Jake Schaben is this quarter’s recipient of DCDC’s “That’s How It’s Dun” Award. This award is part of a community service recognition program created to honor those who go above and beyond in their volunteer service contributions to the Dunlap community.
Jake is a Dunlap native. Aside from four years attending college at Texas A&M University and two years living in Charter Oak for work, he has lived in Dunlap his entire life. He currently works for United Bank of Iowa in Dunlap, as Vice President and Regional Branch Manager. Jake and his wife, Ashley, have three children: Jaxon, 9; Collins, 7; and Finley, 4.
Jake has served Dunlap in an abundance of ways. He has been a DCDC and Dunlap Betterment Group Board Member and Treasurer since 2012, focusing specifically on housing and economic development, implementing membership drives and helping fundraise to support the cause.
He is a champion of Dunlap community events. In the past, he served on the Jason Hoffman Memorial Tractor Pull Board. He also volunteers time each year to help at Dunlap’s 4th of July celebration and Art at the Park. Jake also helps implement the St. John Lutheran Barbecue Contest each year.
Jake has also been an instrumental member of the St. John Lutheran Church Council, serving as Council President for the past two years. He helps fundraise for the church by assisting in the planning process and volunteering to help at church events, including auctions, St. John Lutheran’s Fall Dinner and “Worship in the Park.”
He supports the community and his kids, as they play organized sports, by serving as a volunteer coach for various Boyer Valley youth sports. He also helps at 4-H fundraising events like the Knight Rider’s pancake breakfast.
Jake has served as a board member on the Boyer Valley Ag Foundation for a number of years and advised the Boyer Valley FFA’s Beef Extravaganza Team in the “Credit and Finance” portion of the competition.
“Jake is a person that sees a need and does his best to fill the gap,” shared Jill Schaben, DCDC Executive Director. “He can be found flipping pancakes with the 4-H kids, supervising inflatables on the 4th of July, or otherwise campaigning for various community causes. I consider him a tremendous ‘difference-maker.’ He is humble and doesn’t readily accept praise or appreciation for his work, but he is a tremendous asset to our town.”
“The community support in Dunlap is amazing,” Jake shared. “People really come together when there is a fundraiser or event. Things like the fire department reconstruction fundraiser, the building of the new club house at the golf course, and fair building projects are just a few examples of the private financial support. From a volunteer standpoint, people rally in an unbelievable way to make events like the 4th of July happen. The people in this town really make a difference and make me proud to be a part of it.”
Jake feels it’s vitally important to serve the community in which he lives.
“We as a community have been fortunate to reap the benefits from past community support,” he explained. “I want to continue that legacy and better the community in any way I can.”
Jake has creatively found ways to support various efforts, even while managing a very busy schedule. He encourages others to find time/seek ways to give back to Dunlap.
“Don’t volunteer because you feel obligated. Volunteer because you want to make a difference. Things don’t happen ‘just because they always have.’ It takes a continued effort. If you have ever enjoyed an event that was made possible because of volunteers, step in and offer your talents to ensure these things continue.”
Know someone who deserves recognition for their service to Dunlap? Visit dunlapia.com and click the Resources tab to access the “That’s How It’s Dun” nomination form. Four Dunlap area residents will be recognized annually. Contact Jill Schaben with questions at dunlapdcdc@gmail.com
