How JRS Pharma Strengthens Communities Through Purpose-Driven Team Building

For multiple years, JRS Pharma has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Renowned globally for its high-quality excipients and pharmaceutical solutions, the company also stands out for its strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) culture.

Through Cheeriodicals’ purpose-driven team building events, JRS Pharma continues to unite employees around meaningful causes that extend beyond the workplace. This July, the JRS Pharma Cedar Rapids team packed hundreds of Cheeriodical care packages before and after their shifts — donations that went directly to hospitalized children at Mercy Medical Center and The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

Dedication Beyond the Clock

Our third event with JRS Pharma took place this past July at their Cedar Rapids Manufacturing Plant, led by Cheeriodicals CEO, Gary Parisher. As soon as Gary arrived, the energy was unmistakable — a fast-paced facility filled with dedicated employees who were eager to make time for a greater purpose.

Despite production demands, over 75 JRS Pharma employees gathered to assemble 240 Cheeriodicals:

• 112 for infants

• 64 for young children

• 64 for teenagers

Each care package was filled with cheerful items, age-appropriate activities, and personal touches designed to brighten hospital stays.

Before the packing began, representatives Patti Kunz (Mercy Medical Center) and Dan Beitelspacher (University of Iowa Children’s Hospital) shared heartfelt remarks about how donations like these bring comfort to families facing difficult days. This firsthand connection left a lasting impression on the JRS team — transforming a simple act of giving into an experience of empathy and community impact.

Community Partnerships That Make a Difference

Our long-standing partnership with JRS Pharma continues to bring together meaningful team building and community service. Each event contributes not only to patient well-being but also to stronger internal culture and shared purpose among employees.

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital

JRS Pharma has partnered twice in four years with this iconic Iowa hospital overlooking Kinnick Stadium — a beacon of care for families across the state.

“We are incredibly grateful to JRS Pharma for their generous donation of Cheeriodical gift boxes to our patients at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. These cheerful packages bring comfort and joy to children and families during their hospital stay, and we deeply appreciate the thoughtful partnership and community spirit behind this meaningful gesture.”
— Dan Beitelspacher, Associate Director of Development, Corporate and Community Development

Mercy Medical Center

In Cedar Rapids, the partnership expanded to include Mercy Medical Center, extending the company’s local reach.

“Mercy is honored that JRS Pharma chose Mercy patients to receive the Cheeriodicals gift boxes. They will bring so much joy to those that receive them while in the hospital. We are so grateful for these special partnerships within our community.”
— Patti Kunz, Director of Philanthropy, Mercy Medical Center Foundation

These collaborations showcase how corporate social responsibility in healthcare manufacturing can go far beyond the production floor — transforming lives in meaningful ways.

Bringing Purpose to a Larger Stage

Since partnering with Cheeriodicals in 2021, JRS Pharma has successfully blended employee engagement with community outreach. These purpose-driven initiatives not only strengthen workplace morale but also create lasting memories for both employees and the families they support.

“Working with Cheeriodicals is one of the most inspiring and successful team building events we’ve ever conducted. The participation and enthusiasm generated by these events with our employees is tremendous. We have enjoyed them so much that we’ve incorporated this as a regular, ongoing team building event.”
— Ken Seufert, JRS Pharma CEO

Every JRS Pharma event reflects the company’s belief that teamwork and compassion are essential ingredients in corporate success. Their consistent participation reinforces how giving back fuels both community growth and company culture.

Conclusion

The 2025 JRS Pharma Cedar Rapids event was a shining example of purpose-driven corporate team building. The team’s dedication to assembling 240 Cheeriodicals brought comfort to children and families across Iowa — proving that when teams work together with compassion, they create ripples of positivity far beyond their workplace.

At Cheeriodicals, we’re proud to partner with organizations like JRS Pharma that lead with heart, purpose, and a genuine desire to uplift their communities. We look forward to seeing where our next collaboration will spread joy and hope next.