A Cardboard City in Iowa

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A Cardboard City in Hubbard Park

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IOWA CITY - Iowa City's Hubbard Park was transformed into a city of cardboard yesterday as dozens of University of Iowa students competed in Habitat for Humanity's Annual Housing Challenge. 

Presented by the UI Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and the Association of Residence Halls, a $75 entry fee gave students all the supplies they needed to let their cardboard-creativity shine.  With the vast majority of supplies donated by local businesses, the annual event marks the UI Habitat for Humanity Chapter's largest fundraiser.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather, except for the wind," UI Habitat Chapter President Elect Gayle Hickerson said with a laugh.  Strong gusts of wind presented an interesting challenge to participants.  Reminiscent of Dorothy's Kansas, it wasn't uncommon to see student's hard work blowing across the grassy field. 

"We just thought it'd be fun to come out here and help Habitat for Humanity," participant Nicole Lebo said.  "It's a great team builder for our group."  Lebo's group represented I-Envision, an entrepreneurial organization on campus often devoted to community service. 

I-Envision spent approximately two hours on their first cardboard house before it was carried off by a wind gust.  Still determined and armed with plenty of duct tape, the group decided to make a statement for their next attempt, building the sturdiest home they possibly could.

Another creation featured a replica castle, complete with six towers, a drawbridge and keep.  Others built an igloo painted to mimic planet earth, while another group constructed a large cardboard yacht.

The remarkable event played host to a wide range of entertainment beyond the cardboard creations.  Volleyball, bean bag tosses, raffle prizes and the improv comedy group Paperback Rhino were just a few of the diversions for those needing a break from the box cutters. 

The Midwest smell of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers hovered over the park, where a large flaming grill offered relief for the famished.  No cashier necessary, the tasty food was available to all, though small donations were appreciated.

The 12 man A Capella group Iowa Intersection took the stage toward the end of the fundraising event.  Singing songs ranging from "Jessie's Girl" to "For the Longest Time," a large group of students gathered on the grass to listen as the day winded down. 

Not restricting themselves to music, Iowa Intersection dabbled in comedy between songs, drawing plenty of laughs from the crowd.   Headed by Brian Kostrzewa, the group formed in 2005, and has since been performing in the Iowa City and Coralville area.  Having just recorded a new album, the group plans to put on a free concert Sunday, May 4 in the Iowa Memorial Union Second Floor Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.  

"It was a good turnout," President Elect Gayle Hickerson noted.  "I hope this year we generated interest so next year it's going to be even bigger." 

"I hope everyone realizes where this money is going and the good that comes out of this," Chapter President Adam Mccullough said.  "We're helping homes here and overseas, and we had a blast doing it."