Foundation Fundraising Events

Festival of Trees and Lights | A Benefit For Blank Children's Hospital

In 1984 the Festival of Trees and Lights made its debut in Des Moines, and since that time families and friends of all ages have eagerly awaited this fun-filled event to kick-off the holiday season. With beautifully decorated trees, a fun-filled children's area, great shopping, food, entertainment and special events, "Festival" has become a central Iowa tradition.

Both the Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs are provided to everyone at no cost, and no one is ever turned away for any reason. That is why community support of Festival is so important. Festival revenue helps ensure these important services are available to all children, including the nearly 40 percent of young patients who are either uninsured or under-insured.

Through Fesitval, more than $4.6 million in financial aid for child care, special programs and projects to serve the unique needs of children as well as with important diagnostic tools and equipment especially for children and their families. Approximately 635,000 visitors have enjoyed the beautiful trees and dazzling light displays.

For more information please visit the Festival Website.

Rally Against Cancer | A Benefit For John Stoddard Cancer Center

The John Stoddard Cancer Center Rally Against Cancer was born out of the love for a mother who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. Her daughter, Kim Johnson, was so impressed with the care her mother and her family received that she approached the John Stoddard Cancer Center about establishing an event in Des Moines to benefit cancer patients and families. After much hard work and dedication, on January 26, 2002 the first John Stoddard Cancer Center Rally Against Cancer was held. This annual event includes silent and live auctions, dinner and a presentation by a special guest. Each year the event raises funds to assist patients and families at the John Stoddard Cancer Center.

For more information please visit the Rally Against Cancer Website.

Westerberg Celebration | A Benefit For Iowa Lutheran Hospital

The Westerberg Celebration honors Rev. A.P. Westerberg who worked to create a hospital to serve the East Side of the city of Des Moines.

Rev. Westerberg was Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Des Moines in the winter of 1908. He was disturbed by the death of a young accident victim whose horse horse-drawn ambulance trip to a West Side hospital was fatally delayed by a train passing through town.

Rev. Westerberg acted. He and two parishioners (a physician and a pharmacist) presented at an annual synod meeting and received strong support. In 1910, fundraising began with the support of the newly formed Iowa Lutheran Hospital Society (now known as the Auxiliary) and the hospital board of directors. Iowa Lutheran Hospital admitted its first patients in March of 1914.

This annual event celebrates the rich heritage of Iowa Lutheran and the funds raised at the event are used for capital improvements at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.

For more information on this annual event held in the spring, please contact Susan Evans.