Setting the Stage
Jul 25, 2018
Developing strong communities doesn’t just happen. It takes dedicated government officials, citizens and volunteers committed to strengthening the place they call home. Volunteers like those leading the West Des Moines Community Foundation (WDMCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
The WDMCF was established in 2008 to work alongside city government to facilitate and administer civic projects for the benefit of the community. Thanks to this collaboration, exciting enhancements are being realized that continue to make West Des Moines an attractive place to live, work and play.
The city of West Des Moines was approached by one of its newest corporate neighbors, Microsoft, with a contribution to support projects enhancing quality of life. The city immediately turned to the WDMCF. Together they determined a new outdoor amphitheater was the best use of the contribution and would be the first completed project from the city’s recently created recreational master plan.
Through their relationship with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, the WDMCF has been able to invest in exciting community initiatives, such as the amphitheater. As Tom Cox, treasurer of the WDMCF, shared, “When the city came to us, we immediately brought in our partners from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. Their expertise enabled us to respond quickly and creatively for the benefit of our business partners and the citizens of West Des Moines.”