Since 2001, Prairie Meadows has awarded more than 800 central Iowa students a $2,500 scholarship to further educational opportunities of students in Polk County. Our scholarship program dedicates $100,000 each year to high school seniors who choose to further their education in Iowa. We are proud to invest in our youth and play a role in helping outstanding students continue to contribute their talents to our state. Tap here to learn more. 

The Workplace Mentoring Program matches middle school youth (Littles) with business professionals in the Des Moines metro (Bigs) at Principal, IMT Insurance, Corteva, Lessing Flynn, and NCMIC. Littles are transported from school, by bus, to their Big’s workplace twice each month.

During the program, Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Iowa staff facilitate the workplace curriculum to the Bigs and Littles and then match break out sessions for one on one discussions with their mentors. Some of the topics covered include: career planning, goal-setting, oral and written communication, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and college readiness. These skills and concepts assist middle school students in their academic endeavors and help them to dream bigger for their future. Prairie Meadows takes great pride in funding meaningful projects that strengthen and expand opportunities and services offered within our community.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Prairie Meadows was presented a Community Partner Award at this year’s Defenders of Potential Celebration event by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, held at Farm Bureau Financial Services. 

This event recognizes Big Brothers Big Sisters graduating Littles, community partners, outgoing board members, Big of the year, among other awards. Over the past 10 years, Prairie Meadows has been one of the top community partners supporting their operations and events, and is honored to be recognized and part of meaningful projects that improve the lives of Iowans.

On Sunday, July 21, Prairie Meadows proudly hosted the 35th Anniversary Gala. The event represented 35 years of making an impact in central Iowa. Those in attendance celebrated the history, success, people and community partners who made reaching the significant milestone possible. View the event photos here.

Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant provided funding for a new video for visitor tours at Terrace Hill. This grant made it possible to produce a more realistic, and accurate historical depiction of the beginnings and occupants of Terrace Hill. This re-designed film offers the importance, and improbability, of Terrace Hill's visionary construction, opulence and scale. Prairie Meadows remains dedicated to advancing meaningful community projects.

The Rock award recognizes and celebrates the generosity of Grand View Viking athletic donors, both individually and at the corporate giving level. The name, “Rock” was chosen in honor of the tradition of “The Rock” at Grand View University, located outside the Humphrey building, where it has stood since 1902 and also signifies the importance of philanthropy to Grand View Viking athletics and student-athletes.

The Rock – Corporate Vikings is presented to the organization that has supported Grand View Viking athletics at the highest level each academic year. Prairie Meadows is proud to have been named the 2024 award recipient, and also served as the presenting sponsor of The Viktor Awards in 2023 and 2024. The award was accepted by Grand View graduate and Board of Trustee member, Prairie Meadows President and CEO, Gary Palmer. 

Prairie Meadows was proud to support the Roosevelt Rider Softball Club with a Youth Sports and Recreational Grant. The funds enabled the Roosevelt Rider Softball Club to completely renovate the softball field at Roosevelt High School. This includes, new dugouts, bullpens and restoration of the bleacher area. Prairie Meadows is proud to help advance projects that make a difference in our schools and community.

This year, 16 school districts were awarded a total of $1.4 million from the partnership of Prairie Meadows and Polk County with 2023 gaming revenue. Over the past 16 years, this partnership has distributed nearly $19 million to Polk County Schools. Funds are used for vital needs such as staffing, facility and technology upgrades, and more. Prairie Meadows is proud to partner with Polk County to help advance education for youth in our community.

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

The Drake Relays are an outdoor track and field event held in Des Moines, Iowa, on the campus and in the stadium at Drake University. Billed as America's Athletic Classic, it is regarded as one of the top track and field events in the United States. Prairie Meadows is proud to support events that boost our economy and provide memorable experiences that enrich the lives of those who live in and visit central Iowa. To learn more click here.

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 the  Principal Charity Classic here.

