miracles Miracle of [The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa]

Sept. 11--W hen scheduling a fall fundraiser in Eastern Iowa, there is one important thing to keep in mind -- don't let it conflict with Iowa football games.

Miracles in Motion Executive Director Darryl Tower worked his way around this by scheduling the first Festival for Miracles for Sept. 18, when the Hawkeyes will be in Tuscon playing against the University of Arizona.

And, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

'We decided to have a tailgate party,' Tower says.

Organizers are ready for Hawkeye fans and those cheering for other teams playing earlier in the day. During the festival from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be 12 bigscreen televisions and seating throughout Amana.

Festival of Miracles will be a fundraiser for Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center, located on 70 acres of land near Swisher. It provides recreational therapy through horse riding for people with disabilities, especially children.

'You have to really work to keep children engaged,' says Tower, a former occupational therapist. 'Put them on a horse and they get the same exercise as on an exercise ball.' Miracles in Motion has 18 horses and 170 to 200 clients of all ages. The majority of staff members are volunteers, Tower says. Donations are accepted for services, but not required.

'If somebody can't pay, we don't turn them away,' he says. 'Most of our budget comes from fundraising.' Festival for Miracles will be a major fundraiser for the program.

There is no fee to attend the festival, but suggested donations are accepted for horseback rides and food.

Area businesses will donate services and food. South Slope Cooperative Communications in North Liberty and Best Buy and its Geek Squad of Coralville are donating the cable hookup, televisions and technical service for the day.

Food will be provided by Texas Road House of Coralville, Panchero's Mexican Grill of Iowa City, Ox Yoke Inn of Amana and the Amana Fire Department.

Proceeds from the Millstream Brewing Company's beer garden will be donated to Miracles in Motion.

St. Luke's Hospital, a major sponsor, is giving away free bicycle helmets to the first 200 children.

'It's just one of those things,' Tower says. 'These businesses really jumped on board in a big way.' In keeping with the tailgating theme, the festival features a bag toss tournament. Amana Furniture and Clock Shop made the donated boards and the Amana Woolen Mill made the bags, both featuring the logos of sponsoring teams.

Other events include a 5K walk/run, tethered balloon flights, a cruise-in by the Corvette Club of Cedar Rapids and live music at Millstream Brewery. A 1972 Buick GS classic muscle car provided by Coyote Classics of Greene will be raffled, with 850 tickets being sold for $20 each.

Tower plans to make this an annual event -- coordinated with Iowa away games, of course.

'It was a great idea because it was different,' Tower says. 'It's just an all-day event with something for everybody. This is a family deal.'

-- Comments: (319) 398-5860; angie.holmes@gazcomm.com

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