Q&A
Q: Why is your event virtual?
A: Our event is virtual, so we can host a safe, yet enjoyable fundraising event that supports the important work at House of Mercy. We are part of MercyOne, a leading health care organization in Central Iowa, and it is our privilege to model safe care and interactions. Additionally, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation and House of Mercy are CommonSpirit Health ministries and as of February 2021, our organizational guidelines stipulate that this event must be held virtually due to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Q: What is House of Mercy?
A: House of Mercy is one of Iowa’s most comprehensive providers of vital behavioral health services, and Central Iowa’s largest program for parenting women with children. The 501 (c) (3) organization is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and is licensed by the State of Iowa. House of Mercy uses evidenced-based practices to provide high-quality, personalized care for each client. The House of Mercy Game Show Gala supports House of Mercy and has raised over $2.8 million for the organization.
Q: Why support House of Mercy?
A: More than 50 percent of House of Mercy’s operational costs are supported by philanthropy. Donations and sponsorships to House of Mercy fund its critical work to support our community’s most vulnerable as they improve their lives through active recovery. Clients are never turned away due to the inability to pay. Examples operational support include coverage of evidence-based behavioral health services, lodging costs for residential clients and daycare costs for their children, which receive high-quality care in House of Mercy’s NAEYC-accredited Child Development Center.
Sustainability during this time is very important, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, as services are still very busy, residential programs remain at/close to capacity, and we continue to adapt our organization’s practices to best serve (and keep safe) clients during the pandemic. Community support is essential in allowing us to continue providing vital services to those most in need.
Q: How are you going to make the 2021 Gala one of the best virtual events I have ever attended?
A: We are so glad you asked, because we are committed to making this one of the best virtual events you have ever attended! We will continue with our very popular game show format, with added event enhancements to make it fun and interactive. Hallmarks of our event experience include high-production and delicious food, and we will not disappoint this year. As usual, we will engage a vibrant emcee as well as Central Iowa’s top community leaders to entertain you throughout the evening. Along with the option of a gourmet boxed meal, attendees will also receive a party box containing all of the event essentials needed for a fun experience!
Q: I have attended this Gala in the past, and something I have loved is the audience participation. How is that going to work with the virtual event?
A: We will have a fun audience participation segment for attendees! Stay tuned for more details.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Bookmark this page,which we will update with more developments, sponsorship and ticket information as the event approaches.
Q: I have more questions!
A: That is great, and we welcome them! Please email Director of Annual Giving & Events Megan Mildenberger at mmildenberger@mercydesmoines.org.
