Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino has awarded The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University three grants totaling nearly $62,000 to support initiatives that impact Iowans.

• The largest award was a Youth Sports and Recreational Grant to provide funding for the Pursuing Victory with Honor Summit, featuring Iowa native Chris Norton. The Summit was held on October 7 at Bondurant-Farrar High School. attended the event. The grant enabled 15 Iowa schools to bring more than 500 middle/high school students to attend a presentation of Chris Norton’s documentary, 7 Yards. Chris was present to answer students’ questions and schools received the 7 Yards CHARACTER COUNTS! curricular resources.
• A Community Betterment was awarded to support CHARACTER COUNTS! for Early Childhood so that Iowa’s youngest students can begin to learn about good character.
• A Community Betterment was awarded to support 2022 Iowa Character Awards. The Ray Center annually presents the Iowa Character Awards to individuals and organizations who exemplify good character. Award recipients were honored at an event in July 2022.

“We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Prairie Meadows. These grants provide valuable resources to Iowans and help promote good character, civility, and ethical leadership.” said Scott Raecker, executive director of The Ray Center. “We are grateful for Prairie Meadows dedication to transform lives and strengthening communities.”

Prairie Meadows supports Iowa nonprofit organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services. In central Iowa, a nonprofit partnership between Prairie Meadows and Polk County has generated over $2.0 billion in funding over 30 years for projects that improve, strengthen, and beautify central Iowa.

Through public awareness and programming grounded in research, The Ray Center helps create strong, vibrant communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior. Our initiatives benefit people of all ages and are easily adaptable for families, schools, workplaces, and athletic organizations.

— Amy Smit, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center