October 14, 2026
By: Kali Douglass
Roasting for a Reason: Urban Dreams' Annual Roast & Toast
Most fundraisers are built around honoring a community leader. At Urban Dreams, we like to make them work a little harder for the recognition.
Each year, our annual Roast & Toast brings together community leaders, partners, friends and supporters for an evening of laughter, a little embarrassment and a lot of support for Urban Dreams. We recognize someone who has made an impact in our community, then invite the people who know them best to share a few stories at their expense.
This year, Dr. Adreain Henry, President of Mercy Health Sciences University, has agreed to take the hot seat. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at Krause Gateway Center, 1459 Grand Ave. in Des Moines, we will celebrate his leadership and contributions to the Des Moines community with an evening that balances well-deserved recognition with plenty of good-natured roasting.
Dr. Henry has made his mark on the Des Moines community through his leadership in higher education and service with organizations including ChildServe, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Above + Beyond Cancer and others. A first-generation college graduate himself, he has a commitment to education and to creating opportunities for others that makes him a fitting honoree for this year’s event.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner and then the main event: the roast.
Behind all the jokes is an important purpose.
![Urban Dreams Summer Youth Employment Program]()
Proceeds from Roast & Toast help fund Urban Dreams programs and services, with a special focus on our Summer Youth Employment Program. Each summer, the program provides paid employment and professional development opportunities for Des Moines students ages 14 to 19.
Students gain real-world work experience while building skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, financial literacy and professionalism. Those skills are reinforced through hands-on experiences, including helping plan and operate community events, working alongside local partners and gaining experience they can carry into future jobs and educational opportunities.
Uplifting Underrepresented Communities Across Des Moines
![Urban Dreams food pantry]()
The funds raised at Roast & Toast also support the larger mission of Urban Dreams.
For more than 40 years, we have worked to break down barriers and connect people with resources, opportunities and support. More than 40,000 people connect with Urban Dreams each year through our food pantry, youth programs, mental health services, community events and other resources.
Each year, Urban Dreams’ food pantry distributes more than 250,000 pounds of donated food and is open five days a week to anyone in need. The Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center also serves as a gathering place where community members can connect with services, attend events, and access resources provided by Urban Dreams and our many community partners.
![Urban Dreams Community Center]()
None of this work happens without the support of our community and the many partners who invest in our mission. The Roast & Toast is a way people can be part of it.
Attending the event, purchasing a table, becoming a sponsor or making a donation directly supports opportunities for local young people and helps Urban Dreams continue serving thousands of people throughout our community.
We hope you will join us Tuesday, Oct. 27 for this year’s Roast & Toast. Come support Urban Dreams, invest in local youth, and help us celebrate Dr. Henry in the only appropriate way we know how: by roasting him first.
Tickets and tables are available now. Purchase tickets and learn more about Roast & Toast here.
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