Botanical Garden Capital Campaign Grows with $50,000 Gift from GuideOne Foundation

DES MOINES, Iowa (August 4, 2025) – As part of the “Welcome, Gather, Grow” Capital Campaign, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is pleased to recognize the GuideOne Foundation for their $50,000 contribution. The Foundation selects organizations that share a common goal of making a positive impact on the communities they serve and is funded by contributions from employees of GuideOne Insurance and The Mutual Group (TMG).
 
To celebrate GuideOne’s contribution and in the spirit of community collaboration, GuideOne and TMG employees enjoyed a terrarium workshop provided by Botanical Garden staff. Employees had a chance to grow both plants in their terrariums and relationships with each other. 
 
“The Botanical Garden has long been a unique and vital part of the Greater Des Moines landscape,” said Travis Sheets, GuideOne Senior Vice President and General Counsel and Foundation Board member. “In recent years, we’ve seen the needs of the community, visitors and members increase in terms of enhanced programming, space and a point of connectivity and I’m happy our Foundation is supporting the Garden’s Capital Campaign to further enhance the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.” 
 
The Welcome, Gather, Grow campaign was designed in response to growing community needs as nearly 150,000 visitors enjoy the Botanical Garden’s offerings each year. From a renovated entrance and event areas to accessibility upgrades, planned improvements are designed to elevate the hospitality and beauty that all who have visited know and love. 
 
“Construction is now well under way and the first set of projects is expected to be completed by October, marking an exciting new chapter for the Garden,” said Kim Perez, Botanical Garden President and CEO. “We couldn’t do this without the support of our community partners, like the GuideOne Foundation. Their generosity will create an impact on the Botanical Garden and all who visit here to find their true nature for decades to come.” 
 
Since publicly announcing the Capital Campaign in February, fundraising efforts have nearly reached the $9+ million goal for site improvements. Corporate gifts from entities like the GuideOne Foundation have played a major role in the success of the campaign. 
 
To learn more about the Welcome, Gather, Grow campaign and see construction updates, click here.
 
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About the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a vibrant, 12-acre public garden in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Guided by a mission of exploring, explaining, and celebrating the world of plants, the Botanical Garden is more than a dome, is the connection point between plants, people and the natural world. It’s a place where you can be who you are, do the things you love and spend time with the people who matter most. A place where anyone can explore, create, connect and find their true nature. The Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) privately governed, not-for-profit institution.  
 
About GuideOne Insurance
GuideOne Insurance is an independent mutual insurer that provides property and casualty insurance and risk management solutions to religious organizations, nonprofit and human services organizations, small businesses and programs markets. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, GuideOne strives to Help Make Positive Change Possible® by serving as a trusted partner to the people who strengthen and support our communities.  
 
About The Mutual Group
The Mutual Group offers a long-term solution for capital and operational support and is dedicated to the success and independence of mutual insurance carriers. Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, The Mutual Group and its more than 400 employees support the company’s four service verticals: underwriting, claims, corporate services and technology. The Mutual Group is a Bain Capital Insurance Portfolio Company and has more than $800 million in annual premium serviced across 50,000 commercial policyholders. The company is led by a group of seasoned industry experts with deep experience in leading innovative insurance companies across a variety of subsectors. The Mutual Group is Certified™ by Great Place To Work®.