High Stakes for a Higher Purpose: Community Invited to Casino-Themed Gala at the Hall of Laureates

An evening of high-stakes excitement will serve a higher purpose this spring as the World Food Prize Foundation celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates with a casino-themed gala

The community is invited to attend the Hall of Laureates Spring Gala on Friday, May 15, 2026, bringing together supporters for a night of entertainment, celebration and fundraising inside one of Iowa's most historic landmarks.

Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the facility was built in 1900 and served as the Des Moines Public Library for almost 100 years. Now the global headquarters for the World Food Prize Foundation and named in honor of the Prize's founder Norman E. Borlaug, this historic landmark stands as a testament to Iowa's enduring leadership in agriculture and its profound global impact.

The Hall embodies the very spirit of our state: resilient, visionary and deeply rooted in the land. Every dollar raised during this extraordinary evening stays right here at home, supporting the preservation and protection of the treasured landmark.

"The Hall of Laureates Spring Gala is a celebration of community, history and purpose," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "Every ticket and every bid helps protect this historic landmark and power the mission of the Foundation to transform the global food system."

The evening will begin with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception in the Hall's beautiful garden from 6 to 7 p.m., offering guests a chance to enjoy one of downtown Des Moines' most charming outdoor spaces while mingling over a hosted bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. From 7 to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy casino games-including blackjack, craps, roulette and poker-along with a silent auction, live entertainment and dancing throughout the evening. Auction results and the grand prize winner will be announced at 9 p.m., followed by continued dancing and entertainment until 10 p.m.

The Hall of Laureates, while headquarters to the Foundation, is also a museum and event venue dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Borlaug, the Iowa-born agricultural scientist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who founded the World Food Prize 40 years ago. The historic building serves as a gathering place for local and global conversations on food security, hosting major events like the Iowa Hunger Summit, the Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application award ceremony, and past World Food Prize Laureate Announcements. In addition to welcoming international delegations and offering weekly public tours, the Hall functions as a meeting and event space, including weddings and community gatherings, and features a beautiful garden that complements the downtown setting.

Every dollar raised during the Gala will support preservation of the Hall of Laureates and further the mission of the Foundation.

Ticket and Table Pricing:
Individual tickets: $95
VIP tickets: $195
Table: $1,000
VIP table: $1,800

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Gala are also available. For more information about tickets, tables and sponsorships, contact Grace Dunham at [email protected].