Who We Are

Dobbers Up is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in our community who are facing unexpected health-related hardships. Founded in 2007 by friends and family of Dan Dowson, a beloved local figure who passed away from ALS in 2009, Dobbers Up continues to honor his memory by providing financial assistance and support to those in need.

Driven by Inspiration, Helping Families in Need

Dan, a passionate baseball player and coach, always reminded young athletes to “keep their dobbers up” during tough times. When Dan faced his own life’s greatest challenge—ALS—his community rallied around him. Just like Dan who never gave up, Dobbers Up is here to help those facing life’s unexpected challenges. We aim to be there for families who have been dealt a tough hand, offering them a helping hand when they need it most.

Since our founding, Dobbers Up has made a significant impact on our community, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Entirely run by volunteers, our organization has delivered over $155,000 in donations to 131 families and awarded $29,000 in scholarships to 18 Indianola High School seniors. These scholarships include contributions to the National Balloon Classic and the Indianola Community Youth Foundation.