Caitlin Clark wasn’t just a star on the basketball court during her time with the Hawkeyes; she was also a star when it came to rallying support for the Coralville Community Food Pantry (CCFP). Clark headlined fundraising campaigns for the food pantry in 2022 and 2023 that raised a combined total of more than $100,000.
Clark won’t be extending her CCFP fundraising streak into a three-peat this year, because as any Iowan who’s paid any attention to the news since April knows, Clark is currently busy in Indiana setting WNBA records. But that doesn’t mean CCFP is going without support from the University of Iowa women’s basketball team for its big July fundraiser.
All month-long, Hawkeye standouts Sydney Affolter and Taylor McCabe, joined by the team’s most highly anticipated newcomer Lucy Olsen, who transferred to UI from Villanova in April, have encouraged people to donate $20 dollars to support the pantry. Hills Bank will be matching all donations up to $12,500. The goal is to raise $20,000.
“To sweeten the deal even more, your gift will make you eligible for a chance to play Syd, Taylor, and Lucy in a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E!” CCFP explained.
Any donation of $20 or more made to CCFP by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, earns you an entry in the drawing to challenge the three Hawkeyes at H-O-R-S-E. The game will take place immediately after a meet-and-greet with Affolter, McCabe and Olsen at the pantry (804 13th Ave in Coralville) from 3-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2.
“Visitors for the Meet & Greet are encouraged to bring a donation of $20+ or 2-3 health items to donate (menstrual products, diapers, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.) in exchange for a selfie or autograph with the players,” CCFP said in a news release.
Like food banks all across Iowa, CCFP has been seeing a sharp increase in the need for its services..
“Last year was the Food Pantry’s busiest year in the history of the organization – as they experienced a 78% increase in the number of pantry visits and home deliveries fulfilled,” CCFP said. “So far in 2024, the Food Pantry is on track for another unprecedented year.”
“Today, more than ever, our neighbors are struggling to access the most basic human need: food,” CCFP Executive Director John Boller said. “With inflation at historic rates and harmful cuts to vital safety net programs, 2024 has proven even more difficult for our neighbors who are food insecure, while placing heavy demand on the Food Pantry. We are grateful for the opportunity to link arms with Sydney, Taylor, and Lucy to help our community in this meaningful way.”
The game of H-O-R-S-E isn’t the only sports-themed fundraiser CCFP has this month. On Sunday, July 21, the pantry is holding its 10th annual Step Up to the Plate Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Wiffle Ball Field in Springville (2449 Linn Grove Rd).
“Recruit 7-12 players,” CFFP explains on its site. “Registration is a minimum donation of $100 per team. Payment will be due the morning of the tournament (please make checks payable to Coralville Community Food Pantry). All teams must have gender balance and include at least two players of differing gender identity.”
Each team will play at least three games. And, if you’re honest with yourself, you know you stand a better chance of winning those games than you do of beating Affolter, McCabe and Olsen.
Still, losing at H-O-R-S-E is a noble failure when it helps fight hunger.
