Iowa has a surplus of snow and a few enterprising individuals have found a way to eliminate some of the flakes while raising money for charity. Manchester native Jeff Lenhart, who lives in McGregor, decided last week’s blizzard would be a good way to bring in some cold cash for his favorite non-profit agency.

Lenhart is an “ambassador” for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Iowa and decided to get rid of some of the abundant snow by putting it up for auction on the popular internet site eBay. Lenhart is offering two different auctions, both containers full of Iowa snow. His action is getting national attention, which in turn, has prompted several other people to offer packages of Iowa snow for sale on eBay.

Lenhart says regardless of where the snow goes – even if it’s to a warmer climate – the flakes will arrive as authentic snow. “It’s going to be a glass jar full of snow,” Lenhart says. “I’m planning on shipping it in dry ice and that way it can hold its texture and when they receive it, it’ll actually be snow for them.” The bidding on the two items is set to close on Wednesday. Combined, the bids are worth about $80 and Lenhart says he’s hoping it will go just a little bit higher.

He says his ultimate goal is $100 after starting the bidding at ten-cents. Lenhart became involved with raising money for the American Cancer Society after his former teacher, West Delaware High School social studies teacher Dave Schultz, was diagnosed with cancer last spring.

At that time, Lenhart organized a T-shirt fundraiser, generating thousands of dollars before cancer claimed Schultz’s life in July. To check out the bidding, log on to eBay and type “snow from Iowa” in the search window. Lenhart’s hometown is supporting his cause. Laddawn Manufacturing in Manchester plans to match the winning bid up to $100. Also, the co-founder of Culver’s restaurants, Craig Culver, is donating $100 to the American Cancer Society because of Lenhart’s efforts.

By Janelle Tucker, KMCH, Manchester