Thank you to everyone that donated, supported, and participated in our first ever Locker Wars where we combined the excitement of storage unit auctions to live, combining fun and philanthropy in one unforgettable evening.

Locker Wars is an opportunity to support Project IOWA's mission to facilitate individual transformation that connects people to their purpose and provides career guidance to obtain meaningful and stable employment. All proceeds from the event go directly to funding programs, helping individuals achieve career success and stability.

  • Introducing Locker Wars, a new and exciting event dreamed up by our very own building supervisor, Tim Rowley, and brought to life by Project IOWA! Inspired by A+E Networks’ hit show Storage Wars, where bidders compete for repossessed storage units in the hopes of striking it rich. 

    While the original show is all about high-stakes bidding, Locker Wars is taking a more relaxed and fun approach and will keep things light hearted with a focus on community, fun, and raising funds for our programming and services. We’ll have a number of lockers filled with exciting items like gift certificates, tickets, glassware, clothing, outdoor gear, sports memorabilia, and much more. Unlike Storage Wars, you won’t be left completely guessing—we’re giving every attendee a list of all the items inside the lockers. It’s up to you to decide which ones you want to take a chance on!

    Project IOWA’s Locker Wars won’t be as high-stakes as the show and we are taking a bit of a different approach. While the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures remains, we’re focused on creating a more community-driven and accessible experience for everyone. No outrageous bids or cutthroat competition - just good-natured fun, fair opportunities, and a chance to score unique finds.  

  • Lockers: Take a chance on mystery lockers filled with amazing surprises. Each locker contains a unique assortment of items, from gift certificates, valuable items, sports memorabilia, to fun novelties. You never know what treasure you might uncover! 
    The lockers will feature an array of fun items and experiences generously donated by local businesses and community members.
    Entertainment: Enjoy Music Bingo brought to us by The Rook Room, music, and other interactive activities.

    Food and Drinks: Savor delicious appetizers and beverages. A variety of options will be available to cater to all tastes and dietary needs.

    Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, including program graduates and participants, Project IOWA supporters, and community leaders and members. 

  • A special thank you to the following individuals and businesses for making this event possible.

    Board of Directors
    Great Cater of Iowa
    John Beh
    Judy Green
    Tim Rowley
    Sahara Lynn Artistry
    Kenji Nakata/DJ Xan
    Project IOWA Staff

  • We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the generous local and national businesses and community members who donated items, making this event possible. Your contributions not only brought joy but helped support Project IOWA’s mission.
    American Eagle Outfitters
    Anytime Fitness - Downtown Des Moines
    Arby’s
    Bark Box
    Barn Town Brewing
    Ben
    Big Grove Brewery
    Bike World
    Blissful Crafts
    The Burger Shed
    Cindy’s Boutique in Valley Junction 
    Climb Iowa
    Chocolate Storybook
    Christopher Wahl
    Club Car Wash
    Cody Crawford
    Des Moines Buccaneers
    Des Moines Menace
    Dinner Delights
    Doll Distributing Beverage Company
    Dough Co. Pizza 
    East Village Spa
    Caryn and Bill Evans
    Fleet Feet
    Fox River Mills 
    Fridley Theaters
    Julie and Bill Fugenschuh
    Giordano’s
    Gourmet Gift Baskets
    Heart of America 
    Hy-Vee
    Infinite Resources 
    Iowa Cubs
    Iowa State Athletics
    Iowa State Fair
    Iowa Wild
    Jason’s Deli
    JCPenny Optical
    Jethro’s BBQ
    Kendra Scott
    Elizabeth Klosterman
    Alicia Leach
    Lucy’s Crochet
    Brett Middendorf
    Minnesota Vikings
    Mister Car Wash 
    Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
    Power Life Yoga
    RAGBRAI
    Raygun
    Reiman Gardens
    St. Louis Cardinals
    Scheels
    Rod Schlader and Susan Rebedeau 
    Science Center
    Sean Secora
    Shilpi and Maneesh Singhal
    Jeff Smith
    Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
    Sports Clips - Ankeny 
    LaRae and Kyle Stinson
    University of Northern Iowa
    University of Iowa 
    Vogue Vision, Rachel Sivi
    Edward W.
    Eliza Waage
    Christopher Wahl
    Kara Wilson

Adding even more excitement to Locker Wars are our Locker Captains. Each captain was assigned a locker and their job was to obtain the most tickets by the end of the night! We are so thankful for the energy and fun they brought to the event. Thank you to each and everyone of our Locker Wars captains!



We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the generous local and national businesses and community members who donated items, making this event possible. Your contributions not only brought joy but helped support Project IOWA’s mission. Please see full list of donors above.