By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Make-A-Wish Iowa Hawkeye-Cyclone Softball Game returned to Humboldt Sunday night for what organizers called its final fundraising event, helping Humboldt County surpass its goal of creating a permanent Make-A-Wish endowment.
The fundraiser reached the $300,000 mark needed to provide wishes for Humboldt County children facing critical illnesses.
Former Iowa State football player, Make-A-Wish Iowa board member and Cyclone softball head coach for the game Ryan Harklau says the accomplishment will have a lasting impact on local families.
“There’s two to three kids right now waiting for a wish in Humboldt County. If you live here and go about your day, you just don’t realize that there’s families struggling and needing that hope and needing just a little bit of bright light in their family at some point in time. And now we’re gonna have it forever in this town.”
Former Iowa All-American and NFL tight end Dallas Clark served as the Hawkeyes’ head coach for the game and praised the community’s efforts to reach the goal.
“We crossed the finish line tonight, and I think everyone needs to understand that we, as a community, can do things greater than us individually. And I think this is a testament to that kind of idea.”
The event featured current Iowa and Iowa State football players putting aside their rivalry for a night in support of Make-A-Wish Iowa.
Iowa tight end Addison Ostrenga was making his third appearance in the event.
“This is just such an unbelievable cause to be able to just be part of. In the beginning of the game we gave up a little time for some kids who recently passed away, and that was just so humbling to see the families experience the love this community has for them. It’s a blessing, and I’m just so happy to be a part of it.”
For Humboldt native and Iowa State safety Caden Matson, the event provided an opportunity to return home and give back to the community that helped raise him.
“It’s the community that raised me and built me up into what I am today. Being able to do this and give back to this community for the second time is just awesome. The cause is incredible.”
With the endowment goal now reached, organizers say Humboldt County will be able to help grant wishes for local children for years to come.