Dear Community Members,

We are deeply honored to be Co-Chairs for the 2023-2024 United Way Campaign!  We know each other through our love of fun events and good causes –and working to publicize them.  We both work, play and serve Marshall County so we are excited to work on behalf of a fabulous organization like the Marshalltown Area United Way.  We are big supporters because United Way provides funding for organizations who help people in our community with an emphasis on solving problems. 

Carrie Barr:  Children, nature, and Marshalltown are the passions that drive my community involvement.  As the daughter of civic-minded parents, I was raised understanding that when we all pitch in, good things happen.  My efforts began early, delivering Meals on Wheels, often with babies on board!

I have chaired Marshalltown Assistance League and the Marshalltown Youth Foundation. Seeing the effectiveness of dedicated volunteers and noting other areas where her community could be improved, I helped organize the Community Foundation of Marshall County, 100 Women Who Care and the Friends of Marshall County Conservation.  I led the fundraising to build the Grimes Farm and Conservation Center.  Promoting activities at the Grimes Farm continues to be an effort close to my heart.

My husband, Paul, and I raised our 3 children in Marshalltown.  We have had the pleasure of hosting many foreign students from the time I was a child until our own children were in high school.  Our family has been enriched by daughters-in-law from Thailand and Ukraine.  Grace was welcomed into the family from Rwanda in 2012.  We now have seven grandchildren across three states and two continents!

All our children, our own and our “adopted,” have benefitted by the generosity of caring Marshall County people.  It is our honor and our desire to give back. 

Kyle:  I was born in Des Moines and raised in Colorado but have called Iowa home since 1985 when I came back to attend Drake University. While at Drake, I began my radio career at KIOA radio in Des Moines. My 36 years on the radio has been very rewarding!  I was fortunate enough to be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as disc jockey in 2017.

My family is best thing to ever happen to me!  I am married to Amy and have 2 grown daughters, Peyton & Abby.  I also have a teenage daughter, Grace, currently attending Marshalltown Community College.  I'm also a proud grandpa to 2 granddaughters, Kiyah & Saige.  Lots of estrogen in my family.  It's great because I think little girls make the word go around!

Since my arrival at KFJB in 2004, I have recorded all the United Way Agency PSAs for their annual campaign and hosted weekly interviews on my show with Kendra Sorensen.  I have also had the honor of being the emcee of "Power Of The Purse" for the last 12 years.

My peripheral involvement in the United Way over the last 19 years has prompted me to get into the "thick of it" as a co-chair this year.  I couldn't be more excited about taking on this new role!

We both have a love for the residents of Marshalltown and Marshall County and want the citizens to be as healthy and successful as possible.  By giving to United Way, you make our community a better place to live for all.  You can touch the lives of over 12,000 residents each year for only $1 per week. 

Our fundraising goal for 2023-2024 is $825,000.

Sincerely,

Carrie Barr & Kyle Martin