Ballet Des Moines has received a $3 million gift from Des Moines philanthropists Nix and Virginia Lauridsen.

The donation was announced Thursday at a ribbon-cutting for Ballet Des Moines’ new downtown campus at 655 Walnut St. The money will support operations and an endowment and allow for more performances with live music, according to a news release. It’s the Lauridsens’ largest single donation to a local performing arts organization.

Including the donation, Ballet Des Moines said it raised more than $4.8 million during its now-complete capital campaign, exceeding the campaign’s goal.

“Virginia and I support organizations that have a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to raising the bar for arts within our community,” Nix Lauridsen said in a prepared statement. “We have been impressed by the innovation, collaboration and artistic prowess shown by Ballet Des Moines and know this gift will ensure the company’s continued excellence and growth.”

The Ballet Des Moines Lauridsen Campus for Arts and Education gives the ballet a permanent home for its professional company and space for outreach and education programs. The ballet’s 2024-25 season begins Oct. 18-19 at Hoyt Sherman Place with “Movimiento.” More information is at balletdesmoines.org.

The capital campaign was led by Connie Wimer, owner and chair of Business Publications Corp., and Kirk Besh, senior vice president at West Bank.

The Lauridsen family has donated millions of dollars to Des Moines-area groups and causes, including the Lauridsen Skatepark in downtown Des Moines. Nix Lauridsen owns Lauridsen Group, seven independent companies that make products to enhance the health and nutrition of people and animals. The Lauridsen Group is headquartered in Ankeny.

“This extraordinary gift underscores the bright future of Ballet Des Moines, and our city,” Blaire Massa, CEO of Ballet Des Moines, said in a prepared statement.

Ballet Des Moines said donors contributing over $50,000 were:

• EMC Insurance Cos.
• The Ruan Foundation
• American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co.
• Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
• Krause Gentle Foundation
• Polk County Board of Supervisors
• Prairie Meadows
• Bravo Greater Des Moines
• Sammons Financial Group

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