Prairie Meadows was a proud host of the ninth annual GIVE Golf Classic at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona on Friday, September 5. All proceeds from the tournament were donated to the not-for-profit organization, Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere, a supportive community that provides golf training for Iowa’s injured and disabled Veterans. Since 2013, Prairie Meadows has proudly donated a total of $917,950.50 to the GIVE Foundation.

On Friday, September 12, we hosted our 2025 Community Impact Luncheon celebrating our 2025 grant recipients and the impact they will make through our grants program. Polk County and Prairie Meadows partner to promote agriculture, economic development, jobs, and tourism. This partnership has resulted in over $2.3 billion dollars in charitable contributions and taxes to lessen the burden of government, and improving the quality of life for all.

Together in 2025, Prairie Meadows and Polk County awarded 579 grants totaling $16.3 million. This impactful investment will enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a brighter future for Iowans. We are proud to partner with our grant recipients and though each non-profit's contribution is unique, we share a common goal of making a difference.

Prairie Meadows hosted a Veterans Day celebration in the Finish Line Show Lounge on Monday, November 11. Veterans and the public gathered to enjoy a special “Saluting Our Veterans” ceremony honoring our nation’s heroes. Attendees enjoyed free lunch, live music, military displays, and remarks from local and national leaders. We extend a special thanks to our employees who have served, and to those currently serving our country.

Prairie Meadows is proud to support Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children newborn to 14. Donations will be accepted through Tuesday, December 16, with collection boxes located throughout Prairie Meadows, including the Main Casino Entrance, The Meadows Events Center Entrance, and the Hotel Entrance. Please note that stuffed animals and blankets cannot be accepted. Join Prairie Meadows in helping make the holiday season brighter for children in the community through Toys for Tots.

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Lincoln High School to celebrate the opening of its new turf field. Prairie Meadows is proud to have supported this project through a 2024 Legacy Grant of $900,000 awarded to Des Moines Public Schools for the Track and Field Practice Field Improvement Project. This initiative marks a major investment in creating equitable, high-quality facilities at Hoover, North, and Lincoln High Schools. This project benefits more than 4,870 students and over 20 athletic programs, including football, soccer, track and field, marching band, and cheerleading.

Built in 1907, with expansions through 1929, the two-acre Horse Barn at the Iowa State Fair is undergoing a two-year renovation to preserve its historic character while enhancing safety, accessibility, and functionality. A $450,000 Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows will support Phase Two of the project, which is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 Fair. Major interior upgrades include the installation of a new concrete floor with radiant heat, relocation of offices, construction of a new interior wash rack, and relocation of the exterior wash area. Additional improvements involve adding new portable stalls, enhanced ventilation, new electrical systems, lighting, and a new fire suppression system. Prairie Meadows is proud to support this vital project that honors Iowa’s agricultural legacy and ensures the Horse Barn remains a safe, modern, and welcoming space for generations to come.

Prairie Meadows proudly supports the Variety Star Playground at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with a 2025 $100,000 Legacy Grant. In partnership with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is transforming the existing Fun Forest play area into an all-inclusive playground designed for children and adults of all abilities. This thoughtfully updated space will foster connection, inclusion, and joy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play together at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Drake University has launched a multi-phase plan to renovate Drake Stadium, home of the iconic Blue Oval, into one of the nation’s finest track and field venues. The stadium has hosted world-renowned athletes and premier national track and field meets, including the Drake Relays, championships for USA Track and Field, the NCAA and AAU Junior Olympics, and the Iowa High School Track and Field Championships, generating millions of dollars in economic impact. The first phase is the demolition of the existing track footprint and adding new field turf, track surface updates, enhanced areas for steeplechase and shot put, and two reversible long jump/triple jump and pole vault runaways which are requirements to host NCAA championship meets.

The improvements will keep Drake University a top destination for major track and field events. Prairie Meadows is proud to support projects that create opportunities for students, enhance experiences for the community, and drive tourism for Iowa.

On September 7, 2025, a street party was held to celebrate the completion of the Fremont Street Sidewalk project. Prairie Meadows was proud to award the Capital Park Neighborhood Association a 2024 Community Betterment Grant of $15,000 to support the Fremont Street Sidewalk Project. This important initiative will improve safety and accessibility in the neighborhood by restoring sidewalks, helping to create a more walkable and connected community for residents of all ages.

A 2025 $15,000 Community Betterment Grant is helping Mainframe Studios continue its monthly First Friday events. The free, community-centered evenings celebrate art, culture, and creativity in downtown Des Moines. Taking place on the first Friday of each month from 5pm to 8pm, these events attract over 2,400 visitors who explore 181 artist studios, enjoy live music and food, and engage with rotating exhibitions and hands-on art activities. Prairie Medows is honored to provide funding to ensure First Fridays remain accessible to everyone, advancing Mainframe Studios’ mission to foster creative communities, and enrich the cultural fabric of central Iowa.

Through the Chris Norton Foundation, rehab grants are provided and a free wheelchair camp is hosted, serving thousands of families with hope and connection. The foundation also inspires audiences worldwide through the Stronger Through Change keynote, teaching resilience, leadership, and the power of turning setbacks into growth. Additionally, it offers coaching to a select number of athletes, executives, and leaders, helping high performers align achievement with purpose and unlock their full potential. Prairie Meadows is proud to support initiatives and organizations like the Chris Norton Foundation that uplift Iowans. Click here to learn more.

Prairie Meadows was featured on the Hello Iowa Show on WHO 13, which aired on television September, 2025. General Manager, Brian Ohorilko and Chief Operating Officer, Julie Stewart highlighted all the exciting events and entertainment happening at Prairie Meadows. From live racing and casino action to upcoming entertainment and dining experiences, the segment showcased why Prairie Meadows is a top destination in Iowa.

The Roosevelt Band Boosters were awarded a 2025 Community Betterment Grant to help purchase new uniforms for student musicians. Through grants like this, Prairie Meadows continues its commitment to supporting youth programs and the arts, enhancing experiences, and creating opportunities for students to succeed.

WesleyLife Meals on Wheels has been awarded a 2025 $35,000 Community Betterment Grant to support direct meal delivery for older adults and veterans in Polk and Dallas counties. As Iowa’s largest nonprofit home-delivered meal provider, the program aims to serve over 471,000 meals to more than 5,000 clients in the coming year. In addition to improving nutrition, the program helps reduce social isolation and supports overall well-being. With fresh produce from the on-site Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, WesleyLife continues to remove barriers to healthy food access for those who need it most.

WesleyLife received a 2025 Community Betterment Grant of $15,000 to support the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, an on-site resource that supplies fresh greens for the Meals on Wheels program. Serving more than 5,000 older adults and veterans in Polk and Dallas counties, the program focuses on improving nutrition and well-being. In 2025, the farm is expected to enhance the quality of 60,000 meals and expand its impact through partnerships with local food pantries and retail distribution helping to further address food insecurity in the community.

Prairie Meadows supports Iowa nonprofit organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services. Through our grant programs, we continually work to strengthen and expand opportunities, infrastructure, and services offered within the community. Prairie Meadows will accept grant applications from January 2, 2026 to February 27, 2026. To learn more, please visit our website.

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 of a special experience for Hiatt Middle School students and Des Moines Public Schools, donating an Iowa Cubs suite on September 17, 2025 for a fun and memorable day at the ballpark. This provided students with an exciting opportunity to enjoy a game in a VIP setting, reinforcing Prairie Meadows’ commitment to supporting local youth and education in the community.

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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