Governor Terry Branstad at the entrance to a Historial Society exhibit on the Iowa Caucuses.
Iowa’s governor, lieutenant governor and their spouses are the co-chairs of the 4th annual “Celebrate Iowa Gala” on December 11 at the State Historical Building.
“This upcoming gala is a tremendous opportunity to support new initiatives that really engage Iowans with educational programs, exhibits and unique experiences at the State Historical Museum,” says Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.
More than 500 people are expected. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs director Mary Cownie says they expect to raise $130,000.
“The gala not only generates support for the State Historical Society of Iowa’s exhibits and education programming, it is also a celebration of arts, history and culture in our state,” Cownie says.
The gala will start at 7 p.m. and end at 11 o’clock. Governor Terry Branstad says it’s fitting the event will be held in a building that sparked a renaissance in a blighted neighborhood at the foot of the statehouse.
“I was very proud to be here when we broke ground in ’84 for this,” Branstad says. “…Now this, of course, is the East Village and all you have to do is look around and see all kinds of exciting activity.”
The gala’s activities on Friday, December 11 at the State Historical start with a VIP reception for people who buy a $500 ticket. Tickets to the gala itself are $100. Guests will dine on Iowa grown food as well as beverages from Iowa wineries and distilleries.