Iowa bankers raise more than $8,000 for Iowa PBS during annual pledge drive

Iowa bankers volunteer at the 2025 Iowa PBS Festival fundraiser on March 1 in Johnston. CREDIT IOWA BANKERS ASSOCIATION

Ten bankers from across Iowa volunteered for Iowa PBS’ annual pledge drive, known as Festival, which runs through March 16. The volunteers answered pledge phones from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and helped raise $8,690 for the public television network, according to a news release from the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA).

“The Iowa Bankers Association has been a longtime supporter of Iowa PBS, and we look forward to the continued partnership,” said Jenica Lensmeyer, the IBA’s vice president of marketing and industry relations, in the release. “Our partnership with PBS is a natural fit — we both value strengthening Iowa communities through education.”

The IBA and Iowa banks have participated in Festival for 27 years, starting in 1998, the release states. This year’s volunteers came from three banks across the state, in addition to the association itself.

“Last year was my first time volunteering for Festival. It was such an amazing experience – I knew I had to come back again this year,” said Julia Mason, assistant vice president and operations manager at South Story Bank & Trust in Huxley, in the release. “I loved meeting new people and forming connections with other bankers. I also enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at Iowa PBS – what an impressive operation. Most importantly, I take pride in being part of a partnership that truly makes a difference in our state.”