A Night of Advocacy, Inclusion, and Celebration

posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2025

"I’m here because I can be myself and have fun — but also so I can show people just who I am." Shared, Elizabeth, a community member, hardworking volunteer, and a person supported by EPI.

Elizabeth's response to why she attends More Than You See captured the spirit of the evening in one powerful sentence. On June 19, 2025, more than 250 people gathered at River Place Plaza in downtown Cedar Falls — not just to celebrate a community, but to truly see it.

Our 2025 More Than You See event was an incredible night of advocacy, inclusion and celebration. Under twinkling lights and a warm summer sky, attendees came together to support the belief that every person — regardless of ability — deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.

This year’s event raised over $30,000 in support of Exceptional Persons, Inc.’s mission. Thanks to your generosity, these funds will go directly toward real, tangible supports — like rent assistance, job coaching, move-in packages for individuals starting fresh, and the vital services that help people live, work, and grow in the Cedar Valley.

From the high-energy set by The Schmidt Brothers, to the comforting bites from Boyd’s, Gibby’s, Taco Life, Hovie’s BBQ, and Totally Rolled Ice Cream, the plaza was filled with joy and connection at every turn.

Our silent and live auctions were also a huge success — filled with exciting experiences and generous bidding. One particularly touching moment came when a live auction winner donated back his “Waterloo Firefighter for a Day” package — choosing instead to gift that experience to someone we serve. That gesture spoke volumes about the heart of this community.

A heartfelt thank you to our evening’s speakers — Katie Slade, Executive Director of EPI, Nicole Ericson, EPI's Community Development Director, Megan McKinney Todd of GoodLife Innovations, and Ellie Rogaczewski of The Salvation Army Waterloo/Cedar Falls Iowa — who each shared powerful messages that resonated deeply with the evening’s theme of advocacy and inclusion.

Megan took the stage to emphasize the importance of looking beyond first impressions, being proud of who you are, and urging people to lean in and embrace diversity with curiosity over caution and with optimism over assumptions.

Later, Nicole shared a moving personal story that illustrated the impact of meaningful employment and what can happen when people are simply given a chance.

Finally, Ellie led a proud group of EPI volunteers onstage — individuals who were recently honored as The Salvation Army’s 2024 Volunteer Group of the Year for their dedication and service throughout the Cedar Valley.

“We truly could not serve the community at this capacity without EPI’s dedicated volunteers,” Ellie shared.

It was a moment of joy, recognition, and genuine appreciation — one that perfectly reflected what More Than You See is all about.

To everyone who made this night possible — our sponsors, board members, planning committee, staff, volunteers, food trucks, musical guests, emcee John Huff, and auctioneer Ryan Backes — we are deeply grateful. Your time, talents, and belief in our mission made all the difference.

We walked away reminded that there’s always more than you see — and that when we lift each other up, powerful things happen.

Until next year — thank you for seeing, supporting, and celebrating with us.