You can support Friendship Ark Homes and Community Services in many ways!
Students
Friendship Ark has a volunteer internship program. Earn college credit with your 500 hours of service and make an impact at the same time. You may find that you are as impacted as the organization and core members are.
Board
If you are interested in serving as a board member, let the office know. The board is not selected based on an application process but is chosen to complement the strengths to create as diverse a group as possible to add value to the organization.
Attend/Donate to an Event or Become a Business Partner
Annual Fundraising Event
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18th, 2026, the date of our fourth Tropical Sangria Escape, our annual fundraising gala. We will be gathering at the CPMI Event Center and be entertained by the fantastic Dueling Pianos of Whorlow Entertainment. We can't wait to once again bid winter good-bye at our tropical getaway with you. Don't forget to dress in your best tropical attire.
The event will feature a social hour and dinner, signature sangria, wine and beer options, dessert auction, gala games and program as well as live and silent auctions. Dueling Pianos will be taking requests throughout the evening and will be splitting the tips with us 50/50.
In 2024 and 2025, we saw a significant increase in support of Friendship Ark's mission each year, resulting in some of our best fundraising events yet, and we have a goal to surpass these numbers in 2026. If you have questions, would like to become involved as a presenting sponsor or contribute a live or silent auction item, please contact our office at [email protected] or (515) 292-9556.
The Bill Bergan Five on the Fourth
Join us for our signature July 4th fundraising event, our annual run/walk at Ada Hayden Park in Ames. Alternatively, sign up for the virtual option which you may complete by running or walking a 5k route at the location of your choice. Watch this page and our social media channels for registration information and details for the 2026 race.
Sara Ojard (Prochnow) Memorial Golf Scramble
On Monday, July 28th, 2025, the family of Sara Ojard (Prochnow) invites you to participate in the 4th Annual Memorial Golf Scramble with BBQ and prizes to benefit Friendship Ark.
This 4-Person Golf Scramble is hosted by Sara's parents, Tom and Sharon Prochnow, and her brothers David and Jonathan, to celebrate and raise funds for Friendship Ark in Sara's memory. Sara was endlessly caring and supportive to each and every community that was lucky enough to have her. While in Ames, Sara was involved with Faith Fellowship, a ministry for individuals living with disabilities, and through that came to know many of our core members.
All golfers are welcome regardless of skill level. You may sign up as an individual or in groups of 2, 3, or 4. The family is happy to match you up.
9 a.m. Check-In - 10 a.m. Start
Please use this link to register.
Become a Business Partner
Our business partners are crucial in providing the community support needed for us to continue to fulfill our mission of celebrating the uniqueness of adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping them reach their fullest potential through faith, family and friendship.
Presenting sponsorship opportunities are available for both, the Tropical Sangria Escape and/or The Bill Bergan 5k on the 4th. Please contact our office for more information about how we can work together to provide your business with excellent brand visibility at our evens.
Information about annual supporting business partnership opportunities throughout the year can be found in our our Partnership Brochure, here.
Donate
Friendship Ark is witnessing growing demand for both homes and community services at the same time that some funding sources are expected to decline. We invite you to explore the many ways you can support the meaningful work happening at Friendship Ark. Click here to learn more.
Thank you for your support, be it financial or with your time. Both are valuable. You matter and we are very thankful to have so many caring individuals affect the organization and the core members.
For more information about supporting Friendship Ark through your time and talents or financially, contact Marketing Manager, Beth Lucht or Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Ellis at:
515.292.9556 or [email protected]