2020 Cedar Rapids Fire Department Fire Bowl Canceled

2020 Cedar Rapids Fire Department Fire Bowl Canceled 

The Cedar Rapids Firefighters Foundation has canceled the 2020 Fire Bowl due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  The Fire Bowl was scheduled for August, however, COVID-19 remains a serious consideration for event organizers.  Many of the participants are first responders, which puts them in direct contact with the public, including potential COVID-19 patients.  Many families including children, parents, and grandparents, enjoy coming to the Fire Bowl as spectators.  The event organizers wanted to make sure that first responders and the community stay safe, therefore canceling this year’s event. 

The Fire Bowl started in 2010 as a charity 7-on-7 flag football tournament. After six successful years, the Fire Bowl evolved to a new format. A 6-on-6 sand volleyball tournament debuted in 2016. This shift allowed for more participants and brought new energy to the event. Each year, the Fire Bowl directors choose a nonprofit beneficiary for the proceeds generated from the event. Past recipients include Make-A-Wish Iowa, Safe Sleep Task Force of Eastern Iowa, and Folds of Honor, among others. In a short time, this event has raised more than $150,000 to support these worthwhile organizations assisting children of Eastern Iowa. Foundation directors realize that there are many charitable organization that could use support each year, so they choose a new cause to support. The 2019 donation supported Make-A-Wish, an organization that plays a unique and vital role in helping strengthen and empower children battling critical illnesses. 

The 2021 Fire Bowl will support the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity, which hosts many beneficial events for children in Cedar Rapids. 

For more information about the Cedar Rapids Firefighters Foundation and the Fire Bowl, please visit http://crfirefoundation.org.