Third Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game Connects State Legislators

The Third Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game, organized by the Greater Des Moines Partnership in collaboration with Fredrikson & Byron, took place on Sunday, June 9, following the Iowa Cubs game. In an effort to elevate bipartisanship and civility in the state, Iowa Republican and Democratic legislators came together for a game of slow-pitch softball that benefited two charitable organizations. Sponsorships and ticket proceeds supported the Puppy Jake Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. Overall, the event sold nearly 600 tickets and raised over $53,000 for the chosen charities.

The Puppy Jake Foundation is dedicated to helping military veterans through the assistance of well-bred, socialized, and professionally trained service dogs. The organization is proud to select, train and place only the best-performing dogs with these deserving men and women.

Habitat for Humanity of Iowa is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; advocating for fair and just housing policies; and providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

To start off the game, Lt. Governor Adam Gregg threw the first pitch to Auditor Rob Sand before legislators from both sides of the aisle set aside their political differences and came together to engage in a spirited game for a good cause. The event provided a platform for fostering relationships and a sense of unity among the legislators and the broader community.

Majority Leader Jennifer Konfrst (D) and Representative Hans Wilz (R) emceed the event, illustrating the relationship-building present during the event. These legislators promoted the spirit of bipartisanship while providing entertainment through fun and engaging commentary between players and attendees.

Efforts toward civility and bipartisanship extended to the planning and coordination of the game, led by legislators and lobbyists from across the aisle. I had the privilege of serving on the team along with Senator Carrie Koelker (R – Dyersville), Senator Nate Boulton (D – Des Moines), Representative Carter Nordman (R – Panora), Representative Sami Scheetz (D – Cedar Rapids) and the team from the Greater Des Moines Partnership, including Ryan Moon and Stephanie Kiel.

Alongside the planning team, the success of the Third Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game and the record-setting over $53,000 donation would not have been possible without the generous support of the following sponsors:

Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game Sponsors

Home Run Sponsors

• Beltrame Law Firm
• Cornerstone Government Affairs
• Iowa Farm Bureau
• Iowa Hospital Association
• Iowa Manufacturing Housing Association
• Master Builders of Iowa
• MidAmerican Energy Company

Triple Sponsor

• Campbell/Patterson Consulting
• Cargill
• Delta Dental of Iowa
• Hy-Vee
• Iowa Health Care Association
• Iowa Electric Cooperatives
• Iowa Realtors
• Logan and Kathryn Murray
• Sammons Financial Group

Double Sponsor

• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Association of General Contractors
• AT&T
• BrownWinick Law Firm
• Cedar Rapids Development Group
• Iowa Association for Justice
• Iowa Beverage Association
• Iowa Credit Union League
• Iowa Insurance Institute
• Iowa State Education Association
• Mark Joyce Consulting
• Paramount Strategies
• PolicyWorks
• Wellmark Blue Cross & Shield
• Wellpoint Iowa

Single Sponsor

• Carney & Appleby Law Firm
• Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm
• Emily Piper
• Greater Iowa Apartment Association
• High Yield Strategies
• Independent Insurance Agents
• Iowa Gaming Association
• Iowa Optometric Association
• Landus
• LS2group

Republicans took a 2-1 lead in The Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game series after the Iowa Republicans defeated the Iowa Democrats 17-10. We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for the Fourth Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending events like Public Policy Issue Forums and DMDC. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.