The Second Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game

The Second Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game, organized by the Greater Des Moines Partnership in collaboration with Fredrikson & Byron, took place on Sunday, June 4 following the Iowa Cubs game. In an effort to elevate bipartisanship and civility in the state, Iowa Republican and Democratic legislators came together for a game of slow-pitch softball that benefited two charitable organizations. Sponsorships and ticket proceeds supported the Puppy Jake Foundation and the Iowa Food Bank Association. Overall, the event sold more than 700 tickets and raised $50,000 for the chosen charities.

Puppy Jake Foundation is dedicated to helping military veterans through the assistance of well bred, socialized and professionally trained service dogs. The organization is proud to select, train and place only the best-performing dogs with these deserving men and women.

The Iowa Food Bank Association which supports Feeding America food banks and their affiliates serving Iowa in their work to ensure that sufficient food is accessible to all.

To start off the game, Governor Kim Reynolds threw the first pitch to Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg before legislators from both sides of the aisle set aside their political differences and came together to engage in a spirited game for a good cause. The event provided a platform for fostering relationships and a sense of unity among the legislators and the broader community.

Majority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D) and Representative Steven Holt (R) emceed the event, supported by traveling announcer Representative Hans Wilz (R), illustrating the relationship-building present during the event. These legislators promoted the spirit of bipartisanship while providing entertainment through fun and engaging commentary between players and attendees.

Efforts toward civility and bipartisanship extended to the planning and coordination of the game, led by legislators and lobbyists from across the aisle. I had the privilege of serving on the team along with Senator Carrie Koelker (R – Dyersville), Senator Nate Boulton (D – Des Moines), Representative Carter Nordman (R – Panora), Representative Sami Scheetz (D – Cedar Rapids) and the team from the Greater Des Moines Partnership, including Andrea Woodard, Courtney Shaw and Ryan Moon.

Alongside the planning team, the Second Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game and record-setting $50,000 donation would not have been possible without the generous support of the following sponsors.

Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game Sponsors

Presenting & Partnership Sponsors

• Greater Des Moines Partnership
• Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

Home Run Sponsor

• Beltrame Law Firm
• Cornerstone Government Affairs
• Iowa Bankers Association
• Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives
• Iowa Farm Bureau
• Iowa Hospital Association
• Iowa Manufacturing Housing Association
• Master Builders of Iowa
• MidAmerican Energy Company

Triple Sponsor

• Campbell/Patterson Consulting
• Cargill
• Delta Dental of Iowa
• Iowa Credit Union League
• PolicyWorks
• Windstream Communications

Double Sponsor

• Amerigroup
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Association of General Contractors
• AT&T
• BrownWinick Law Firm
• Iowa Association for Justice
• Iowa Beverage Association
• Iowa Insurance Institute
• Iowa State Education Association
• Landus
• Logan & Kathryn Murray
• Mark Joyce Consulting
• Paramount Strategies
• Wellmark Blue Cross & Shield

Single Sponsor

• Carney & Appleby Law Firm
• Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm
• Doll Distributing
• Fitzgerald, Smith & Associates
• Greater Iowa Apartment Association
• Independent Insurance Agents
• Iowa Gaming Association
• Iowa Optometric Association
• Iowa Pharmacy Association
• Iowa Renewable Fuel Association
• LS2group

Bunt Sponsor

• Dan and Mary Mosiman
• Emily Piper
• FIN Strategies
• Iowa Association of Business and Industry
• Lester Refrigeration
• Shine Strategies

The Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game series is now tied 1-1 after the Iowa Democrats defeated the Iowa Republicans 10-6 in 2023. We look forward to seeing you in 2024 for the Third Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.