Bonfire 2026 event

Join us for the 2nd Annual BonFIRE Benefit

Get Fired Up for Inclusion

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

The BonFIRE Benefit is more than an evening out—it’s an event with purpose. As our 2nd Annual signature event, it fuels the mission of the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa, championing inclusive Catholic education and ensuring students with disabilities have the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong in our Catholic schools.  

What:
BonFIRE Benefit to support the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa

When:
Saturday, November 14, 2026
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where:
Bien Venu Event Center
7400 Hudson Road
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Attire: 
Casual and comfortable!
Feel free to wear your FIRE red.

Event will be held indoors!

FIRE is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities have the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong in our Catholic schools.  Inclusion best practices benefit EVERYONE.  

Enjoy an unforgettable night featuring:
Let’s come together around the BonFIRE to light the way for a more inclusive future in Catholic education.

Evening at a Glance

Cocktail Hour

Cocktails & mingling – get ready for an evening of purpose and celebration.

Welcome, Introductions & Opening Prayer

Gather with us as we kick off the evening and reflect on our shared mission.

Dinner is Served

Enjoy a delicious meal in the company of fellow supporters.

House Salad 
Dinner Rolls and Butter

Iced Tea

Dinner

Chicken Supreme
Lightly breaded chicken topped with creamy garlic sauce, grilled zucchini medley, and mashed redskin potatoes

Assorted Dessert Station

The FIRE NE Iowa Program

Hear inspiring stories and learn how your support fuels inclusion in Catholic schools.

Dueling Pianos Show

Get ready for a high-energy performance filled with music, laughter, and crowd favorites!

Evening Concludes

Thank you for being part of a night to remember.

Throughout the evening:

Bid on unique auction items, participate in the raffle, raise your paddle with purpose, and take part in fundraising activities — all to support the mission of the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa.

Please note: Schedule is subject to change.

Piano

Dueling Pianos

Featuring Mick Staebell & Cole Thomas

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and high-energy entertainment! Mick and Cole will light up the night with crowd favorites, quick wit, and toe-tapping tunes that will have you singing along and smiling from start to finish. It only takes a spark to start the fun—don’t miss it!

John Huff

BonFIRE Emcee
Chief Operating Officer
Huff Contracting

John Huff is a seasoned operations and media executive currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Huff Contracting. He brings decades of leadership experience driving growth, efficiency, and innovation, with deep expertise in strategy, revenue development, and operational execution. Prior to his current role, John built his career in the broadcast industry at KWWL (News 7), where he held progressively senior positions including General Sales Manager, Station Manager, and Vice President/General Manager. He holds a degree in Communications, Public Relations & Advertising from Marycrest College and is known for a collaborative leadership style and disciplined, results-driven execution.

A lifelong Catholic, John was educated entirely in Catholic schools, an experience that shaped his values and commitment to service. His passion for inclusive education is deeply personal—his nephew and best buddy, Jake, was born with Down syndrome and underwent a heart transplant at a young age. Despite having access to medical and personal support, Jake was unable to attend Catholic school due to limited resources and staffing for students with disabilities. This experience fuels John’s commitment to helping Catholic schools become more inclusive and accessible for all children. Based in Waterloo, Iowa, John remains active in his community and continues to use his leadership and media background to support mission-driven work that makes a lasting impact.

BonFIRE Benefit Admission

Join us for a memorable evening of fun, music, and meaningful support for inclusive Catholic education!
  • Individual Ticket – $60 per person
  • Spark Table for 8 – $600
    • Includes admission for eight (8) guests
    • Includes reserved seating for your group – no need to worry about saving seats!

Note: if you would like an invoice to pay via check vs. paying credit card for the Spark Table please contact the FIRE NE Iowa office at 319-529-1109.  We request individual tickets are purchased online.  

Guest Room Rate

Enjoy a night away! The BonFIRE Benefit has a discounted rate of $124 ++ for the night of Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Holiday Inn & Suites. Hotel is attached to the Bien Venu Event Center. Reservations need to be made by October 24, 2026 to receive the special rate.

Sponsors

Special thanks to all of our BonFIRE Benefit sponsors!

Bonfire Sponsors

Huff Contracting

Blaze Sponsors

Flame Sponsors

Beckman Catholic High School

Gary & Becky Bertch / Lost Island

Bosco
Cedar Valley Catholic Schools

Don & Carol Kleis

Lost Island theme park
Move with Miah
Saint Athanasius

Teresa Schmitz

Xavier Schools

Spark Sponsors

American Skillet Restaurant
Bloes Seeds

Chris & Mattie Brawner

Dr. Samir Chandra

CIT Signature Transportation
D&D Tire

Blake & Lisa Even

Clark & Bridget Even

Hershberger Tiling
Erica Kortenkamp Photography
Milestones

Alan & Christy Naughton

Zac & Sara Phillips

Mark & Kim Rottinghaus

Ryan & Nikki Schmit

Bruce & Erin Schmitz

Mark & Tara Schuckert

Josh & Jill Waddle

Ember Sponsors

Cedar Valley
Independence Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

KEAM Services Co.

