IowaFRW is Stronger than Ever!

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2023 IowaFRW Biennial Convention last weekend at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel! We had great speakers, fellowship, and affirmed our organization's mission.

Republican Women truly are "The Life of the Party" as demonstrated at our 2023 Biennial Convention October 13 & 14 in West Des Moines.

NFRW President-elect Julie Harris, First Lady of Florida Casey DeSantis, and former First Lady of Arkansas, Susan Hutchinson joined us for the Friday evening reception. Pres-elect Harris filled us in about the National Federation Convention at the end of September. Mrs. DeSantis shared stories about her family and campaign points of her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis, in his quest for U. S. President.

Attendees at Saturday's breakfast and Board of Directors meeting enjoyed networking and sharing information. Twelve of the 14 local clubs were represented by either the Club President in person or a proxy!

IowaFRW member Danielle Akey gave a beautiful tribute to our country with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner to open the 2023 Convention. Delegates voted on and approved an important amendment to the IowaFRW bylaws: a primary member of Republican Women must be a registered Republican and a biological female at conception.

After lunch we heard from U. S. Senator Joni Ernst as she shared stories from her recent delegation to the Middle East. She was there when the war broke out on October 7. She is pushing President Biden to do more, as there are American hostages.

Swimmer and political activist Riley Gaines joined the group by video, explaining her personal story and passion that women's sports should remain for women exclusively. She praised Gov. Kim Reynolds, IowaFRW, and NFRW for confirming their solid stance on this issue.

Afternoon speakers continued with Ellie Binkley, wife of presidential Candidate Ryan Binkley, Susan Hutchinson, former First Lady of Arkansas and wife of Presidential Candidate Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

With talk of conservative resolve and teamwork, Tamara Scott, RNC National Committeewoman and Jeff Kaufmann, Chair of the Republican Party of Iowa inspired the delegates to help Republican candidates.

Kathy Pearson moderated a panel with Congressional Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, and Zach Nunn. The three spoke of the Israel/Gaza war and the crisis at the U. S. Southern Border. It was amazing - and unfortunate - that all three could join the IowaFRW Convention because the House of Representatives was without a Speaker for the current and foreseeable future.

Congratulations to Individual and Club Award Recipients!

National Club Achievement Awards are given to local clubs that demonstrate excellence in membership, programming, advocating and volunteerism. For the 2022-2023 Biennium:

Capitol Region RW – Diamond Achievement Award

Crawford County RW – Diamond Achievement Award

Five Seasons RW – Diamond Achievement Award

Scott Co. RW – Diamond Achievement Award

RW of Madison Co.– Silver Achievement Award

Calhoun Co. RW– Bronze Achievement Award

National Political and Campaign Awards are presented to states and individuals that log the top number of political and campaign hours as well as the top number of phone calls as reported by Club Presidents. For the 2022-2023 Biennium:

Top Volunteer Hours

State Senator, Christine Cournoyer, Scott Co. Iowa

Top Club Volunteer Phone Calls

Northwest Iowa RW

July 1, 2021 – December 31 -2021

Top Volunteer Phone Calls

Joni Scotter, Five Seasons RW

Caring for America Recognition is presented to clubs that demonstrate excellence in community support and outreach. 

For the 2022-2023 Biennium:

National Recognition

Scott Co. RW,

Mega Club Regional Finalist for

“Women’s Choice Center”

Capitol Region RW

Large Club Regional Finalist for

“Agape Center Baby Shower”

Calhoun County RW

Small Club Regional Finalist for

“Flag Presentation & Book Donation”

State Recognition

Calhoun Co. RW

“Freedom Quilts for Veterans”

RW of Madison Co.

“Back the Blue and Firemen Too”

Armed Services Awards recognize clubs that support members of the U. S. Armed Services. State award for the 2022-2023 Biennium:



Capitol Region RW

“Operation Letter Writing to Soldier Deployed in Poland”

Officers Elected and Sworn In

Your elected officers for the 2024-2025 Biennium are:

President, Michelle Crawford, Scott Co. RW

First Vice President, Amy Meskimen, Scott Co. RW

Second Vice President, Denise Bubeck, Capitol Region RW

Secretary, Julie Ulrich, Jones Co. RW

Treasurer, Jen Dumas, Scott Co. RW

2023 Biennial Convention Fundraiser Report

Attendees loved the Fundraising Activities for the 2023 Biennial Convention. We had fun directing our anger to the Biden Disaster while supporting Republican women.

Burst Biden’s Bubble – a balloon-busting adventure. Each balloon was filled with a number corresponding to a prize with $5-$100 worth of cash, merchandise or gift cards. 

Silent Auction included items generously donated by local clubs, including a hand-crocheted American Flag throw and Americana quilted table runner. Lori Leonard Reyman donated a Gov. Kim Reynolds personally signed ornament and mug with her famous slogan "Get S**t Done" on the back. The mug had the most active bidding and was the highest dollar item sold!

Pin the Nose on Joe Pinocchio. It wasn't difficult to write down the many lies that Joe has said since he's been elected. At the end of the conference, we live-auctioned the Joe graphic for others to enjoy.

Sponsorships and Table Sponsorships

Thanks to member Laura Carlson for contacting conservative groups and campaigns to "sell" our table space. ALL tables were completely full and we raised over $1500.

A huge thank you to all the clubs and individual members who donated to the gift cards and Silent Auction items.    

Sincerely,

Cindy Golding, Fundraising Chair