Matthew 25 to receive 2021 Iowa Character Award

Seedlings grow in the greenhouse at the Matthew 25 urban farm in Cedar Rapids on April 15. Matthew 25 is one of 12 Iowa groups and individuals who will be recognized for their exceptional character. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

DES MOINES — Matthew 25 of Cedar Rapids is one of 12 Iowa groups and individuals who will be recognized for their exceptional character by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

Matthew 25 will receive the 2021 Organization of Character Award. The Organization of Character Award is presented annually to one Iowa nonprofit organization or business that demonstrates good character.

Founded in 2006, Matthew 25's mission is to empower people to transform neighborhoods through the three pillars of food, housing, and education. Over the years, Matthew 25 has launched various programs to help meet the needs of the Cedar Rapids community. Matthew 25 demonstrates good character by making sure people are treated with dignity, kindness, and respect regardless of their socioeconomic status.

"Matthew 25 understands the social justice issues around food, housing, and education. Our programs center around promoting equity and fairness, working towards being a solution for these systemic inequalities," said Jana Bodensteiner, Director of Development and Communications.

The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of Character Counts: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 150 Iowans for showing good character.

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center provides character and leadership development strategies to improve civility and develop ethical leaders throughout the world. As the global home to Character Counts, The Ray Center utilizes public awareness and programming grounded in research to advance two programs, Character Counts and Excellence with Integrity.

The 2021 Iowa Character Awards prime-time special will air in Cedar Rapids on Fox 28 on Aug. 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The 2021 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, KDSM-TV, Murphy Enterprizes and Alliant Energy. For a complete list of Iowa Character Award recipients, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.