Join the World Food Prize Foundation on Friday, May 15, 2026, for an unforgettable evening of high stakes and higher purpose! Together, we’ll mark the 15th Anniversary of the Hall of Laureates with a celebration as dazzling as it is meaningful. 

Step into the splendor of our Casino Night, set within the breathtaking grandeur of our Hall of Laureates. The evening begins with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception featuring a hosted bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and vibrant live entertainment. As the evening unfolds, guests will savor curated cuisine, try their luck at lively casino tables, bid generously in a spirited silent auction and dance the night away—all in honor of a place that proudly belongs to Iowa.

Built in 1900 and beautifully restored, this historic Iowa landmark stands as a testament to Iowa’s enduring leadership in agriculture and its profound global impact. From its earliest chapters when it served as the Des Moines Public Library to its latest transformation into the permanent home of the World Food Prize Foundation, the Hall has embodied the very spirit of our state: resilient, visionary and deeply rooted in the land. Within these storied walls, the legacy of Norman E. Borlaug lives on as a powerful reminder that Iowa’s influence reaches far beyond its fields and borders. 

Every dollar raised during this extraordinary evening stays right here at home, supporting the preservation and protection of the treasured landmark. Every ticket purchased, every hand played and every bid placed helps ensure that this 1900 icon continues to welcome students, farmers, families and global leaders for generations to come.

This is more than a celebration. It is a promise to preserve our past, honor our identity and invest boldly in Iowa’s future. 

Evening Schedule
6–7 p.m. | VIP Cocktail Reception Featuring Entertainment & Hosted Bar
7–9 p.m. | Casino Games, Entertainment, Hors d'oeuvres & Silent Auction
9 p.m. | Auction & Grand Prize Announcement
9–10 p.m. | Dancing & Entertainment

Tickets & Tables
Individual Tickets: $95
VIP Tickets: $195
Table: $1,000
VIP Table: $1,800

2026 Gala Sponsorships Available
Secure your seats, elevate your brand and support a lasting legacy. Contact Grace Dunham at gdunham@worldfoodprize.org for more information.

Raise the stakes. Honor the legacy. Shape the future.