You can support Friendship Ark Homes and Community Services in many ways!
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.
Opportunities
Student
Friendship Ark participates in the Iowa State University Work Study program and offers one internship per semester with a focus on supporting our Marketing and Fundraising team and our Day Habilitation services.
Contact us about an Internship Opportunity
Volunteer
We also offer volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups which may include helping us complete projects in and around our homes or sharing a passion with our core members.
Contact us for a Volunteer Application Form
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.
Contact us at [email protected] for more information. You may find that you are as impacted by your involvement as the organization and core members are.
Attend/Donate to an Event or Become a Business Partner
Annual Fundraising Event
Our gala committee has started to make plans for our 2027 Tropical Sangria Escape. We can't wait to once again bid winter good-bye at our tropical getaway with you. Watch our social media channels for details as they become available.
The event will feature entertainment, a social hour and dinner, signature sangria, wine and beer options, dessert auction, gala games and program as well as live and silent auctions.
In the last three years, 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 2027. 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. Registration for this year's race opens on May 11, 2026.
Visit the race registration site here.
Sara Ojard (Prochnow) Memorial Golf Scramble
This Annual Memorial Golf Scramble with BBQ and prizes to benefit Friendship Ark has been raising funds in support of our mission for five years now. This year, the event is scheduled for July 25, 2026 at Veenker Golf Course in Ames.
The 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.
Visit the Golf Scramble registration site here.
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.
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]