The Des Moines Legacy Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the Bayside Ball on Saturday, June 8th. Highlights of the event included honoring the original Board of Directors. Attending were President Keith Noess, Board Members Susan Goegebuer, Susan White, Tracy Tomas Gallaway, Don Clayton, Cliff Hanna, Brian Snure, and Patrice Thorell, and alumni members Michelle Fawcett Ray, Alena Rogers, and Leslie Perry. 

Featured was the Sculpture Art by internationally recognized artist George C. Scott. 

An amazing opening performance by the Mt Rainier High School Jazz Combo kicked off the event, followed by the incomparable Joey Jewell and friends Chris Anderson and Sue Nixon with Jim Kerl's Swing Sixties Orchestra.

An elegant array of appetizers and desserts was prepared by Des Moines Chefs Rebecca Shelton and Richard Waldron and their team, with food contributions by Kaihana Sushia, Creole Soul, Marina Mercantile, Red Robin, and Mini the Dough-Nut.    

One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation of $25,000 to City Of Des Moines Mayor Tracy Buxton from the Des Moines Legacy Foundation for the No Kids Left Inside initiative to build play areas in Des Moines. The funds are earmarked for the Des Moines Field House Park Play Area which is currently under construction.  This gift is in addition to a contribution of $50,000 made to the City for the construction of the Steven J Underwood Memorial Park Play area in 2020.

This year over $12,000 in funds were contributed by the community at the Paddle Raise for the Des Moines Area Food Bank, and free swimming lessons for youth at Mount Rainier Pool. and free access for all youth to the Waterland Children's Festival!

Total net proceeds for the event topped $30,000. These funds will be invested in Legacy's work to help build community. Current projects include Legacy@25 for mini-grants to be awarded through 2024. Grants have been awarded to Mt, Rainier High School Student Clubs for Asian and Pacific Islander Cultural Week Projects, and the Black Graduation Ceremony. Other mini-grants went to the Youth Experiential Training Institute (YETI) after-school programs at Pacific Middle School, the Des Moines Farmers Market Music Stage and Resting Tent for Seniors, and the Open Door Arts Program serving special needs adults. Grant information is available at www.dmlegacy.org

This year Legacy is presenting free Live and Local concerts at the Quarterdeck in May-August, International Sculpture Day on the last Saturday in April, and Waterland Children's Festival on July 20.