The Charity Project at AnimeIowa is about being a good neighbor, and giving back to the community. We work with local charities and programs to help bring light to their causes, and do fundraising and other support for them. To achieve this goal we host the annual AnimeIowa Charity Auction. You can also donate at any of the donation buckets located at various places throughout the convention, and at the info desk, where you can learn more about the charity at AnimeIowa. The Charity that AnimeIowa has chosen this year is
Mission of the Iowa Firefighters Memorial
The mission of the Iowa Firefighters Memorial is to forever honor, celebrate and inspire the spirit, courage and service of Iowa firefighters-past, present and future.
The Iowa Fire Fighters Memorial, located north of I-80, in Coralville, Iowa, is a forever standing tribute to those that served Iowa’s communities against the rages of fire. The memorial park is an inspiration to Iowans of all ages to continue the tradition in Iowa of service to each other and to our communities.
Iowa is the first state to have a firefighter memorial and visitor center echoing Iowa’s national leadership in fire service training and safety education. Iowa has 2O,OOO firefighters organized in 871 fire departments. Every year these men and women serve 3 million Iowans in more than 4O,OOO emergency calls. Every Iowan will be touched at some point in life through fire rescue, emergency response, fire prevention education, or hazardous materials cleanup. This memorial park exemplifies Iowa-its pride, family values, community service, and commitment to quality. The site includes the memorial sculpture and wall, eternal flame and a visitor center with restroom facilities. Ample parking and peaceful landscaping complement the tranquil view.
History of the Memorial
In 1988, Mike Reuman, a firefighter from Traer, Iowa on vacation in another state noticed a sign pointing to a firefighter’s memorial in a near by state park. His stop catalyzed the start of a project in which Iowans can take great pride. In 1990 the Iowa Firefighters Association commissioned a bronze memorial sculpture. Their challenge was to find a home suitable for such a touching memorial. After an extensive application process, research and site visits, the Iowa Firefighters Association, in 1992, chose Coralville due to it’s scenic hilltop location, ease of access for Interstate travelers, availability 365 days a year, a visitor center and park like atmosphere, proximity to hotels and restaurants and commitment of Coralville/Iowa City leaders to create and perpetually care for the site. The memorial park was dedicated April 10, 1994 at a ceremony attended by 2,500 firefighters and fellow Iowans.
Learn more about the Mission of the Iowa Firefighters Memorial