DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 15, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by Hubbell Realty Company — has raised more than $160,000 for conservation and recreation. The event, held Oct. 10 at the Community Choice Convention Center Ballroom, had nearly 400 in attendance and earned more than $40,000 over last year’s event.

Participants in this year’s Wild Prairie Showdown include Annie Brandt, Bank of America, Team ICON; Tina Hadden, Mowry Strategies, Team GOF; Rene Martinez, Hubbell Realty Company, Team ICON; and Odin (Cory) McAnelly, Principal Financial Group, Team GOF. After competing in fundraising, fashion show, and interview categories, Martinez and Team ICON came out on top, securing the individual and team MVP awards. In addition to their peer-to-peer fundraising, the competitors gleaned more than 2700 votes from supporters at home and event attendees.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the competitors, our sponsors, and partners for making this event so exceptional,” Hannah Inman, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Outdoors Foundation, said. “It’s inspiring to have so many of our supporters in the room together, all working toward a common goal — and of course, having fun along the way.”

“The Wild Prairie Showdown is a true testament to the potency and efficacy of the partnership between our organizations,” Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails, said. “This event embodies our collective vision and continues to capture the momentum of our support base that enables everything we do.”

The Wild Prairie Showdown also included the presentation of the Waveshaper and Creative Conservationist awards, designated to Rick Tollakson and Patricia Boddy, respectively. These honors celebrate exceptional contributions to conservation and recreation from community members involved with the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails, aligning with the organizations’ values and priorities.

This is the fourth Wild Prairie Showdown and the second time the Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails have partnered together on the event.

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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.