For Immediate Release

Three Accessible Vans Donated to Easterseals Iowa

Vans donated by Merchants Bonding Foundation, Bill Warner Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Classic

September 26, 2019

Media Contact:
Jessica Brown
jbrown@eastersealsia.org
515-309-2396

The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation’s Bill Warner Sr. Memorial Charity Golf Classic, held in September 2018, raised $158,000 for Easterseals Iowa. The support received from 200 golfers, 63 corporate sponsors and many generous donors from across the country allowed Easterseals Iowa to purchase three, new accessible vans to enhance and support programming.

“Our initial goal was to raise enough money to purchase two new vans. To exceed our expectations and raise enough for three vans was a thrill. And now to see the vans and the impact they have on the clients of Easterseals Iowa, it’s all very exciting. I want to thank Easterseals Iowa for the exceptional services they are providing for people with disabilities in our community,” says Bill Warner Jr., Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary at Merchants Bonding Company.

On Friday, September 20 the vans were dedicated and an official ribbon cutting took place at Merchants Bonding Company, 6700 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. View photos from the event.  View a short video of the event and the clients' first ride in the vans.

Easterseals Iowa President/CEO Sherri Nielsen says, “Transportation is a key component to the independence of our clients. These accessible vans ensure our clients have access to the community, access to health care, access to community spaces, access to shopping and access to social experiences that increase quality of life. Thank you so much Merchants Bonding Company for this gift, and for carrying on the legacy of Bill Warner Sr. to support people in our community.”

For more than 90 years, Easterseals Iowa has been supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs to live independent lives. Easterseals Iowa offers a variety of services, from an integrated child development center and respite programs to assistive technology and job training.

Merchants Bonding Company was founded in Des Moines in 1933 and is led by fourth generation family members. The company ranks 15th among the top surety providers in the United States and is number one in Iowa. Merchants Bonding has had an A.M. Best Rating of “A” excellent for 61 consecutive years.

Powered by Blackbaud
nonprofit software