Through its Community Betterment Program, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino has long been a strong supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Iowa.  While many know Prairie Meadows as a horse track and casino, few are aware of its status as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Since 1996, the lives of thousands of Iowans have been touched through public service programs made possible by millions of dollars paid by Prairie Meadows to Polk County, Iowa, and direct donations to more than 500 local charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa.

For years, Prairie Meadows has been a sponsor of many of the Iowa Chapter’s fundraising events, including being a high-level sponsor at the Foundation’s largest fundraising event in the state, Jolly Holiday Lights.  Nearly every year, Prairie Meadows sponsors the light display “Santa in his Stable”, surrounded by animated horses grazing around the display.

About three years ago, Prairie Meadows expanded it’s support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation by participating in the Adopt-A-Wish program, which ties an organization with the wish of a specific child.  Prairie Meadows has had the honor of sponsoring wishes ranging from a family trip to Hawaii to a wish to meet Cher.