Iowa’s Junior Chambers of Commerce, or the Jaycees, earned a record amount of money for Iowa charities in 2003. State chapter president Dawn Davis, of Iowa Falls, says Governor Vilsack has issued a proclamation in thanks for their efforts.She says chapters statewide donated one-point-four million dollars to their communities in the past year. The goal was to make one-million dollars, which was far exceeded. Davis says there are 65 Iowa Jaycee chapters and more than 23-hundred members statewide and all of them have different ideas about making and spending money. Fundraising efforts range from Clive After Five concerts in Clive to the Festival of Trees in Sioux City to the bridal expo in Davenport. Davis says all of the money the Jaycees generate is pumped back into their communities. Schools, parks and other groups benefit, while the Iowa Jaycees have built airports, golf courses, playgrounds and community centers over the past 76 years. The Iowa Jaycees organization develops leadership, management and community service skills in young people, ages 21-39. For more information, surf to “www.iowajaycees.org”.
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