Dubuque Tri-State Share Recognized as 2015 Crawford Cares Winner

DUBUQUE, IA - For a second year in a row, Crawford North, a division of Crawford Company, has awarded a total of $1,500 to three non-profits dedicated to service and positive impact in the region.

Thirty area non-profit organizations were nominated through the Crawford Cares Program and over 1,800 votes were cast. Finalists were chosen from entries nominated by Dubuque region residents. All judging was done by an impartial team not employed by Crawford Companies. The overall winner received a $1,000 donation, while two runner-up entities received $250 each. The 2015 overall Crawford Cares winner was Dubuque Tri-State Shares, while Hill and Dales Child Development and Shalom Spirituality Center finished as the two runner-up non-profits. 

The overall winner was announced and finalists recognized at the Crawford Cares Awards Ceremony held Wednesday at Crawford North (14407 Highway 20 West, Dubuque, IA). To be eligible, the nominees had to be Dubuque area 501(c)3 organizations and nominated by a local resident. All nominees had to serve local causes for the purpose of having a positive impact on the region. The organizations were also required to demonstrate they were mission-focused and operating on limited resources.

“Crawford continues to build on the commitments we make to the communities we serve,” said Ian Frink, Vice President. “ We’re gratified for the fact that this year we received over three times the number of nominated organizations than last year. This shows that Dubuque is truly a community that Cares.”

Summary of the 2015 Crawford Cares winners:

Dubuque Tri-State Share is a local chapter that serves parents/families touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or during the first few months of life. The support group provides monthly meetings open to bereaved families and a lending library of books on grief. They also host events including a family picnic with prayer and balloon release, a memorial or service in honor of those gone too soon, and a candle lighting ceremony with reflection, songs and support suggestions to make it through the holidays. 

Shalom Spirituality Center: Established in 1989, it is owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Francis. They annually serve over 8,000 people of all ages and faith traditions. Founded in the Franciscan tradition, Shalom Retreat Center is a sacred place in a peaceful environment, offering hospitality and hope, inspiration and challenge, programs and privacy.

Hills and Dales Child Development: Founded in 1973, the mission is to build meaningful lives for individuals with disabilities by offering services that support the whole person and enhance community inclusion. The organization provides residential, home and community-based supported living, respite, inclusive childcare, therapy programs, autism programs, senior citizen services and intergenerational programs for people of all ages and abilities. Services occur at the Residential Center, in an individual’s home, at the Childcare Center, or at the Hills and Dales Community Center. 

There were twenty-seven additional non-profits nominated with 1851 voters. They include: 
Dubuque Rescue Mission
Two By Two Character Development
Resurrection Elementary
St. Mark Youth Enrichment
Camp Albrecht Acres
Dubuque Regional Humane Society
Mercy Service Club
100 Club of Dubuque
Kids Racing Club
Junior Achievement
Dubuque County Fair Association
La Motte Fire and Rescue Department
Dubuque Youth Hockey Association
Friends of Homacho
Dubuque County Right to Life
The Grand Opera House
ARK
Opening Doors
Project Concern
Mississippi Valley Running Association
Dubuque Wahlert Trap Team
Donna Ginter Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Dubuque Area Labor Harvest
Friends of the Mines of Spain
Key West Fire/EMS
Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association
Dubuque Area Youth Baseball and Softball Club

In 2014, Hospice of Dubuque won the overall Crawford Cares award, while Dubuque Lutheran School Association and the Shalom Spirituality Center were runner-up winners.