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Legacy GrantsNumber of Grants Awarded 19
Total Amount Funded $4,000,000.00
Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant program provides funding in the range of $100,000 to $1 million for large-scale, signature projects in central Iowa. This program is a significant resource for enhancing the community. From the iconic Principal Riverwalk and world-class Pappajohn Sculpture Garden to the Des Moines Public Library, funding from this program has played a major role in revitalizing the Greater Des Moines area.
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Community Betterment GrantsNumber of Grants Awarded 234 Total Amount Funded $3,697,000.00
Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants fund small-to-medium sized projects with grants ranging from $100 to $99,999. These grants support qualified organizations seeking to improve the lives of those in their communities. From funding meals for hungry children to building an essential free medical clinic, we are proud to help improve the lives of many Iowans.
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Youth Sports & Recreational GrantsNumber of Grants Awarded 23 Total Amount Funded $303,000.00
Through the Prairie Meadows Youth Sports and Recreational Grant Program, Prairie Meadows seeks to benefit as many qualified youth sports organizations as possible with the funds available. Youth Sports and Recreational Grant requests can be in the range of $1,000 – $50,000.
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Des Moines International Airport Prairie Meadows- Dedicated to Expanding Economic Development and Tourism Total Amount Funded $5,000,000.00
With a focus on the needs of the future, the Des Moines Airport Authority Board voted to move forward with planning and development of a new terminal. The project aims to lift the passenger experience by modernizing and streamlining the travel journey while supporting the local economy by elevating the region through air service connectivity. As the Central Iowa region has grown, so has the number of residents opting to fly for business and pleasure. This project aids in the community's ability to attract businesses and talent to Central Iowa. Connectivity is a vital piece of the economic development engine.
As the Des Moines Airport Authority moves forward in modernizing and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors traversing the airport campus, Project Lift DSM will culminate with a new terminal building, which is one of the largest capital expansion projects in the United States for small hub airports like Des Moines. Prairie Meadows is proud to be a part of this project as a core part of our mission is focused on expanding economic development and tourism.
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2023 All-American Extravaganza On July 3, Central Iowans gathered at Your Favorite Place To Play, nearby, and throughout our community to celebrate America with the 2023 All-American Extravaganza. It was a spectacular day filled with festivities and excitement for all ages to enjoy. Prairie Meadows provided a safe and memorable 4th of July celebration including horse racing, free entertainment by Gimmick, food trucks and fun followed by a breathtaking firework show at dusk, the biggest display in Central Iowa! We are proud to have the opportunity to bring special events to our players, guests and to those who visit our community.
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Prairie Meadows 2023 Racing Hall of Fame Dennis Albaugh Inducted into Prairie Meadows’ 2023 Racing Hall of Fame On Friday, July 7, 2023, in The Meadows Event Center, Dennis Albaugh, businessman and chairman of Albaugh LLC and owner of Albaugh Family Stables, was inducted to the 2023 Racing Hall of Fame.
Albaugh, owner and breeder of Albaugh Family Stables, is a highly accomplished horseman with multiple stakes-winning horses at Prairie Meadows and other tracks across America. The Prairie Meadows’ Hall of Fame was started in 1998 to honor the human and equine contributors that have helped establish the success of Prairie Meadows racing program.
“We are honored to recognize into the Prairie Meadows Hall of Fame, Dennis Albaugh. Since jumping into the sport six years ago with Miss Macy Sue, he has brought the racing spotlight to Iowa and Prairie Meadows,” said Gary Palmer, CEO and President of Prairie Meadows. “Albaugh Family Stables has savored the thrill of a Breeders’ Cup winner to three horses at the Kentucky Derby. In addition to the attention Dennis has brought to the Iowa racing program, we are privileged to have his leadership as the chairman of the board for Prairie Meadows.”
Albaugh’s journey into racing began in 2005 when he and his partners bought Miss Macy Sue and began racing at Prairie Meadows. She became a multiple stakes winner, with her best win coming in the 2007 Winning Colors Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. In 2015, Albaugh Family Stables got their first Grade 1 win when Brody’s Cause won the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. The colt then finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. As a 3-year-old, Brody’s Cause won the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and ran in the Kentucky Derby. Albaugh Family Stables also won the 2012 American Derby (Grade 3) with Cozzetti.
With much passion and dedication, 2023 brought the fourth year in the race as an independent stable, and proved to be the best year in the journey for Albaugh Family Stables since 2004.
Unprecedented in Kentucky Derby history, Albaugh Family Stables qualified three chances to win the 149th running of the Derby. Hometown favorites Angel of Empire, out of the 14th gate, finished 3rd, Jace’s Road, from the 11th position, finished 17th, and Cyclone Mischief, out of the 19th gate, finished 18th.
Palmer noted, “We are honored to pay tribute to a wonderful Iowan, a passionate philanthropist and horse owner and breeder. His commitment and passion has been and will continue to be instrumental to the success of the Iowa Racing industry.”
Congratulations, Dennis! It is an honor to include him in this prestigious group of remarkable individuals.
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Corvette & Mustang Car Shows- Full Throttle and Horsepower Weekends for Guests of Prairie Meadows
July was a month powered by the very best in free, family-friendly entertainment. Summer fun was had by all when the Corvette and Mustang car shows were here with spectacular classic and modern-day models on display for the community. Both days provided car enthusiasts and guests of Prairie Meadows of all ages, a fun way to experience horsepower in many forms. Top three fan favorite trophies were awarded at each show to car owners, voted on by spectators. Each day was complete with food trucks, the thrill of live horse racing, track apron entertainment and a perfect opportunity to soak up the beautiful central Iowa weather.
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2023 Prairie Meadows & Polk County Community Impact Luncheon
On Friday, September 1, our 2023 Grant recipients were recognized and celebrated for the impact they will make with the funding they received though our Grant Program. In central Iowa, a dynamic nonprofit partnership between Prairie Meadows and Polk County is improving lives and creating a lasting impact that resonates across communities and generations. Prairie Meadows has generated over $2.1 billion in funding and taxes over 30 years for projects that improve, strengthen and beautify our community while creating a stronger future for every Polk County resident.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended and those who implement these important projects, programs and initiatives.
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Local Sponsorships
Prairie Meadows provides ongoing support to nonprofit organizations. We are proud to be a part of the efforts and missions of these local organizations.
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Principal Charity Classic The mission of the Principal Charity Classic is to raise money for Iowa children through an exciting, family-friendly event that also contributes greatly to the economic vitality and quality of life in central Iowa. Prairie Meadows is a proud supporter of their annual event. Learn more about Principal Charity Classic, here.
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Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend Prairie Meadows takes great pride in partnering with meaningful events for our community that elevate tourism and boost economic development. The Hy-Vee INDYCAR race weekend provided family-friendly entertainment and met many initiatives that make a positive impact on those who live in and visit the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows is a proud supporter of the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend.
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Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity "Women Build 2023"The Woman Build is a hands-on opportunity for women to work together to create an affordable homeownership opportunity, helping to break the cycle of poverty for the next generation. It empowers women to take the lead in making affordable homeownership a reality for families in Polk County. On Saturday, July 29, ten women proudly represented Prairie Meadows as part of the Women Build Event.
Events like this make a difference in the everyday lives of those in our community. Tap here to learn more.
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WE’RE HIRING Like any great company, we’re always looking for new employees with fresh ideas. Find your future – apply today.
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