March 28, 2024

First Newton National Bank makes lead donation pledge to Main Street

Newton Main Street Initiative reached the halfway mark of its $80,000 fundraising goal this week when it received it’s top pledge from First Newton National Bank in the amount of $7,500.

The donation amounts to a $2,500 commitment each of the next three years.

“We wanted to get a pledge into the initiative to show that we’re on board with what [Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Darrell Sarmento] and the rest of the Main Street board is doing,” First Newton National Bank Vice President Rob Khan said.

The Main Street initiative board has received numerous donations since it announced efforts to launch a program in Newton. The deadline for its application to Main Street Iowa is Wednesday, Dec. 13.

The board has been meeting every Thursday at the Chamber office to strategize and plan for fundraising efforts. The board will have a table set up tonight during the courthouse lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade festivities in Newton.

The group has reached out to politicians on getting their letters of support from political figures such as U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, Rep. Dave Loebsack and other local officials. City of Newton Development and Zoning Director Erin Chambers as been assembling the application to Main Street Iowa.

“Erin has been doing an amazing job with assembling the application,” Sarmento said.

The group will be seeking pledges and letters of support until the deadline. Pledges can be financial or in-kind donations.

“We need pledges more than anything else,” Sarmento said.

To make your pledges or give letters of support contact Newton Chamber of Commerce.