Special Events
Corporate sponsors, community partners, and event donors help make vital programs at Orchard Place possible. Join in our mission of developing strong futures by sponsoring, volunteering, and participating in our special events. Our signature events include the Moonlight Classic and the Orchard Place Spelling Bee, plus our School Supply Drive, Keep Kids Warm Campaign & Holiday Drive, and Rise & Shine.
SPELLING BEE
How it works: Two teams (three spellers from each) compete are given 30 seconds to spell the word. Both teams may advance by spelling the word correctly. Bribe funds can be used to advance if teams fail to spell the word correctly. Words become more difficult with each round. Judges also up the bribery pay-off required to compete in each succeeding round of competition. The Grand Championship (Best Spellers of the event) can be secured through successful spelling or continued use of bribery funds.
Teams also complete in several fun contests including Best Spellers, Best Team Name, Best Cheering Section, Best Costumes and Most Bribe Money raised. Funds raised provide much-needed support for Orchard Place programs that benefit children and teens with mental and behavioral health challenges. You can help by giving online and encouraging your friends, co-workers, and family members to give too! If you'd like your financial contribution to support a specific Bee team please note that in the online donation form.
For more information on the Spelling BEE
Visit our Facebook page or our event page to learn more, or sign up if you have a team!
To learn about corporate and donor sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jenna Turner, our Director of Individual & Corporate Giving, at (515) 287-9605
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact Brandie Broadhead, our Director of Volunteers & Special Events at (515) 287-9621
MOONLIGHT CLASSIC
The 12th Moonlight Classic presented by Sammons Financial Group will take place on July 15th, 2023
Our annual night time bike ride through the streets of downtown Des Moines and nearby trails attracts hundreds of cyclists each year. All money raised goes to support children and teens cared for by Orchard Place. The Moonlight Classic route features popular Des Moines attractions including the State Capitol, East Village, John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Water Works Park and Gray's Lake. Prizes are awarded for Best Bike Lights, Best Helmet Lights, Best Costume and Best Team Bus. Each year, the largest registered team wins our coveted Moonlight Cup, a traveling trophy, plus a group prize. The ride begins and ends at The Iowa Taproom which features Iowa craft beer.
To become a sponsor, please contact Jenna Turner, Director of Individual & Corporate Giving at (515) 287-9605.
HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to bring joy into the lives of children who are challenged with mental health issues. Without this effort and support from individuals, businesses and organizations, many kids would not receive any gifts this holiday season. There are many ways that you can help:
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Shop for items on children's wish lists or make a financial gift and we'll do the shopping for you. Each $75 contribution to our Holiday Drive provides 3 gifts for one child (two needs, plus one wish). You must sign up to drop off gifts on available days, times and locations here. (NOTE: While the Drive is already over, we are still accepting financial contributions and gift cards to cover unmet needs.)
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Sponsor a holiday party for kids at our residential Campus - provide pizza, pop and fulfill their wish lists. This is a great team-building opportunity for community groups and businesses!
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Donate gift cards or money that can be used to purchase holiday gifts for the children.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Kids who go to school unprepared may feel guilt or shame which may prevent them from learning. Our School Supply Drive helps to ensure youth cared for by Orchard Place start the school year off well. Each gift of $20 provides a backpack that fits and the school supplies needed to support one student.
KEEP KIDS WARM WINTER DRIVE
With your support, Orchard Place pledges to "Keep Kids Warm." Kids grow quickly and the cost of buying new coats and boots each year for each child adds up. Each gift of $50 to our Keep Kids Warm winter drive covers the cost of a coat, boots, gloves and winter hat for one child. Give online now to Keep Kids Warm and reduce financial stress on their families.
A special thank you to Rotary Club of Des Moines and Operation Warm for helping us get, and give, new warm high quality coats. The Rotary raises significant funds from its members to purchase coats for kids.
CAMPUS FURNITURE PROJECT
"Knowing that the morning is brighter than the night."
- Anne Starr, Orchard Place CEO
At Orchard Place, we understand that anxiety, depression, history of trauma, being away from home, and other worries may keep kids up at night. We also know a good night’s sleep is essential to healing. That’s why we strive to make each bedroom a cozy space for a child in treatment to rest, read, and recharge. Orchard Place needs new beds, dressers, desks and chairs with safety and durability top of mind.
Purchasing furniture that is specifically designed for the unique population we serve requires a sizable investment, yet it produces a high return. Each set of replacement bedroom furniture is expected to last 25 years, providing a better night's rest for 4,500 kids!
Please consider supporting this special campaign. Each gift will help us develop strong futures for kids in treatment whose bodies and brains rely on high quality sleep to wake up rested and refreshed for each new day.
Will you please join us in providing a brighter tomorrow?
RISE & SHINE TOILETRY DRIVE
Your gift to the Rise & Shine Toiletry Drive helps to offset the costs required to meet the basic needs of the kids we serve. Orchard Place spends about $50,000 annually on personal care products for the children in our care at our residential campus. Items needed include toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hair products and general bathroom supplies. Product donations can be dropped off at any Orchard Place location or you can make a financial contribution by designating it to Rise & Shine.