ChildServe

04/25/2026

We're sending a ✨glamorous✨ thank you to our amazing Bubble Ball® décor committee and community partners!

Bubble Ball® Décor Committee:
⭐ Leslie Wilson, Committee Co-Chair
⭐ Anne Nilsson, Committee Co-Chair
⭐ Carley Arnold
⭐ Teresa Choi
⭐ Brittany Conway
⭐ Faith Elder
⭐ Skyla Harger
⭐ Rachael Herbers
⭐ Kait Stinson
⭐ Kelsey Valley
⭐ Madison Van Heiden

Check out the creative BUBBLE WRAP® centerpieces the committee made to go along with the theme, . Thank you to HyVee Floral and Party On Des Moines for elevating the event space with unique décor pieces and helping outfit the Bankers Trust Company & Homesteaders Life Company Lounges.

Learn more about ChildServe's Bubble Ball 2026 and view event photos at: https://www.childserve.org/bubble-ball-2026/.

📅 Save the date for Bubble Ball 2027 on April 3 at the Iowa Events Center.

Images: Photos at ChildServe's Bubble Ball 2026 event space and decor.

04/23/2026

Bubble Ball® wouldn't be the same without the spectacular runway show! Thank you to our Runway Sponsor, Sammons Financial Group Companies, for being a shining star for ChildServe's mission year after year! 🤩 ✨

Their support helped us bring the glitz and glam to our runway show. Thank you for helping bring to life and partnering with us to help children with special healthcare needs and their families live a great life! A special thank you to ChildServe Runway Director Sarah Dornink, whose creativity and passion continue to take our runway show to new heights each year!

Learn more about ChildServe's Bubble Ball 2026 and view event photos at: https://www.childserve.org/bubble-ball-2026/.

Next year's event will be on April 3, 2027, at the Iowa Events Center.

Images: Photos at ChildServe's Bubble Ball® 2026 runway show.

04/22/2026

We’re STARSTRUCK after ! 🎬 🤩

With a record-breaking crowd of over 2,100, this year’s event was a glamorous celebration of fashion and entertainment – all in support of ChildServe's mission. Guests spent the night among the stars as volunteer designers brought award-winning musicals, movies and music to life through dazzling BUBBLE WRAP® runway creations. ⭐️

“Each year, we are profoundly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, designers, volunteers and community members, whose support makes a lasting impact on ChildServe,” said Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe President and CEO. “Bubble Ball is truly extraordinary, bringing together creative minds and generous hearts with one shared purpose: helping children with special healthcare needs live a great life."

Thank you to our event Co-chairs, Amanda Young and Tom Nucaro, and to our presenting sponsor, Bankers Trust Company.

Learn more about ChildServe's Bubble Ball 2026 and view event photos at: https://www.childserve.org/bubble-ball-2026/

Next year's event will be on April 3, 2027, at the Iowa Events Center.

Images: Photos at ChildServe's Bubble Ball® 2026 event.

04/21/2026

All the lights, cameras, and of course, all the ACTION at wouldn't be possible without our friends at Wired Production Group! 🎞 🎥

Through tech support, lighting, audio/video and so much more, Wired is a crucial part of making Bubble Ball® truly incredible year after year. The team takes each unique Bubble Ball theme and turns it into a jaw-dropping reality – and they blew us away with their creativity for .

From initial meetings discussing ideas and possibilities to the whole weekend of setup and production, we're grateful for the passion and dedication the Wired team puts into Bubble Ball. Thank you for being part of ChildServe's mission and helping us transform Bubble Ball into an unforgettable experience for over 2,100 guests! Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from this weekend! ⭐

📅 Next year's event will be on April 3, 2027, at the Iowa Events Center.

Images: The event space and behind-the-scenes photos from Bubble Ball® 2026.

04/19/2026

"If you have a dream, go get it..." 💜 ✨

Sydney's story inspired all of us at last night! We're still in awe of the generosity of our sponsors, donors and guests who share our passion for helping kids like Sydney.

A special thank you to our friends at Flynn Wright, who worked with our ChildServe team to capture Sydney's impactful journey for Bubble Ball®. See it for yourself! ⭐

Mark your calendars for next year's event taking place on Saturday, April 3, 2027.

04/19/2026

We're ✨dazzled✨ to announce ChildServe's 16th annual Bubble Ball® raised $1,152,370 to help individuals with special healthcare needs across Iowa live a !

To our sponsors, donors, guests, designers, models, production crew and volunteers: we're so grateful for your support and partnership in making tonight so glamorous! Learn more about ChildServe's Bubble Ball® at https://bit.ly/BubbleBallDSM.

