We wish to sincerely say THANK YOU to everyone able to attend or support this year’s event in May 2nd. Your generous support will help JLCR impact the lives of foster youth in our area.

• Over 185 attendees
• Over $6600 raised in day of donations
• Total revenue over $32,000

A huge thank you to all who attended, our sponsors, and all our members for their support!

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Join us May 2nd!

Fostering Strength is the premier fundraising event for the Junior League of Cedar Rapids. This year, we are excited to offer attendees a more “up close and personal” look into the foster care system by hosting a panel of key stakeholders from right here in Eastern Iowa! This four-person panel will provide a variety of firsthand perspectives and experiences and aims to inform attendees of some of the challenges facing foster youth and families here in Linn County. The event will be emceed by Eric Hanson, an Eastern Iowa On-Air personality.

May 2, 2023
The HarMac ~ 411 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids,
Doors open at 11am for a 1 hour Meet & Greet,
Luncheon and Panel at 12pm. 

There are more than 900 youth in the foster care system in Linn County alone. Come learn more about how we can work together to make life better for those who otherwise might fall between the cracks at the seventh annual Fostering Strength. This event is Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the Fostering Strength fundraiser support Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ Bridging the G.A.P. project, which assists local foster care youth through a variety of activities. Click here for more information on Bridging the G.A.P.

Order your tickets today!

Past Fostering Strength Events:

2013: Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of Language of Flowers and founder of Camellia Network

2014: Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mom featured in The Blind Side movie

2015: Dr. Jennifer Arnold from TLC’s docu-drama The Little Couple

2016: Travis Lloyd, author of Overcoming Emotional Trauma

2017: Gigi Edwards Bryant, Texas Foster Care Alum and Speaker

2018: Charell Star, Foster Care Alum, Journalist and Media Personality

2019: Steve Pemberton, author of A Chance in the World

2022: Janiva Magness, author of Weeds Like Us