The Des Moines Legacy Foundation is inviting the entire community to lace up your sneakers and dress up for a night of fun, style and service at the 2025 Bayside Sneaker Ball, happening Saturday, June 14 at 5 p.m. at the Des Moines Yacht Club.

Combining formal flair with casual comfort, the annual fundraiser encourages guests to wear eveningwear with their favorite – and perhaps most stylish – sneakers.

The event will feature live music, fine food, a red carpet photo experience, and fundraising activities to support youth, families, and seniors across Des Moines.

“Put on your best eveningwear and your favorite sneakers for an unforgettable night,” organizers said in the event announcement. “Your generosity helps ensure free swim lessons, summer meals, enrichment activities, and more.”

Event Highlights:

  • Welcome champagne hour with live piano by Carson Lilley
  • Silent auction featuring art, sports memorabilia, and designer sneakers
  • Live podcast recording by the Stick Lounge Podcast featuring Hampton and Joe
  • Live music from the Mount Rainier High School Jazz Ensemble, Director Ashley La
  • Cuisine from Action Food Truck by Rushaad Tate and dessert by Marina Mercantile
  • Dueling crooners Joey Jewell & Chris Anderson performing with a 7-piece band
  • A paddle raise benefiting key programs such as free swim lessons, youth camps, nutrition services through Des Moines Area Food Bank, and community recreation grants

One lucky guest will win the raffle grand prize: two round-trip tickets courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

The Sneaker Ball is dedicated in memory of Kayleen Moon and Rebecca Shelton, two community members who championed service and inclusion.

“Celebrate with style. Give with heart.”

Your Generosity Makes It Happen

In 2024-2025, the Legacy Foundation supported:

  • Free youth swim lessons, art programs & cultural clubs
  • Waterland Children’s Festival & International Sculpture Day
  • Mini-grants for Mt Rainier High School programs, YETI Club at Pacific Middle School, Open Door Arts for special needs adults, Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market season music
  • $25,000 contribution to the Des Moines Field House Play Area
  • Des Moines Food Bank Programs
  • High School Student Scholarship
  • Live and Local Concert Series

Tickets

Only a few tables and individual tickets remain—secure your spot today!

DMLegacy.org

General admission is $100, Seniors $75, VIP $150, and tables and sponsorship packages are still available.

All event proceeds directly benefit local programs, with operational costs covered by sponsors including Action Sports Bar & Grill, Alaska Airlines, Dell Computers, and the City of Des Moines, among others.

Sponsors

2025 Bayside Sneaker Ball Sponsors:

  • $2,000–$4,000: Action Sports Bar & Grill, Alaska Airlines, Dell Computers, Optimum Event Rentals, Snure Law Office, PSC
  • $1,000–$1,500: Inkfish Foundation/George C. Scott, IVYX Scientific, Lewy Productions, Noble Protection Group, Print Place, Salon Michelle, South Sound Security
  • $500–$750: City of Des Moines, Creole Soul/Sticks Lounge/Podcast, Fleur Fresca, John L Scott, Just Poke, Marina Mercantile, Seattle Kraken, The Beverly “Boat”, The Waterland Blog, Waterways Cruises & Events

Sponsorships Still Available:

  • $500: 2 VIP tickets + drink tickets
  • $1,000: 4 VIP tickets + drink tickets 
  • $2,000: 10 VIP tickets + drink tickets, premium recognition & more

Contact Des Moines Legacy Foundation