RELEASE: Local Competitors Achieve Record Fundraising at Wild Prairie Showdown
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by United Contractors & Reilly Construction — has raised nearly $190,000 for conservation and recreation. The event was held on Oct. 16 at the Val Air Ballroom and had more than 400 in attendance.
At this year’s event Team GOF and Team ICON were led by one individual competitor, with three alumni competitors offering each team support and expertise. Molly Hanson, RDG Design, served as the lead competitor for Team ICON, with support from Annie Brandt, Bank of America, Rene Martinez, Hubbell Realty Company, and Emily Naylor, Bolten & Menk. Team GOF was led by Jon Kallen, Jennings Kallen Advisors, and received support from Katherine Harrington, West Des Moines Chamber, Emily Kessinger, Flag of Des Moines, and Cory Sharp, FEH Design. After competing in fundraising, fashion show, and interview categories, Team GOF came out on top. In addition to their peer-to-peer fundraising, the competitors collected more than 700 votes from supporters at home and event attendees.
“The Wild Prairie Showdown is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate both conservation and recreation — and to show what’s possible when we come together around these shared values,” Hannah Inman, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Outdoors Foundation, said. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, competitors, partners, and all those who help bring this event to life.”
“It is incredible to see so many people who support our organizations’ missions in the same room,” Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails, said. “Being surrounded by such passionate supporters reinforces the impact and energy our community brings to this collective vision.”
The Wild Prairie Showdown also included the presentation of the Creative Conservationist and Waveshaper awards, designated to John Swanson, Polk County Water Resources Supervisor and the ICON Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, Steve Chapman, Allison Fleming, and Suka Radia; and Honorary Co-Chairs, Jim Cownie, Bill Knapp, Connie Wimer, and Steve Zumbach, respectively. These honors celebrate exceptional contributions to conservation and recreation from community members involved with the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails, aligning with the organizations’ values and priorities. This is the fifth Wild Prairie Showdown and the third time the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails have partnered together on the event.
