Community Foundation Celebrates Sages Over 70

Nov 5, 2018

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines celebrated Sages Over 70 past and present at a luncheon at Wakonda Club on Oct. 30. The Sages in attendance shared stories, wisdom and advice with members of the Business Record's 2017 and 2018 Forty Under 40 classes. The conversations that took place across generations of great community leaders exemplified the core of the Community Foundation's mission: we're simply better together.

 

    

 

Business Publications Chair Connie Wimer facilitated a panel discussion with Joyce Chapman (2017 Sages Over 70 Honoree), Jody Reyonlds (2017 Sages Over 70 Honoree) and Stan Reynolds (2014 Sages Over 70 Honoree). The panelists offered insight into their successful careers, support of charitable causes and remarkable contributions to the growth of Greater Des Moines. 

 

 

 

Connie recognized the Community Foundation's role in working alongside these civic leaders to invest in our community's most important issues and opportunities. For example, with the support of a Community Foundation grant in 2003, Connie founded Winefest. That event has raised more than $400,000 for charitable organizations to date.

 

"The Community Foundation's investment to start Winefest was about more than just money. It was the legitimacy they gave to me and the project," Connie shared. "It made it much easier to find additional support and get the project off the ground."

 

"I think what makes Des Moines so exciting is that there are many of us doing a variety of things to make this community a wonderful, strong place to live," Jody added.

  

In recognition of those honored as Sages Over 70, dsm Magazine and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines have established the Sages Over 70 Fund, a fund which benefits the Better Together Fund. Because our community and its needs are ever changing, gifts to the Better Together Fund allow the Community Foundation to strategically respond to the most pressing opportunities now and in the future. Like the legacy created by our Sages, gifts to the Better Together Fund are a lasting legacy for the community. View more photos from the event here.