RELEASE: Local Competitors Launch Annual Wild Prairie Showdown Campaign

DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 17, 2023) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the launch of the third annual Wild Prairie Showdown, presented by Bolton & Menk. This peer-to-peer fundraising campaign will conclude with a pseudo-pageant in which four local participants compete to be named MVP — Most Valuable Philanthropist.

Over the next eight weeks, these esteemed individuals will be using their outdoor prowess to raise awareness, support, and capital for the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails. Today, the following competitors are kicking off their Wild Prairie Showdown campaigns, all in support of their respective teams:

• Phoukham Baccam, Principal Financial Group
  Team ICON Water Trails
• Rona Berinobis, Athene USA
  Team Great Outdoors Foundation
• Afton Holt, Cornerpost Marketing
  Team Great Outdoors Foundation
• Emily Naylor, Bolton & Menk
  Team ICON Water Trails

The competitors’ fundraising efforts will conclude at the 2023 Wild Prairie Showdown on Thursday, October 12 at Toast in Ankeny. This one-of-a-kind event will feature the stars of the Wild Prairie Showdown and a program including a fashion show, participant interviews, and interactive voting.

“The Wild Prairie Showdown is a friendly competition, but it’s also the perfect stage to share how the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are working together to affect lasting change across our region,” Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation and Interim Director of ICON Water Trails, said. “Our goal with the Wild Prairie Showdown is to elevate conservation and recreation and inspire our community as these individuals work to give back to the spaces we all enjoy.”

To learn more, register for the event, or donate to a participant’s campaign, go to wps2023.givesmart.com.

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About Great Outdoors Foundation

The Great Outdoors Foundation is a non-profit that provides funding for outdoor recreation and conservation projects in Central Iowa. The Great Outdoors Foundation is Central Iowa’s pathway to sustainable, healthy environments.  We are a regional conservation leader and catalyst for high-impact, environmental projects. We convene partners with a shared vision, drive collaboration and raise awareness and funds. Driven by our clear purpose, we challenge ourselves to seek and take on partner projects offering exceptional and long-term impact requiring a regional approach and creative funding. Learn more at greatoutdoorsfoundation.org.

About ICON Water Trails

Iowa Confluence Water Trails — ICON, for short — will connect 80+ improvements across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa. Initiated by the Central Iowa Water Trails Consortium, including Capital Crossroads, Catch Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Area MPO, Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Great Outdoors Foundation, ICON represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction and workforce retention. Learn more at ICONwatertrails.com. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.