Mark your calendars for July 18, 2026, for the debut of Roses & Rye, our exciting new summer fundraiser. Join us for an exclusive garden party set against the breathtaking backdrop of Talons of Tuscany, where friends, community, and philanthropy come together for an unforgettable evening.
Arrive in style for a cocktail hour! Sip on one of our signature drinks — an Old Fashioned or a Rosé — as you mingle and unwind. Upon arrival, check in at the clubhouse and enter through the door marked with the Variety tent, then make your way to your table and get settled in.
5:00 PM - Car Barn Self Guided Tour & Parade of Champions!
From 5:00–6:00 p.m., the remarkable Car Barn will be open for self-guided tours. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore Dennis Albaugh’s extraordinary collection of 201 vehicles dating from 1912–1975. Please finish all food and beverages before entering, as no food or drinks are permitted inside the Car Barn. After your tour, head outside to the pavilion for our Parade of Champions, where children who have received mobility equipment from Variety will showcase their skills and share how they’ve grown stronger thanks to supporters like you. Take a moment to meet them and learn more about the equipment that has helped change their lives!
6:15 PM - Welcome Remarks & Dinner
At 6:00 p.m., we’ll begin gathering guests back at the clubhouse for brief welcome remarks as dinner is served. Enjoy a delicious duo entrée featuring steak and chicken, specially prepared by Tangerine.
7:00 PM - Live Auction & Fund-A-Need
At 7:00 p.m., our fabulous auctioneer, Rylie Behr, will kick off the live auction with an exciting, high-energy style that’s sure to keep you engaged all evening long. Rylie will also lead our Fund-A-Need program, where every donation will make a direct impact on Variety’s mobility program. She may even have a few fun surprises up her sleeve, so stay tuned for more details!
8:00 PM - Dancing
From 8:00–11:00 p.m., hit the dance floor and party the night away with the fabulous Final Mix! The celebration will take place on the terrace under the air-conditioned tent, so you can stay cool while showing off your best moves.
Committee Members
Special thanks to our committee members for planning this event!
Matt Leaders, Chair, Graham Construction, a 3G Company
Nick Callison – UHY
Dustyn Curran – Ryan Companies
Matt Davis - Neumann Brothers, Inc
Meredith Hedstrom - JLL
Amy Heston – UMB Bank
Ajay Kalra – CBRE
Erin Knupp - Beal Durkenne Construction
Jenica Lensmeyer - Iowa Bankers Association
Rachel Maletta – Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Stuart Ruddy – Knapp Properties
Abbie Schurman - Bankers Trust
Jessica Taylor-Fink - Merchants Bonding Company
Amy Wise - Community State Bank
Bret Wiltse – Fareway
The Silent Auction will close at 9 PM on July 18th!
If you are attending the event and win an auction item, please stop by the high-top table near the silent auction area, where a Variety staff member will be happy to assist you with checkout.
If you are participating virtually and win an item, you may pick it up at the Variety office during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We kindly ask that all items be picked up within 60 days of the event. If an item is not claimed within that time, it will be returned to Variety and may be featured in a future silent auction, helping us continue our mission to support children and families. Thank you for your support!
