Locker Wars is Project Iowa’s signature fall fundraiser—a playful twist on the hit TV show Storage Wars, dreamed up by our very own building supervisor, Tim Rowley. Inspired by the thrill of storage auctions, this event brings the excitement without the high-stakes bidding.

Instead of repossessed lockers and intense competition, we’re offering a more relaxed, community-driven experience filled with fun, laughter, and surprises—all while raising money for Project Iowa’s mission to connect Iowans to meaningful, stable employment.

Here’s how it works:
🎟️ Guests purchase chances to unlock mystery lockers

🎁 Each locker is packed with a mix of exciting—and some not so exciting—items. Think gift cards, event tickets, home goods, clothing, sports memorabilia, outdoor gear, and maybe even a few things that will make you laugh. Part of the fun is not knowing exactly what you’ll unlock!

🔍 You won’t be left totally in the dark—we’ll give you a full list of locker contents. You just won’t know which item is in which locker!

Whether you walk away with a treasure or a laugh, every bid helps Iowans take the next step toward economic mobility and personal growth. It’s not about cutthroat competition—it’s about community, opportunity, and a whole lot of fun.

Lockers: Take a chance on mystery lockers filled with amazing surprises. Each locker contains a unique assortment of items, from gift certificates, valuable items, sports memorabilia, to fun novelties. You never know what treasure you might uncover!  The lockers will feature an array of fun items and experiences generously donated by local businesses and community members.

Locker Captains: Adding even more energy to Locker Wars are our Locker Captains—a lively crew of volunteers and community members, each assigned to a specific locker. Their job? To hype up their locker and encourage guests to drop their tickets in for a chance to win its contents. It’s a fun, friendly competition that keeps the night exciting and the crowd engaged!

Entertainment: Enjoy Music Bingo brought to us by The Rook Room, music, and other interactive activities.

Food and Drinks: Savor delicious appetizers and beverages. A variety of options will be available to cater to all tastes and dietary needs.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, including program graduates and participants, Project Iowa supporters, and community leaders and members. 

A special thank you to the following individuals and businesses for making this event possible.

Board of Directors
Dan J., ArtForce
Great Cater of Iowa
Franklin Event Center
Tim Rowley
Kenji Nakata/DJ Xan
Project Iowa Staff

We’re incredibly grateful to the generous local and national businesses, as well as community members, who have already contributed items to make Locker Wars possible. Your support fuels the fun—and the impact.

Donations are still being accepted! If you’d like to contribute a prize (serious or silly), there’s still time to get involved and help us fill the lockers with surprises that will delight our guests and support our mission. Send an email to jamieevans@projectiowa.org.

Arby’s
Blissful Crafts
Chipotle
Des Moines Symphony
Escapology Clive
Funny Bone
Iowa State Athletics
Jethro’s BBQ
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Middlebrook Farm
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Oriental Trading
The Playhouse
Portillo’s
Power Life Yoga
Splash Seafood Bar and Grill
Thrive Market
Top Golf
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
University of Northern Iowa

Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels to suit your goals and budget. With exposure to over 200 engaged attendees, with a strong social and digital reach, the opportunity to directly support workforce transformation, this is more than just an event—it’s a chance to invest in real change.

Sponsorship Levels