The Des Moines Oppenheimer Society — “Dedicated to innovation in the face of unintended consequences” — is hosting the Oppenheimer Awards and Advocate Auction to benefit special-needs students on May 21 at Gravitate Valley Junction. The lighthearted awards will recognize the 2019 “Twenty Over 20” class, sponsored by Trokt, and the Advocate Auction features artwork by children 4-8 years old on metal donated by Des Moines Metal Fabricating. Proceeds and donations from the event will be directed toward a fund training advocates to assist families navigating special education, organizer Chris Draper said. An application form for interested advocates will be available online starting May 21.
