NewBo City Market reaches halfway point in capital campaign

The NewBo City Market today announced they have reached the halfway mark in their capital campaign, Growing Cedar Rapids. The campaign was launched June 29, 2011, with a goal to raise $3 million for a year round public market. The project has gained broad public support. To date, pledges have been received from 62 individual donors, 30 corporate/business donors and three private foundations.

Recent campaign commitments include major gifts from AEGON Transamerica, McGrath Automotive, The McIntyre Foundation and United Fire Group. Additional gifts have come from World Class Industries, Bankers Trust, Infinity Contact, Inc., Vector Corporation, Benefit Solutions, Staco Corporation, Stamats Communications and The Jared and Carol Hills Foundation. These leadership gifts, combined with other corporate, foundation and individual commitments, bring the campaign total to $1.5 million as of August 2011.

“For The McIntyre Foundation this was a very easy project to get behind,” said John Rife, President of The McIntyre Foundation. “We are pleased to participate in a project that will increase the community's investment in economic development and downtown revitalization.”

Representatives of the NewBo City Market said they're gratified the fundraising effort is ahead of schedule.

“We are at the halfway point, which is wonderful,” said Sarah Ordover, President of the Cedar Rapids City Market Board of Directors. “The market continues to be a popular project with wide support in the community. We are very grateful to our donors.”

The Growing Cedar Rapids capital campaign will revitalize and redevelop an entire city block. The market will act as an incubator for small businesses by offering local farmers and vendors direct market entry at a low initial investment. It will also meet the increasing demand for healthy foods, locally grown produce and organic products.

About NewBo City Market

The NewBo City Market is a year round public market to be located in the New Bohemia neighborhood at 1100 Third Street SE. The market will offer fresh and prepared foods from local growers and entrepreneurs, community events and health related activities. It will stimulate economic development and encourage significant growth opportunities for tourism in Cedar Rapids. Learn more about the market at

www.newbocitymarket.com and on the market blog at

www.newbocitymarket.wordpress.com