Since many of the participants had never curled before, a clinic before the first match helped teams feel more comfortable on the ice and with the equipment. Teams also had fun learning from Debbie McCormick, four-time curling Olympian and world champion.
"This was an exciting fundraiser to do because it is the first and only one of its kind here in Cedar Rapids. We were looking for a unique experience, and we have found it. I look forward to growing the event next year so we can raise more funds to help those most vulnerable in our community." —Destiny Hastings, UWECI Annual Campaign Manager
As champion and team spirit award winners, General Mills received awards including a United Way insulated bag coolers and ½ gallon water jugs. The team The Lawyers won the “Nowhere to go but up” award, since they ended the game with five points each team received at the beginning of the match. The Lawyers received United Way packs of tissues as a prize so they could dry their tears.
Sweeping for Change raised $4,000 for United Way’s general fund. Team registration fees will go toward the annual campaign.
Thank you again to our sponsor Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman for making this event possible and to Cedar Rapids Ice Arena for hosting us. And a big shout out to everyone who joined us for our first curling tournament!