Contacts:
Michael Vlasak, 319-399-2122
Suzanne McCarty, 952-742-6246
Cargill Promotes Innovation in Iowa with $20,000 Donation
Cedar Rapids, IA – To respond to the growing public interest in astronomy, Cargill is donating $20,000 to the Cedar Amateur Astronomer’s Inc. (CAA), a non-profit organization working to promote astronomy in Eastern Iowa. CAA brings astronomy and related sciences to the general public by hosting activities at the Linn County Conservation Palisades-Dows Observatory.
Cargill’s funds will help to build The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center, a facility consisting of two observatory domes, a classroom, multi-purpose presentation room, computer control room, library, storage and restrooms. The domes will house the research-grade telescope given to the CAA by the University of Iowa and a robotic telescope.
“Thanks to generous gifts like Cargill’s, we are able to make the programs and telescopes more accessible to area families and schools,” said Doug Slauson, CAA president. “Cargill is helping to promote an interest in astronomy and related sciences.”
“We are excited about the new facility and think it will add to the educational and economic development of the area,” said Michael Vlasak, manager, Cargill Industrial Starch. “This contribution will help to increase the recreational and educational opportunities to benefit area residents in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor as well as Eastern Iowa,” said Vlasak.
About Cargill
Cargill’s Cedar Rapids facilities produce soy protein products, cornstarch, glucose and corn syrup for a variety of food and beverage applications. Cargill produces starches for industrial use as well. Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services with 149,000 employees in 63 countries. Cargill contributes more than $36 million a year globally to civic and charitable organizations that help nourish the people and possibilities in communities where its employees live and work.