Prairie Meadows is proud to have awarded a $350,000 Legacy Grant in 2022 to support Anawim Housing’s transformative project, The Monarch Apartments, a new supportive housing development for Iowans in need. Located at the former Days Inn on Merle Hay Road, The Monarch Apartments broke ground in 2023 and welcomed its first residents in spring 2025. The fully furnished one and two bedroom units offer stable housing for individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness and are living with a disability. This project goes beyond shelter with the Legacy Grant funding from Prairie Meadows. Residents follow standard leases and receive ongoing support, helping them build trust, structure, and independence on their path to long-term stability.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Prairie Meadows hosted a screening of Brucemore Artisan Studio’s groundbreaking collaboration with filmmaker and photographer Jeremy Glazier on the powerful and evocative project, From Iowa and Back: The Vietnam Era. The feature-length documentary shares untold stories of Iowans who served their country during the Vietnam era.

Through Glazier’s lens, From Iowa and Back captures the powerful journeys of veterans. Their experiences from the turbulence of war to the challenges of reintegration at home are told, while honoring the history and sacrifices of an entire generation.

The film features Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows. We offer our deepest thanks to Gary and to all veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to defending our freedoms and sharing their stories. Prairie Meadows is proud to support veterans and the important programs that bring awareness to those who have served.

Prairie Meadows was featured in the Iowa Realty Home Show segment, A Closer Look, which aired on TV and premiered on YouTube on July 20, 2025. While many associate Prairie Meadows with the excitement of horse racing, entertainment, and the energy of the casino, this segment offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, highlighting our longstanding commitment to purpose, partnership, giving back, and efforts that have helped transform communities in Iowa for decades. President and CEO Gary Palmer, along with General Manager Brian Ohorilko, shared how our unique nonprofit is investing not just in entertainment, but in Iowa’s future.

Prairie Meadows proudly hosted the 2025 All American Extravaganza on July 3, delivering a festive and memorable celebration for all ages. Guests enjoyed a thrilling day of horse racing, live entertainment by The Punching Pandas, exciting promotions, and central Iowa’s largest fireworks display at dusk. We were honored to bring this special event to our players, guests, and community.

Through a long-standing commitment to our community, Prairie Meadows has provided over $2.3 billion in charitable giving and taxes that directly support Iowans. On Monday, August 25, Prairie Meadows General Manager, Brian Ohorilko, was featured on the Iowa Live show on We Are Iowa sharing impact highlights. Watch the segment here to see how Prairie Meadows is helping Iowa communities prosper.

Prairie Meadows provides ongoing support to nonprofit organizations. We are proud to be a part of the efforts and mission of these local organizations.

Prairie Meadows was a proud sponsor and host of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s 33rd Annual Raise Your Paw Auction, held on April 26, 2025, at The Meadows Events Center. This signature event brought together animal lovers from across the community for a lively evening that included silent and live auctions, music, appetizers, an Elvis impersonator, and the popular Kitten Cuddle Lounge. Proceeds from the night support the Animal Rescue League’s mission to care for thousands of animals throughout the year. Prairie Meadows is honored to support the Raise Your Paw Auction and other events that make a lasting difference in the lives of both people and pets across Iowa.

The Skywalks Reimagined initiative is continuing its mission to transform the Downtown Des Moines Skywalk into a more vibrant and welcoming pedestrian corridor with the addition of three new art installations in Phase 2.

At the 701 Grand Parking Garage at 8th Street and Grand Avenue, bright, bold colors emphasize the corridor’s architectural features, complemented by patterned window vinyl that echoes existing shapes and interacts with natural light. The ARAG Building at 5th Avenue and Grand Avenue showcases a rhythmic, color-driven installation made up of vibrant three-dimensional wall hangings. At EMC Downtown Park, located at 7th Street and Walnut Street, a kinetic sculpture is suspended from the ceiling, accompanied by a mural and detailed stair elements that extend across the ground floor and skywalk entrance. Prairie Meadows is proud to invest in projects that strengthen and beautify our communities.

On August 1, Prairie Meadows served as a proud sponsor and host of the 2025 Iowa Character Awards. The Iowa Character Awards highlight Iowa’s role models, and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the deserving individuals and organizations who were recognized. Our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence are at the forefront each day, and we are proud to support initiatives that uplift Iowans, and celebrate good character.

Like any great company, we're always looking for new employees with fresh ideas. Find your future - apply today. 

Julie Stewart 
Chief Operating Officer
515.967.1241

Call 515.967.8550 or email pmsales@prairiemeadows.com

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