The Beacon Des Moines

10/20/2026

Six days left to register.

Last year the Cake Gala sold out. We planned for 350 and 450 of you showed up.

This year we set the room for 600, because that is how many women were on our waitlist in May. Registration closes Monday, October 26, and after that we hand our final count to the venue.

If you have been meaning to come, this is the week to do it.

10/19/2026

Thank you, Iowa Total Care.

Iowa Total Care is standing with the women of The Beacon as a 2026 Cake Gala Community Sponsor. Health, housing and stability are not separate problems, and we are grateful for a partner who understands that.

We cannot wait to celebrate with you on November 6.

secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

10/18/2026

Why new? Because she deserves a fresh start that fits.

We are welcoming two women who are moving off the street and into a safer, more stable chapter of their lives. To help them feel comfortable and truly at home, we are collecting new and very gently used women's clothing in sizes 3XL and 4XL.

And yes, new matters.

Starting over is about more than a place to live. It is about rebuilding confidence and knowing you are worth something new. Imagine beginning again and being handed clothing that fits, feels good, and was chosen with you in mind.

To donate, call our main line at (515) 244-4713, extension 1, before 6 PM to set up a drop off time.

Sometimes a fresh start begins with a new shirt, a comfortable outfit, and the feeling that someone was thinking of you. Thank you for helping us welcome them.

10/17/2026

Thank you, Stay Sweet Bakehouse

Stay Sweet is donating a cake to this year's Cake Gala. Every cake on that table was given by someone who wanted to be part of this, and that is the whole heart of the night.

We are so grateful.

secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

10/17/2026

Halloween on the Hill is Friday, October 30, and The Beacon will be at The Mickle Center with hot chocolate, c***r and homemade treats!

Every cup and cookie goes toward a new roof for The Beacon at Sherman Hill. Replacing it will cost $45,100, and insurance will not cover it. Every bit we raise gets us closer, so the women who live there can keep building a life they can sustain on their own.

Last year we ran out of hot chocolate and c***r before the night was over, so this year we are bringing more and doubling our tables.

The Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant St.
Friday, October 30, 5:30 to 9:00 PM

If you can't make it, you can still give toward the roof: secure.qgiv.com/for/shermanhillrooffundraiser

Thank you for keeping a safe roof over the women of Sherman Hill. We are so grateful for every one of you.

Hope Happens Here.

10/17/2026

We are so grateful to dsm Magazine, writer Abbey Tauchen, and photographer Annick Sjobakken for this beautiful story. Thank you to Jessica Malmberg for sharing her journey so openly, and to Chelsey Houston, Stephanie Green, Jackie Becker and every one of our volunteer bakers for the cakes that make a birthday feel like home.

On November 6, we celebrate all of it at the Cake Gala at Prairie Meadows. Join us: secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

Some of these women have never had a safe birthday before. For some of them, it is the first one anybody showed up for. Every cake tells her what we hope she carries with her always: she matters, and her story is still being written.

An injured moth showed up at The Beacon while several residents were tending the garden. They set down their tools and gathered around to help. Writer: Abbey Tauchen Photographer: Annick Sjobakken …

10/16/2026

Every wedding, every party, every gala you have ever loved had someone in the back making it feel that way.

DJ Jazzology is donating the entire night of music at the 2026 Cake Gala. Not a discount. The whole night.

Jazz, thank you. The women we support are going to dance, and that is because of you.

Follow him at instagram.com/dj_jazzology

Cake Gala 2026 is Friday, November 6 at Prairie Meadows.
secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

10/16/2026

Two thirds of that room arrives eight at a time.

A table is how people bring the ones who would want to know about this. Your team. Your book club. The friends who always ask what you are working on.

Eight seats, one table, $1,000.

secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

10/15/2026

Thank you, Collabry.

Collabry is joining us as a 2026 Cake Gala Community Sponsor, and we could not be more glad to have them. Partners like Collabry are how we keep saying yes to the next woman who asks.

We are so grateful, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you on November 6.

secure.qgiv.com/event/cakegala2026

10/14/2026

Our kitchen is under renovation right now, so last night dinner moved to the common area.

It turned out to be exactly where we needed to be.

Bubba Southern Comforts cooked a meal for 30. Bob and his team picked it up, carried it in, set the table with flowers from the Hy-Vee on Douglas Floral Department, and served every plate.

The food was wonderful. The fellowship was even better. Women shared the story of how they found their way to The Beacon. Everyone listened. Before the night was over, the whole room sang “Amazing Grace” together.

Thank you, Tyler, Chris, Adam and the entire Bubba crew. Thank you, Bob & Team, for showing up for our women again and again.

Want to give the women we support a night like this? Pick a date to bring a meal:
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Sometimes healing looks like a full plate and a room singing together. 💛