Prairie Meadows was proud to send volunteers to Adventureland to help pack food for Meals Of The Heartland, and organization who packages meals for delivery to malnourished people in Iowa, across the United States and around the world. Prairie Meadows is proud to support efforts and initiatives that contribute to the betterment of our community and align with our core values of respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence. To learn more click here.

Every day, the American Red Cross assists people who face emergencies. Whether disaster services, securing food and lodging for a family struck by a home fire to helping a deployed soldier get home for the birth of his son, providing blood to a child battling cancer, or preparedness, to help save a life. Prairie Meadows is proud to support organizations that provide critical services to those in need to build stronger communities. To learn more click here.

Prairie Meadows is a proud sponsor of The Des Moines Arts Festival, and joins their mission of preserving the landmark award-winning festival, and supporting the creative economy. Des Moines Arts Festival is a non-profit organization whose mission is to impact lives through the arts.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is one of the world's most respected festivals, hosting 190 of the nation's top artists in a beautiful urban street setting, surrounding the 4.4 acres John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Krause Gateway Center designed by Renzo Piano Workshop. The outdoor festival celebrating arts and culture attracts more than 200,000 people each year. Prairie Meadows proudly supports events aimed at fostering economic development and tourism for central Iowa. To learn more click here.

The Farmers Market connects urban and local communities together in a unique way, resulting in an estimated 30,000 people coming together in Downtown Des Moines every Saturday morning from May through October. The market serves people of all ages, of all economic and social backgrounds, and it a place to discover cultural and ethnic diversity while providing access to art, entertainment, educational opportunities and locally produced products. It supports more than 300 family farms, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state of Iowa and serves as an incubator startup opportunity for businesses. Additionally, nourishes the Greater Des Moines community and enhances the quality of life. Prairie Meadows is proud to support events that make our community stronger and vibrant. To learn more click here.

Prairie Meadows is proud to partner with the Iowa Speedway to create events for our community that boost tourism and economic development. NASCAR at the Iowa Speedway not only brought visitors to our area helping to stimulate our local economy, but also, provided family-friendly entertainment to those living in and visiting central Iowa. Prairie Meadows is a proud supporter of the Iowa Speedway and NASCAR Racing events. To learn more click here.

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 provides a variety of entertainment and makes 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. To learn more click here.

Prairie Meadows contribution to the Heroes of the Heartland helped in raising over $161,000 for the Heroes of the Heartland Home Fire Campaign. This campaign plays a crucial role in preventing home fire-related deaths and injuries, as well as providing essential relief to families affected by both small and large-scale home fires. With this support, Heroes of the Heartland will be able to extend financial assistance to 236 families throughout Iowa. Prairie Meadows is proud to provide funding that make services available to those in our community, improving the lives of Iowans. To learn more click here.

Since 1917, United Way of Central Iowa has united individuals, businesses, nonprofits, elected officials, and more to foster a thriving community through strategic focus on the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community: essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity and health and well-being. Prairie Meadows is a proud United Way partner. The Live United Luncheon was a celebration of the impact people and organizations in our community have made through United Way and we are proud to partner in the luncheon event that highlights the progress and initiatives for building a stronger community. To learn more click here.

The Helping Heroes Foundation was established to support the wellness of Veterans and first responders who have sacrificed greatly for the safety and freedom of others. The Helping Heroes Foundation, comprised of military Veterans, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, is dedicated to fulfilling an oath to assist these heroes. Prairie Meadows salutes those who have served and are serving, and proud to partner with organizations making an impact to help Veterans and first responders. To learn more click here.

Prairie Meadows is proud to partner with Orchard Place and join in their mission to develop strong futures for youth with mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges. The Moonlight Classic is a signature fundraiser for Orchard Place and Prairie Meadows sponsorship helps to make this one-of-a-kind nighttime bike ride through the streets of Des Moines possible. Prairie Meadows recognizes the importance in providing support and resources for our youth. To learn more click here.

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