07/16/2026
Now that I have finally had time to catch my breath after what has been a very busy and eventful week, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who made our YMCA Test Kitchen Block Party on July 11th a massive success.
First and foremost I want to thank some very special people who donated to us so we could put this event on and they are Fletcher and Pamela Fett of Fort Madison Pallet Company. Next I want to thank Rebecca Bowker who also donated to the cause! Without their donations, this event wouldn't have been possible so thank you very much! Thank you also to the City of Fort Madison for sponsoring this event!
Next, I want to thank the amazing local businesses who made donations towards our raffles/gift baskets, as well as those who donated BINGO prizes. O'Reilly Auto Parts - Fort Madison, Mid Town Hairstyling, Ashley Booten - Hairstylist, Cosmetics by Kaylie, The Broom Closet and Healing Haven South, Fort Colony Restaurant, Kelly Cakes, Sweet Natalie, Stage 2 Consignment Shop, Riverside Resale Shop, Iowa Community Care Foundation, Dana Bushong Jewelers, Maggie Colyer, Old Fort Players, Thyme & Spice Company, The Point 95, Sub-Arena Sandwich Shop and Jacqueline Lumsden, Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course, Fort Madison YMCA. Apologies if I'm missing anyone but please mention them in the comments!
A huge thank you also goes out to Tanya Hurley of Tanya's Travel Voyage for her very generous contribution to the cause as well!
This event would not have been possible without our amazing staff and volunteers who helped the day run smoothly. Thank you to Martha Spear, Jason Lightfoot, Tenneille Speer, Ellie Baxter, Lisa Algrim, Jacqueline Lumsden, Cyndie Reppert and others! Special thanks goes out to Max for holding it down with me on the YTK Dawgz hot dog cart!
Our amazing vendors who made this day fun for the whole family also deserve huge recognition for the hard work they put in to make this event happen. Thank you Griddle & GiddyUp, The Toddy Pop Company, Fort Madison Kiwanis Club, Fort Madison Area Arts Association, Fields of Fun LLC., and DeliverTheParty! Thanks to our dunkees: Heather Lightfoot, Adrian McKay, Chi Eastin, and Jason Lightfoot!
Because of the efforts of all of these amazing people we brought in over $3,500 for the Test Kitchen. We truly cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts, it was a day to remember! We hope to be able to do it again next year, bigger and better!
Now enjoy some photos from the event, thank you to everyone who made their submissions! If you have even more, please comment them below!