Thank you to our Bubble Ball 2026 presenting sponsor, Bankers Trust Company.

Save the date for next year's Bubble Ball on April 3, 2027.

Images: Photos of the runway show at Bubble Ball® 2026.

04/17/2026

Roll out the red carpet for ChildServe's 16th annual Bubble Ball®! This one-of-a-kind runway production will transport guests to a night of glitz and glamour as our talented volunteer designers bring award-winning musicals, movies, music videos and more to life through stunning BUBBLE WRAP® creations. ✨ 🎬

From our designers, models and volunteers to the ChildServe team and production crew, this night wouldn't be possible without the help of many. We can't wait to share our mission and celebrate pediatric specialty healthcare alongside many passionate community supporters. We're ready for a dazzling good time at Bubble Ball® 2026!

A special thank you to our presenting sponsors, Bankers Trust Company. ⭐️

Won't be joining us tomorrow? Check back on our social media for live updates and exciting footage of Bubble Ball 2026! Learn more at https://bit.ly/BubbleBallDSM.

04/16/2026

We were honored to share Oliver’s powerful story last year at Bubble Ball® 2025. Guests learned about his triumphant journey with ChildServe, navigating congenital vocal cord paralysis, a condition that made it challenging for him to breathe, eat and communicate on his own. Check out his inspiring story. ⬇️

We can’t wait to debut another incredible child’s journey this Saturday at Bubble Ball 2026! A special thank you to our friends at Flynn Wright for collaborating with our ChildServe team to capture Oliver’s story.

Learn more about Bubble Ball: https://www.childserve.org/bubbleball/.

04/15/2026

Acceptance starts with understanding. 💜

At ChildServe, this means meeting individuals where they are and honoring how they experience the world. We support families through partnership, compassion and advocacy. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive menu of services for individuals with an autism diagnosis and to walk alongside families through the challenges, celebrations and moments of love that shape each unique journey.

Learn more about ChildServe's Autism program at https://bit.ly/CSAutismProgram.

Images: Photo of team members at ChildServe celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. Photos of children and staff participating in activities with ChildServe's Autism Day Program.

04/15/2026

Reminder to grab your groceries at Fareway Stores next week! 💜

Round up, give back and empower kids in your community! 💜

In celebration of , we're partnering with our friends from Fareway Stores for a roundup at the register event! April 20-25, when you round up at the register at participating Fareway locations across Iowa, you’re helping children with special healthcare needs live a .

Funds raised will support ChildServe’s Autism Program, directly impacting kids like Lola, who recently graduated from our Autism Day Program in Iowa City. Her incredible progress is just one example of what’s possible when families have access to the right support. Our Autism Program meets families where they are and grows with them as their needs evolve. The program offers more than 16 integrated services to support individuals who display characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.

Thank you for rounding up, giving back and making a meaningful impact for Iowa kids! ❤

04/14/2026

Next week, we're celebrating ! 💜

Shooting hoops with our friends from the Drake Women's Basketball team, admiring the beautiful landscape work by Baker Group, enjoying a cookie decorated by the team at Flynn Wright and exchanging handmade friendship bracelets from Brace 4 Change – these moments were all made possible by incredible volunteers.

From big events to everyday moments, volunteers help create meaningful experiences for the kids and families we serve at ChildServe, and our team members! Thanks to all volunteers who share their time and talents and help bring ChildServe's mission to life!

To learn more about volunteering at ChildServe, visit https://bit.ly/VolunteerAtChildServe.

Images: Various volunteers helping out throughout ChildServe.

04/14/2026

We recently attended the Iowa Society for Respiratory Care Lung Conference and had the opportunity to meet with rising respiratory clinicians during their Student Track session! 💜

Students connected with employers recruiting respiratory therapists from across the Midwest. Chris Wiggins, Clinical Talent Acquisition Partner, and Linette LoConte, Respiratory Therapy Manager, represented ChildServe. They chatted with students about our Respiratory Tech and Respiratory Therapist career opportunities, sharing how we partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.

Thank you to the incredible programs and students who joined us. We loved the conversations and your enthusiasm for the field!
🫁 Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny, Iowa
🫁 Hawkeye Community College – Waterloo, Iowa
🫁 Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
🫁 St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health - Sioux City, Iowa

We’re grateful to IaSRC for creating a dedicated student track that supports education, recruitment and connection within the respiratory care community. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with aspiring professionals across Iowa!

Learn more about respiratory care at ChildServe: https://www.childserve.org/residential-care/respiratory-care/. Connect with our Talent Acquisition team today to learn about our open roles! American Association for Respiratory Care - AARC

Image: Chris and Linette during the conference.