In 1989, Polk County and Prairie Meadows established a partnership with the goal of investing a significant portion of Prairie Meadows’ revenue back into the community. This investment allows the county to fund local non-profit and economic development initiatives through grant programs and sponsorship of community events. Over the past three decades, together with Prairie Meadows, the county has invested over $1.8 billion to non-profits and local infrastructure projects.
“The Board believes that giving back to our community is a top priority,” says Sarah Boese, director of community relations for the Polk County Board of Supervisors. “Polk County is unique in that we have a strong philanthropic relationship with Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino which allows us to invest millions of dollars back into our community. The Board focuses these investments on strengthening our non-profit sector, economic development and quality of life initiatives.”
The On With Life Foundation has been fortunate to have received more than $225,000 from the various Polk County funding programs throughout the past five years. This support has been dedicated to larger projects such as the outdoor therapy grounds and Giant Strides expansion campaign, as well as to the annual Celebrate Life fundraising and recognition event and therapy equipment needs.
Polk County District 3 Supervisor Steve Van Oort was instrumental in helping the On With Life Foundation apply for and secure a grant for the outdoor therapy grounds in 2017. Since then, he has continued to get more and more involved in our mission. In addition to personally supporting our work, he joined the On With Life Foundation Board in 2018 and the Giant Strides Capital Campaign Committee in 2020.
“On With Life is more passion than profession,” Supervisor Van Oort says. “They give each person served the confidence, courage and opportunity to get on with their life. They care about the individual impact each person has on our community, and Polk County is proud to support their hard work.”