Prairie Meadows Gives Back with $2,000,000 in Community Support Contributions in 2020
One of the primary efforts of Prairie Meadows is giving back. We take great pleasure in working towards ensuring that the most basic needs are met for the people of Greater Des Moines (DSM). By partnering with local organizations — from arts and culture to education to economic development to human services — Prairie Meadows can help address the immediacy of issues facing those organizations and serve as a catalyst for recovery and growth in the future.
2020 Recipients
In 2020, we are thrilled to announce $2,000,000 in community support contributions despite being closed for three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recipients and contributions include:
The contributions listed above are in lieu of the traditional Prairie Meadows grant program, halted due to the pandemic, which is set to resume accepting applications in early 2021. You can find out about our Legacy and Betterment Grant programs here.
If you interested in learning more about Prairie Meadows, tune into the Leading in Times of Challenge podcast featuring our President and CEO, Gary Palmer. Gary speaks to how our organization has dealt with COVID-19 pandemic challenges, while continuing our mission of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture and tourism in the state of Iowa. By focusing on strong partnerships, we can continue to help improve the region and the lives of those that call DSM home.
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa, Polk County, City of Altoona, City of Des Moines, and Polk County Schools, and numerous other local and state charities. Prairie Meadows offers nearly 1,100 slot machines, table games, sports wagering, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment and more.
Named the #5 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and a Top 10 Best Place for Business and Careers, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a city where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.
Julie Stewart
Julie Stewart is director of community relations for Prairie Meadows. She has been with the company in various roles since 1989. Stewart has served as a volunteer and board member for many regional organizations, was honored as one of Business Record's Forty Under 40 and is a Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Transformational Leadership Program and Community Leadership Program graduate.