Ken's Electric

Nick & Linda Purdy

Roc Fit

Joel & Brenda Schares

Nic & Allison STONE

Bill & Sally Schroeder

Mary Smock

Sponsor the BonFIRE Benefit

GET FIRED UP for inclusion! Your sponsorship helps ignite opportunities and fuel inclusive Catholic education across Northeast Iowa.

*Name/Logo Placement = on website, e-newsletter, physical & digital signage.  

bonfire Sponsor

$5,000
  • Top level *Name/Logo placement
  • (16) admission tickets and a reserved tables
  • Full page ad in the event program
  • (1) guestroom at the hotel on Nov. 14th
  • (16) FIRE gifts – one for each of the guests at the table
  • Live mention from stage
  • (1) Exclusive social media post pre-event
  • (1) Exclusive social media post post-event

blaze Sponsor

$2,500
  • *Name/Logo placement
  • (8) admission tickets and a reserved table
  • Full page ad in the event program
  • (8) FIRE gifts – one for each of the guests at the table 

Flame Sponsor

$1,000
  • *Name/Logo placement
  • (8) admission tickets and a reserved table
  • ½ Page ad in the event program
  • (1) FIRE gift for the main table host

spark Sponsor

$600
  • *Name/Logo placement
  • (8) admission tickets and a reserved table

Donate a Silent Auction Item

We invite you to GET FIRED UP for inclusion by donating an item, gift card, or experience to the Silent Auction at the BonFIRE Benefit, where over 250 community members gather to support inclusive Catholic education across Northeast Iowa. Your generosity directly funds paraeducators, accessibility improvements, teacher training, and adaptive learning tools—helping ensure every child can learn, grow, and belong.

Can’t Make It? You Can Still Make a Difference!

While I’m unable to attend the BonFIRE Benefit, I’m proud to support the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa and their mission to create inclusive Catholic education. Please accept my donation to help keep the FIRE burning bright for all students!

Silent Auction Donations

  • Oh Grace Boutique Gift Certificate
    • Donated by Oh Grace Boutique
  • Photo Package
    • Donated by Allyson Schwab Photography
  • Photo Package
    • Donated by Erica Kortenkamp Photography & Videography
  • Spicy Pizza Dipping Oil & Frozen Drink Mixer
    • Donated by Pamper Chef
  • $50 Kohl’s Gift Card
    • Donated by Chris & Mattie Brawner
  • $25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card
    • Donated by Amy Valesh-Peterson
  • $150 Better Health Chiropractic Gift Certificate
    • Donated by Better Health Chiropractic
  • Vanilla Creme Brulee Candle
    • Donated by Stefanie Greene
  • $25 Amazon Gift Card
    • Donated by Stefanie Greene
  • (4) Game Tickets to the Waterloo Black Hawks Hockey
    • Donated by Young Arena
  • Ice Skating Passes
    • Donated by Young Arena
  • Kendra Scott Red Necklace & Red Braclet
    • Donated by Erin Schmitz
  • (2) Luke Combs Concert Tickets – April 11, 2026 – Ames, Iowa
    • Donated by Hayden Schmitz
  • Patio Heater
    • Donated by Independence Plumbing & Heating
  • $150 gift certificate towards carpet or upholstery cleaning performed by SERVPRO of Black Hawk County. Expiration: November 15, 2026.
    • Donated by SERVPRO of Black Hawk County
  • Drone
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • (2) Teenage Girl Baskets
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • (2) Boy Baskets
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • (2) Young Girl Baskets
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • Game Night Basket
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • Kitchen/College Dorm Basket
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • Office Supplies Basket
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • Summer Fun Basket
    • Donated by the Backes Family
  • A Day at the Lake
    • Premium Cooler full of snacks and drinks
    • Black and Gray Serape Blanket
    • Donated by the Brawner Family
      • Donated by Team ReedMerry Christmas Rug & Team Reed SMACK card pack
  • Caitlin Clark matted photo and playing card – NCAA all time leading scorer at the University of Iowa
    • Donated by Avalon Body Shop
  • International 656 row crop diesel die cast tractor & childs Scherrmann’s sweatshirt
    • Donated by Scherrmann’s Implement Inc.
  • Diecast metal forage box semi & Helle hat
    • Donated by Helle Farm Equipment
  • Bodensteiner t-shirt & 2 Bodensteiner hats
    • Donated by Bodensteiner
  • 2 certificates for medium pizza & a pitcher of pop
    • Donated by Happy Joe’s in Dyersville
  • House Tour passes & novelty item
    • Donated by the Field of Dreams
  • Basket with $30 Visa card, Fall & Christmas items / decor
    • Donated by Mark & Tara Schuckert
  • TBA
    • Donated by Theisen
  • TBA
    • Donated by CJ Beeps
  • Fitness Package
    • Donated by Roc Fit

Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance? Reach out and GET FIRED UP with us!

Email: info@firefoundationneiowa.org | Phone: 319-529-1109