Thank You for Making the
Growth Gala Bloom!

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Growth Gala! Your presence, energy, and generosity made it a night to remember. From inspiring stories of resilience and success to shared moments of laughter, reflection, and connection — you helped bring our mission to life.

Because of your support, Project IOWA can continue planting seeds of opportunity, cultivating careers, and helping individuals and families across Iowa thrive.

A special thank you to our participants, partners, volunteers, and sponsors who made the evening possible. Your commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive workforce is what helps our community grow.

We look forward to seeing how we continue to grow — together.

2025 Growth Gala Photo Gallery

2025 Growth Gala Photo Booth


Thank you to our 2025 Growth Gala Sponsors!


To our incredible supporters—the Growth Gala wouldn’t be possible without you! Your generosity is changing lives, creating opportunities, and helping our community thrive. Because of you, careers are launched, barriers are broken, and futures are brighter.

Thank you for believing in this work and growing alongside us!

Friends

Dan Jaquez, ArtForce, Kathy Brannan, Board of Directors, Courtney Dufford, Great Cater of Iowa, Judy Green, Kenji Nakata/DJ Xan, Rick and Jeri Levi, The Loft - DSM, Stuart Alexander, and Top It off Liquid Catering.

Planning Committee

Carolyn Jenison, Co-Chair, Brett Middendorf, Co-Chair, Heather Bradford, Julie Brandt, Gaby Cox, Eric Emley, Lisa Juckette, Chris Noth, LaRae Stinson, Crissy Seaholm, Torrie Townsell, Taylor Tuthill, and Lance Webber.

Wine & Bourbon Donations

Julie and Greg Brandt, Eric Emley, Caryn and Bill Evans, Jamie and Charlie Evans, Joe and Cindy Farnsworth, Foundry in Valley Junction, Ana Luong, Brett Middendorf, and Javier Tuel

Silent Auction Donations

Arbor Monkees, LLC, Beaverdale Confections, Kathy Brannan, Bone-A-Patreat, DSM Pasta Co., Courtney Dufford, Caryn and Bill Evans, Iowa Demon Hawks, Niki Hinton, Iowa State University, Joe and Cindy Farnsworth, My Gnarly Tree, Jody Tramontina Art, Kendra Scott, Latin King, Luxury Escapes, Brett Middendorf, Moxie Kitchen and Events, Paws and Prints, University of Iowa, and WineStyles


Interested in Being a Sponsor?

Project Iowa’s programs and services are offered at either no cost, or at the lowest cost possible. In order to continue our work and serve our diverse audience and mixed-income participants, we need your help.

Project Iowa offers a wide range of sponsorship packages to address the goals and budgets of sponsoring organizations, businesses, and individuals. Sponsors will have exposure to more than 250 individuals that live and support our community.   

Your investment in Project Iowa is not only an investment in people but our community. We know that when individuals prosper we all succeed. 

  • As the exclusive Growth Gala Presenting Sponsor, you will receive the following:

    • Three complimentary tables of ten 

    • Three complimentary bottles of champagne 

    • Personal server for your tables

    • Opportunity to serve as an Honorary Chair for the 2026 Growth Gala

    • Listed as Presenting Sponsor (including logo) on event signage, digital presentations, program, and on-stage mention of sponsorship.

    • Name and logo on digital media, social media (approximately 2.1K followers), marketing materials, paid advertising, event emails (3,243 subscribers).

    • Opportunity to speak at the Growth Gala or provide a pre-recorded video

  • As the exclusive Growth Gala Platinum Sponsor, you will receive the following:

    • Two complimentary tables of ten

    • Two bottles of complimentary champagne 

    • Personal server for your table

    • Listed as Platinum Sponsor (including logo) on event signage, program, and on-stage mention of sponsorship

    • Name and logo on digital media, social media (approximately 2.1K followers), marketing materials, paid advertising, event emails (3,243 subscribers)

  • At the Gold Sponsorship you will receive the following:

    • One complimentary table of ten

    • Listed on event signage, program, and on-stage mention

    • Name and logo on digital media, social media (approximately 2.1K followers), marketing materials, event emails (3,243 subscribers)

  • At the Silver Sponsorship you will receive the following:

    • Four complimentary tickets to the event

    • Listed on event signage, program, and on-stage mention

    • Name on digital media, social media (approximately 2.1K followers), marketing materials, paid advertising, event emails (3,243 subscribers)

  • As a Growth Gala Table Sponsor, you will receive the following:

    • Two complimentary tickets to the event

    • Listed on event signage and program

    • Name on digital media, social media (approximately 2.1K followers), marketing materials, paid advertising, event emails (3,243 subscribers)

  • Please contact us to build a unique sponsorship package that meets your business’ priorities. 

    Other Options:

    • Food Sponsorship

    • Media Event Sponsorship

    • Promotional Partner

    • Participant Sponsorship

  • Support Project IOWA’s Growth Gala and showcase your business or organization in our event program! This is a unique opportunity to gain visibility among community leaders, workforce advocates, and changemakers—all while supporting meaningful employment initiatives in Iowa.

    All ad purchases include placement in the event program and recognition on our website’s event page.

    Learn More