The Melissa Lea Reicks Foundation

The Melissa Lea Reicks Foundation was created in memory of Dale and Laura’s daughter who died as a result of a car accident on August 11, 2003. She was 21 and entering her senior year at Iowa State University. 

The foundation has given to many local causes since its inception. From 2004-2013, an annual event called Melfest was created to gather funds for the Cedar Valley Friends of the Family. This organization provides emergency safe shelter for persons affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in 14 counties in NE Iowa.

There have been several scholarships sponsored by the foundation over the years including individuals planning on attending college at Iowa State University and those who graduated from St. Joseph Community School, where Melissa attended Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

As the Foundation has evolved, it continues to sponsor area schools, youth activities, churches, hospitals, town celebrations, and benefits in several communities in NE Iowa. 

Recently the Foundation hosted the Flag Day Fundraiser in June of 2019, the proceeds of this event went to the Family Alliance for Veterans of America.