Des Moines Legacy Foundation’s Bayside Ball nets over $30,000 at swingin’ fundraiser

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary with its annual Bayside Ball on Saturday night, June 8, 2024.

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.

Highlights of the swingin’ event included honoring the original Board of Directors present:

• President Keith Noess
• Board Members
• Susan Goegebuer
• Susan White
• Tracy Tomas Gallaway
• Don Clayton
• Cliff Hanna
• Brian Snure
• Patrice Thorell

• And alumni members:

• Michelle Fawcett Ray
• Alena Rogers
• Leslie Perry

Also featured was original Sculpture Art by internationally recognized local 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 Swinging 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, along with funding free swimming lessons for youth at Mount Rainier Pool. and free access for all youth to the Waterland Children’s Festival.

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.

Our community partners are integral to the work of the Foundation:

• Rotary Club of Des Moines Normandy Park
• Destination Des Moines
• Snure Law Office, PS
• Thorellco LLC
• Highline College Hospitality Program
• The Waterland Blog/South King Media
• Des Moines Yacht Club
• Wesley Des Moines Woodshop
• Noble Protection Group
• Salon Michelle
• George C. Scott Studios
• Marina Mercantile
• Kiahana Sushi
• Creole Soul Authentic
• Just Poke
• Fleur Fresca
• Aloha Spa
• 4Culture
• Red Robin

How YOU Can Help

Are you looking for a way to contribute to the vitality and health of Des Moines?

Please consider joining the Des Moines Legacy Foundation as a board member or volunteer team member.

For more info, please send an email to desmoineslegacyfoundation@gmail.com.

Photos

Below are photos from the event, courtesy the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Scott Schaefer and other guests (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):