DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 15, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the launch of the fourth annual Wild Prairie Showdown, a peer-to-peer campaign advancing conservation and recreation in the region. The Wild Prairie Showdown is a dynamic, grassroots initiative that 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:

• Annie Brandt, Bank of America

Team ICON Water Trails

• Tina Hadden, Mowry Strategies

Team Great Outdoors Foundation

• Rene Martinez, Hubbell Realty Company

Team ICON Water Trails

• Odin (Cory) McAnelly, Principal Financial Group

Team Great Outdoors Foundation

The competitors’ fundraising efforts will conclude at the 2024 Wild Prairie Showdown on Thursday, October 10 at The Atrium at Capital Square. 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. To learn more, register for the event, or donate to a competitor’s campaign, go to https://givebutter.com/wps2024.

###

About Great Outdoors Foundation

The Great Outdoors Foundation exists to advance conservation through innovation, collaboration, and stewardship. We are the foremost fundraising professionals in the conservation and outdoor recreation sector. Together, we activate meaningful, accessible initiatives that enhance our environment and improve quality of life. Over the last three years, we have invested more than $200 million in conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives, and we’re just getting started. Learn more at greatoutdoorsfoundation.org.

About ICON Water Trails

ICON Water Trails is a regionally inclusive recreational confluence connecting culture, conservation, and adventure by empowering our waterways. When complete, ICON will connect 50+ access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa.  This transformational initiative 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.