fundraiser supports a non-profit organization, honors a murdered woman

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – On Saturday, a family honored a loved one who was killed by a drunk driver in Cedar Rapids last year. They decided that they want to remember her to others.

On November 12, 2023, Bonnie Stover was hit by a drunk driver while walking in her Cedar Rapids neighborhood.

Stover’s twin sister, Brenda Ulin, said her sister was a joyful and caring person, and after her loss, the family didn’t just want to remember those qualities; they wanted to embody Stover’s spirit and make something she would be proud of.

“We’re doing our first inaugural fundraiser for the Love Like Bonnie Foundation, and all proceeds will go to His Hands Free Clinic,” Ulin said.

His hands provide health care to people who don’t have insurance. Last year they served people from over 20 Iowa counties.

During a fundraiser at the Elks Country Club in Iowa City on Saturday, TV9 spoke with Don Browers with the clinic. TV9 asked what the family’s fundraiser means to the organization on behalf of the loved one they lost.

“It’s incredible. In my 20-30 years of fundraising, it’s never been like this,” Browers said.

The unique fundraiser was a fitting tribute to a woman who was so special to those who knew her.

“She was just happy. I mean, she—everyone felt that Bonnie could see them,” Ulin said. “She is my twin. So we were connected.”

The fundraiser was Ulin’s way of honoring that bond by supporting a nonprofit organization that serves thousands of people and making sure her sister’s legacy is as full of love and service as her life.

“It just chills me to think that someone would care enough to do all this for us. At the same time, they’re doing it for Bonnie,” Browers said.

“We know she’s smiling for this event,” Ulin said.