There are a lot of great businesses in Marshalltown that contribute to charitable causes. Their support to the community makes it a caring place to live. I am on the Board of a nonprofit and when I go around with my begging bowl, I am grateful for the support I get. My nonprofit is Remix Dance Studio which offers scholarships to students who can’t afford the fees and costumes. The studio provides an inclusive environment for youth, disabled adults and now Special Olympic athletes. It’s a place for all to dance and experience community.

One business really gave us a boost last week. Megan and Gary Lanfier opened Tannin on a night that they usually have off to help our nonprofits. They do this a lot. These two have full-time jobs besides running Tannin so giving up a weekend night is a special gift. On Sunday night they let us sell tables for a Trivia Contest. We kept all the money for the raffles and sales of tables, and they paid for the prizes for winners. It was win-win for us. Real Deals, Oliver Beene, Hy Vee, Fareway, and Happy Tails donated almost everything for our raffles, so we had support there, too.

It was a proud night for Tannin and our community.