December 15, 2025

United Way of Jasper County and Pacesetters host a bear building workshop fundraiser

Kids took home ‘Red Pride Buddy Bears’ during the NHS basketball game

By Christopher Braunschweig
Families brought their little ones to the basketball game Friday, Dec. 12 to cheer on the Cardinals and participate in a bear building workshop hosted by United Way of Jasper County and the Pacesetters at Newton High School.

Families brought their little ones to the basketball game Friday, Dec. 12 to cheer on the Cardinals and participate in a bear building workshop hosted by United Way of Jasper County and the Pacesetters at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Newton families brought their little ones to the basketball game Friday, Dec. 12 to cheer on the Cardinals and participate in a bear building workshop hosted by United Way of Jasper County and the Pacesetters at Newton High School. For $30 kiddos could build their own teddy bears donning black or white Newton Cardinals hoodies while also supporting two organizations.

Tatum Hills, 1, clutches his newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School.

Tatum Hills, 1, clutches his newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Tatum Hills, 1, reaches for his newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School.

Tatum Hills, 1, reaches for his newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

An 8-month-old Hazel Bennett holds onto her newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School.

An 8-month-old Hazel Bennett holds onto her newly made teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Everleigh Pearson, 4, stuffs a teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School.

Everleigh Pearson, 4, stuffs a teddy bear during a fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

From left: Kaylie Hills and Hannah Bennett bring their little lones to a teddy bear fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School.

From left: Kaylie Hills and Hannah Bennett bring their little lones to a teddy bear fundraiser for the United Way of Jasper County and Newton Pacesetters on Dec. 12 at Newton High School. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Newton
Christopher Braunschweig

Christopher Braunschweig

Christopher Braunschweig has a strong passion for community journalism and covers city council, school board, politics and general news in Newton, Iowa and Jasper County.