NewBo City Market was one of the first businesses in Cedar Rapids to regain power after the derecho. Since then we've used the Market as a "home base" for several community initiatives, with the help of many volunteers and partnerships with other organizations.
Lighting the way with World Central Kitchen
NewBo City Market has connected many community partners with World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010 to bring smart solutions to hunger and poverty to disaster areas and beyond.
After the derecho, WCK came to Cedar Rapids and began distributing meals and other resources in our community. NewBo City Market served as their "home base" when Rep. Abby Finkenauer secured nearly 2,000 flashlights to be distributed to those without power.
The flashlights each needed to be prepared and loaded with batteries before they were distributed. NewBo City Market coordinated volunteers and provided the space for the preparations.
This effort was accomplished in an incredibly efficient way thanks to our dedicated and generous volunteer network.
Providing free vegan meals with La Reyna and The Full Bowl
On August 19, NewBo City Market packaged and delivered 100 hot vegan “NewBo Bowls” to Redmond Park and surrounding areas.
The delicious substance of these meals was generously donated by the Market's very own Shopkeepers, The Full Bowl and La Reyna. Featuring black beans and rice, tortilla chips and fresh salsa. Office Express Office Products also donated cutlery.
This effort was once again made possible by our incredible volunteer network, who stepped up once more to help us put together meals with great care and efficiency.
Raising funds for the Catherine McAuley Center with The Olympic South Side Theater
On August 22, NewBo City Market and The Olympic South Side Theater hosted the NewBo Derecho Show, a fundraiser event to benefit the Catherine McAuley Center.
This event was a way to combine two of the things the Market does best, fun outdoor events and community engagement.
Thanks to our partners at The Olympic and multiple generous bands, the event was able to raise $6,088 for the Catherine McAuley Center as they begin their re-building efforts.
Sharing our space with other small local businesses
Now, as our operations see a slight return to pre-derecho normalcy, we'd like to offer our space to the local small businesses that need the exposure the Market can provide.
We know that many small businesses' foot traffic has been impacted by the pandemic and now the derecho. NewBo City Market wants to help these businesses by offering free space for a month-long exhibit of their products or services.
We ask that interested businesses contact our Director of Business Development, Julie Parisi, at julie@newbocitymarket.org for more information. Spaces are limited, but we will do our best to accommodate as many businesses as possible.