RELEASE: Great Outdoors Foundation Announces Wild Prairie Showdown Standings, Emcee
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 21, 2021) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce that Jodi Long, two-time Emmy-nominated and award-winning journalist and Today in Iowa Anchor, will be the host and emcee of its first-ever Wild Prairie Showdown. Four local champions are competing in this pseudo pageant — including a fundraising campaign, fashion show and interview — for the chance to be named the Great Outdoors Foundation MVP — Most Valuable Philanthropist.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the inaugural Wild Prairie Showdown,” Jodi Long, Anchor for WHO 13, said. “This concept is so much fun, and it really demonstrates how we can all be advocates for our community spaces, natural heritage and the great outdoors.”
Participants have one week left to leverage their outdoor prowess and campaigning skills to raise awareness, support and capital for the Great Outdoors Foundation and the initiatives it supports. As of today, the standings in the competition are as follows:
- Katherine Harrington
President & CEO, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Passion Project: Raccoon River Pedestrian Bridge
- Joey Taylor-Moon
Vice President of Marketing, Hubbell Realty Company
Passion Project: ICON Water Trails - Christopher Maharry
Owner, Maharry Photography
Passion Project: Polk County Conservation - Cory Sharp
Principal, FEH Design
Passion Project: Great Outdoors Foundation Conservation Credits
The 2021 Wild Prairie Showdown will conclude at the Great Outdoors Foundation Annual Dinner on Oct. 28. 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.
“Over the last 18 months, many of us have found connection, peace and restoration in the great outdoors,” Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, said. “Our goal with the Wild Prairie Showdown is to elevate stewardship and inspire the community as these individuals work to give back to the spaces we all enjoy.”
The Annual Dinner and Wild Prairie Showdown is presented by ISG and will take place at Blank Park Zoo’s Holmes Foster Event Center. To learn more, register for the event or donate to a participant’s campaign, go to the GOF events page.
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.