Nearly $3 million raised for Iowa disaster victims

Iowa's first lady Mari Culver was in Cedar Rapids on Thursday to help kick off the effort by the 2008 Iowa Disaster Collaborative.

During the event, officials presented checks totaling $425,000 to eastern Iowa community-based organizations, and said that an additional $2.5 million in pledges had been secured.

"This fund is one of many ways Iowans can help our fellow citizens in need," Culver said in a statement. "I encourage all Iowans to continue to support our statewide rebuilding efforts, either through the Iowa Disaster Fund, by volunteering in your local community, or with a contribution to the many local relief organizations in Iowa."

Gov. Chet Culver appointed civic leaders Fred Hubbell, former chief executive of Equitable of Iowa, and Barry Griswell, chairman of the Principal Financial Group Inc., to head the collaborative.

"The initial response from individuals and companies here in Iowa has been phenomenal," Griswell said in a statement. "In a very basic way, it's Iowans helping Iowans."

Also joining the effort are University of Iowa President Sally Mason, Rockwell Collins Inc. Chief Executive Clay Jones, John Deere Foundation president Amy Nimmber and Aegon USA Chief Executive Pat Baird.

Culver has tasked the group with coordinating and directing donations in order to get funds where they are needed most and to maximize the relief effort. The group will work with other organizations including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way.

"We want to fill any gaps in assistance that may come up and we want to make sure not one Iowan in need falls through the cracks," Hubbell said in a statement.