-6 Guidance Counselor
Jenny Hansen – Lowell Preschool – Early Childhood Instructional Strategist
Rachel Hauptly – Dunkerton High School – Family and Consumer Sciences
Chris Jesse – Bunger Middle School – Extended Core- Special Education
Kevin K***r – Holmes Jr. High School – 9th Grade U. S. History
Meigan Leary – Central Middle School – 8th Grade Language Arts
Heather Wagner – Waterloo West High School – English
Molli Wellman – Immaculate Conception – Kindergarten
Traci Wildeboer – North Cedar Elementary – 2nd Grade
Kimberly Willmert – Cedar Falls High School - Science
We will celebrate them & all educators on Thursday, May 21st at 7pm at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
Free event-Bring your signs & noisemakers!

04/08/2026

What a great day witnessing University of Northern Iowa Day of Service! 💜💛

UNI partnered with Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to host a day full of service and volunteerism across the Cedar Valley - for students, staff, alumni & friends to work together to support our amazing nonprofits!

03/12/2026

Thanks to KWWL for featuring World's Greatest Spring Break for Kids! ☀️

We can’t wait to see you all downtown Waterloo NEXT WEEK!

Megan stopped by to tell us about the R.J. McElroy Trust's World's Greatest Spring Break for Kids happening next week.

03/11/2026

Today we remember our dear friend and trustee, Jim Waterbury, whose passing leaves a profound absence in the Cedar Valley community and in our hearts. Jim served as trustee for 40 years, helping steward Mac’s legacy to support deserving young people in northeast Iowa.

Those who worked alongside Jim knew that his commitment to this community went far beyond any title or single organization. He believed deeply in the power of local people to make a difference, and he brought wisdom, curiosity, and humility to every conversation. Jim believed in “passing the baton” and doing what you could with what you had. He loved Waterloo, and this community is better because he chose to invest his time, care, and leadership here.

The song “Leader of the Band” by Dan Fogelberg was shared at his memorial. It speaks to the quiet influence of someone whose work shapes others long after the music fades. In many ways, that captures Jim’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

“I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don't think I said
'I love you' near enough
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band”

03/04/2026

Did you miss our Common Ground series? Check out the recap on Windows on Waterloo, presented by Waterloo Community Foundation!

Join us Wednesday, March 11 at 11 AM for a Windows on Waterloo webinar recapping key insights from the Common Ground Series on Community, hosted by Union Block (Black Hawk County Gaming Association, R.J. McElroy Trust, Otto Schoitz Foundation, and Waterloo Community Foundation).

Our community is experiencing exciting momentum - Crossroads redevelopment, new schools, revitalized parks and gathering spaces. And together we face challenges such as population decline, economic challenges and political divides.
This three-part learning series invited participants to reflect on the story we tell about our community, what civic engagement requires, and how shared spaces foster connection. This webinar will highlight key themes, takeaways, and questions that emerged for moving forward together.

Register for this free online presentation at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

02/18/2026

🌟Get your nominations in by Friday! 🌟

🍎✨ Nominate a Gold Star Teacher Today! ✨🍎

FRIDAY at 11:59pm is the deadline to submit your nomination for the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching!

Each year, the R.J. McElroy Trust, in conjunction with KWWL, honors 10 outstanding teachers in Black Hawk County who go above and beyond for their students.

Each honoree is celebrated at a special awards ceremony and receives:
⭐ $1,000 in cash
⭐ $1,000 for their classroom

Let’s recognize the teachers who inspire, encourage, and make a lasting impact every single day!

👉 Submit your nominations at https://www.mcelroytrust.org/goldstar-nomination

02/12/2026

Whether it’s offering childcare and a safe place to learn or programs that build confidence and healthy habits, nonprofits - like YMCA of Black Hawk County - show up for kids and families every day. They fill critical gaps and build a strong Cedar Valley from the ground up. Tell our leaders: we need nonprofits. NonprofitsGetItDone.org

02/09/2026

Whether it’s a safe place to learn or mentoring and positive relationships, nonprofits - like Try Pie - show up for teens and families every day. They fill critical gaps and build a stronger Cedar Valley from the ground up. Tell our leaders: we need nonprofits. NonprofitsGetItDone.org

02/03/2026

Know a Black Hawk County teacher that deserves celebrating? Let them know by sending in a nomination for the Gold Star Teacher Award! 🌟

Who do you think of when you think of Gold Star Teachers?
Tell us all about them here: https://www.mcelroytrust.org/goldstar-nomination