IEC celebrates a green future with the inaugural Green Gala & Art Auction
posted
on Friday, November 11, 2022
in
Council News
Des Moines, IA -- November 11, 2022 -- Dressed in their finest green, nearly 150 Iowans gathered at Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines for IEC's inaugural Green Gala & Art Auction. The new fundraising event brought together artists inspired by climate and environmental concerns with businesses and individuals supporting work to address these issues in Iowa.
Twenty-five works were donated to the gala by artists from around the Midwest. Attendees mingled in the event space with food and drink, while viewing art on display and making bids; the auction was also listed online for anyone to make bids virtually.
In total, the Green Gala raised nearly $35,000 to support IEC's work to create a just, healthy environment and a sustainable future for all Iowans.
DJ Jaide Knight spun tunes before and after the presentation and awards program, which was emceed by KCCI Chief Meteorologist and climate change educator Chris Gloninger. IEC handed out four awards to organizations and individuals from around the state:
- Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and the Waterloo City Council received the Community Champion Award for the city's passage of a 24/7 carbon-free energy resolution;
- Greenpenny Bank received the Business Innovation award for their innovative virtual bank focused on financing renewable energy projects in Iowa and the Midwest;
- the Blue Green Alliance was honored as the organizational Partner in Policy, through a partnership between environmental organizations and labor groups to advance renewable energy development while benefitting the state's economy with good jobs for Iowa workers;
- and Keith Denner, a West Des Moines property manager, received the individual Partner in Policy award for his efforts to introduce and pass legislation requiring landlords to disclose average utility costs for renters, modeled off of his successful efforts in his own properties.
Following the awards, IEC board member and charity auctioneer Naura Godar led a live auction of the vibrant, energetic piece "The Road Ahead" by Des Moines muralist Ben Schuh, commissioned specifically for the event, as well as table centerpieces from the Art Terrarium. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and music before heading home with a print from Red Door Press, a shop located in Mainframe Studios, and other swag from Niman Ranch, Peace Tree Brewing, and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center.
IEC wishes to thank the following event sponsors:
ITC Midwest
The Graham Group - Charlotte & Fred Hubbell - Big Apple Orchard - Craig & Betty Miller
Cyril & John Mandelbaum - Sondra & Stuart Feldstein - Michael's Energy - Integrated Power
Katie Cownie & Damien Lock - Green State Credit Union
GWA Solar - PolicyWorks - Greenpenny Bank
Ecoengineers - The Bill Menner Group - Kerri & Dan Johannsen - The Energy Group
Peace Tree Brewing - Niman Ranch - Red Door Press - Iowa Waste Reduction Center