As Main Street Ottumwa celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization is inviting community members to be part of the next chapter through its new “$20 for 20 Years” fundraising campaign.
The campaign encourages residents, business owners, volunteers and supporters to make a simple $20 contribution in honor of the organization’s two decades of service to downtown Ottumwa. While the suggested gift is $20, supporters are welcome to contribute any amount. Since its founding in 2006, Main Street Ottumwa has worked to strengthen downtown through business development, historic preservation, community events, beautification projects and volunteer engagement. Over the past 20 years, those efforts have helped attract investment, support local businesses, create community gathering spaces and foster a more vibrant downtown district.
“Twenty years of progress in downtown Ottumwa would not have been possible without the support of our investors, volunteers, business owners and community partners,” said Kris Patrick, Executive Director of Main Street Ottumwa. “This campaign is an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together while helping ensure that we can continue investing in downtown’s future.”
While Main Street Ottumwa receives some investment from the City of Ottumwa, much of its work is funded through community investment. Events, beautification projects, business support programs, volunteer initiatives and economic development efforts all depend on financial
contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and partner organizations. “Whether it’s planting flowers, hanging Hometown Heroes banners, organizing community events, supporting entrepreneurs or helping recruit new businesses downtown, none of it happens without people who believe in this work,” Patrick said. “When hundreds of people come together around a shared vision for downtown, it creates a tremendous impact.”
The campaign serves as both a celebration of Main Street Ottumwa’s history and an investment in its future. Funds raised will support ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and help the organization continue providing programs and services that benefit businesses, residents and visitors alike.
Community members interested in participating in the $20 for 20 Years campaign can make a contribution by visiting mainstreetottumwa.com/20-for-20 or contacting the organization directly.
