Why I Lead

For more than a decade, Geri Boesen has supported Catholic Charities through her generosity, creativity and leadership.

Geri was first introduced to Catholic Charities’ through her parish, Holy Trinity in Des Moines, IA. She also started to attend the Catholic Charities’ “No Room at the Inn,” event which benefited the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter and joined the Board of Directors in 2012.

“I was humbled and honored to serve,” said Geri. “It was always so inspiring hearing the love, commitment and passion the Catholic Charities’ team has for helping the vulnerable and needy in our community.”

One of Geri’s favorite parts of serving on the board was learning about the transformational work happening every day in all program areas. She also enjoyed working alongside of the Catholic Charities’ team and helping those in need.

“It is great to know that this committed and caring staff is out there serving and helping ease the pain of those who are struggling,” said Geri. “I am so grateful and proud of the work Catholic Charities does in our community.”

During her time on the board, Geri helped raise awareness of the exceptional work Catholic Charities’ does by assisting with a marketing campaign featuring local business and government leaders like: Kyle Krause, Steve Lacy, Suku Radia, Jerry Neugent, Governor Kim Reynolds and more. Her leadership helped share Catholic Charities’ mission and raise support for the different program areas.

For many years, Geri has also blessed Catholic Charities and the Pastoral Center with her creativity by generously decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby of the 601 Grand Ave. building in Des Moines. This year, she also decorated the planters outside of the building to create a welcoming and festive environment for staff and clients.

“The best thing about decorating the Christmas tree each year is seeing the friendly staff, priests, sisters, Bishop and visitors coming and going,” said Geri. “They all always give me words of encouragement as I decorate.”

In addition to the Christmas tree, Geri also lends her creativity to creating beautiful centerpieces for Catholic Charities’ annual event “Shamrocks and Shenanigans.” Her creativity, leadership and generosity is appreciated by many.

As Catholic Charities’ approaches 100 years of providing help and hope to our community, Geri is excited to see what is next for the organization. She is grateful to be involved with Catholic Charities and hopes the organization continues to provide life-saving care and also that the community recognizes the great impact the organization has on those in need.

“Catholic Charities provides hope to so many who are dealing with unthinkable struggles such as sexual assault, homelessness, adjusting to a foreign land, mental health issues and hunger,” said Geri. “I would like to see our community fully realize the care, compassion and assistance Catholic Charities gives to anyone who is in need of help.”

For more information on how to support the vital work being done at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.