UPDATE: In a heartwarming gesture, Austen and Morgan Iverson have just donated $700 worth of snacks to L.B. Williams Elementary School in Mitchell, ensuring that local students enjoy tasty treats throughout the school year. This generous act follows their recent win in the Kiwanis Supermarket Sweep raffle.
On Wednesday morning, the Iversons delivered a bounty of goodies including fruit snacks, Little Debbie treats, Nabisco crackers, and iconic Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. “These are all things that kids like,” Austen Iverson stated, expressing excitement over the donation.
The couple secured their win on July 15, 2023, by purchasing the grand prize raffle ticket, among 700 tickets sold for the Kiwanis fundraiser. For the eighth consecutive year, the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell and County Fair hosted this exhilarating event, letting the winner dash through the grocery store for three minutes to collect items valued up to $1,000.
While on a trip to New York, the Iversons learned of their victory. They quickly recognized the pressing need for daily snacks at L.B. Williams, where their children attend school. “We have to be smart about this,” Morgan recalled her husband saying as they planned their shopping spree just before their return to Mitchell.
Kiwanis Treasurer Linda McEntee confirmed the event’s success, stating that approximately $1,800 was raised this year, with plans to continue this initiative annually. The raffle rules stipulate that winners can only select two of any item, and anything exceeding $1,000 must be returned or paid for separately.
“I’m completely out of breath,” Austen exhaled after his rapid shopping spree. The Iversons’ spirit of giving inspired additional contributions. Morgan’s uncle and aunt, Joel and Jodene Foxley of Platte, matched their donation with an additional $700. Of that, $500 was allocated to the Mitchell Caring Closet at the high school, and $200 was designated for L.B. Williams.
Earlier this week, Morgan shopped for essential items including frozen pizzas and chicken nuggets for the Caring Closet, demonstrating her commitment to supporting local students. “But we didn’t have only three minutes to buy those,” she laughed, highlighting the difference between a planned shopping trip and the chaotic spree.
Austen emphasized their motivation: “Anything we can do to give back, especially for kids.” The Iversons’ generous act not only brings joy to local students but also showcases the power of community spirit in Mitchell.
As schools prepare to welcome students back, this donation highlights the importance of providing nourishing snacks, ensuring that no child goes hungry during their school day. The Iversons’ dedication serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact one can make through kindness and community involvement.
