The Donna Reed Foundation

08/23/2026

On behalf of everyone on the board of directors, past and present,we are all heartbroken.

The baby-boomer icon had a No. 1 hit with "Johnny Angel," co-starred in three Elvis movies and was married to 'M*A*S*H' actor Mike Farrell.

06/25/2026

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On June 25, 2004, the Donna Reed Museum opened in Denison. After growing up in Denison, Reed went on to live a wonderful life while starring on the silver screen.

Born the oldest child in a Crawford County farm family, Reed attended the local Methodist church and Denison public schools. She played the lead in a school play and was voted ‘Campus Queen’ during her senior year. Hoping to become a teacher but short on funds, Reed followed her aunt's advice and headed west to attend Los Angeles City College.

While in college, Reed enjoyed performing in several stage productions but did not plan to make a career of acting. However, when MGM Studios came calling after she graduated, she signed. As anti-German furor gripped America during World War II, changing her name from Mullenger, a few minor roles continued to put the newly minted Donna Reed on the path toward success.

Over a career spanning 1941 to 1986, Reed endeared herself to audiences everywhere with many memorable roles. Her role opposite James Stewart as the unforgettable Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” brought her incredible fame. In contrast, her role in the 1953 film “From Here to Eternity” netted her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

12/12/2025

Visiting with our good friend Jimmy Hawkins for the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival! He always asks about Denison.

06/09/2025

Sunday, June 8, 2025

What a special surprise we had today at the Candy Kitchen!

We were honored to welcome Mary Owen, who delighted us with her visit — and just so happens to be the daughter of Hollywood legend Donna Reed, known for her unforgettable roles in It’s a Wonderful Life, From Here to Eternity, and The Donna Reed Show.

What a joy it was to meet Mary and to connect with someone whose family brought so much warmth and inspiration to generations of film and television fans. Donna Reed’s Iowa roots run deep — she was born and raised in Denison, Iowa, and her legacy continues through the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Learn more about Donna Reed here:
https://www.donnareed.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Reed

Mary was gracious and kind, and we’re thrilled she made the Candy Kitchen a stop along the way. Her visit was a reminder of the powerful connections between small-town roots and big-screen dreams.