Don Lamberti's 85th Birthday!

My parents—Don and Charlene—are best known for founding Casey’s General Stores. Their hard work turned into great success, but for more than two decades their calling has been Bridges of Iowa, the long-term addiction treatment program that focuses on accountability, responsibility, and re-entry into society.

Starting Bridges was personal for my mom and dad. My older brother, Tony, went to prison in 1997 for drug-related charges. While it was devastating for our family, it opened our eyes. Mom and Dad visited Tony every week and met many others who were incarcerated, people just like you and me. They’re smart and good and could have done anything, until addiction derailed them. Bridges of Iowa was started to help them get back on track, to reconnect with their families and lead healthy, productive lives.

My dad was 62 when he and Mom started Bridges in 1999, and for 23 years this has been their calling. I am writing today to ask, in honor of Dad’s 85^th birthday on November 6, that you help us make sure Bridges can continue helping people cross the bridge to a better life.

Bridges is among the few that provide long-term, community-based treatment to Iowans. While many programs focus on 30 days, truly effective, long-term recovery can take up to a year. Bridges also distinguishes itself by helping those with limited resources and virtually no access to treatment. We do that by working with community partners to keep costs as low as possible. It’s a team effort, and we’re asking you to join the team.

The people we help at Bridges cannot help themselves right now. In the future they will be self-sufficient again, but for now, they are lost. Many are facing jail, turning to trafficking to support habits, or worse yet, contemplating suicide.

Mom and Dad have poured their hearts and millions of dollars into Bridges of Iowa. We remain committed to their dream of building a bridge to a better life for all who are lost. Please consider making a donation at any of the following levels. Sponsoring a person to go through the program costs approximately $20,000 per year and every dollar helps. Mom says she can't think of a better birthday present for Dad, and I couldn't agree more. Nothing would make him happier.

With appreciation,