About
Spirit of Pella’s Story
The Spirit of Pella was born out of discussions and visions by several caring and committed community members during the fall of 2020. The Spirit of Pella is a group of passionate individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to enhancing Pella’s cultural wellbeing through:
- inspired local gathering spaces
- interactive public art
- placemaking
- live music
- a magical holiday season
- curated experiences
Mission
Connecting people through collaborative community-based projects centered around art, public gathering spaces, and special events to strengthen Pella’s unique public life, assets, economy, and culture.
Vision
An enriched community full of amenities, traditions, and experiences.
Motivation
Pella’s founding father, Dominie Hendrik Pieter Scholte, was an innovator and advocate of the arts who was fiercely committed to community development and education. Nearly two centuries ago he championed a vision of creating a vibrant community where all people could build their lives in Pella. We call this the Scholte Spirit, and it fuels today’s collaborative and elaborate plans for Spirit of Pella Community Projects. Like Dominie Scholte, we activate innovation and honor our community’s rich heritage through placemaking, public art, and live entertainment.
Community participation is the heart of The Spirit of Pella. It is only through the belief and support of individual community members that these visions can come to life! Join us and Catch the Spirit!
“We will build a beautiful Pella.” – Dominie Scholte, founder of Pella
Steering Committee & Board of Directors
Steering Committee
Christi Vander Voort– Chair
Dick Redman – Building Lights
Dave Sutphen– Fundraising
Jason Bandstra– Christmas Lights
Kim Mulch – Logistics
Ryan Vos– Art & Murals
Mary Mansfield– Public Relations
Eric Sickler– Marketing
Karen Eischen– Advisor
Board of Directors
The Spirit of Pella is governed by the PACE Alliance Board of Directors.
President: Mark Putnam, Central College
Vice President/President Elect: Charlie Daugherty, Precision, Inc.
Treasurer: Jamie Wisse, US Bank
Kevin Bolt, Marion County Bank
Don De Waard, City of Pella
Nick Hunsberger, Pella Corporation
Micah Vermeer, Pella Family Dentistry
Mary Mansfield, Home Realty
Lesli Nelson, Pella Hosting & Website Solutions
Elise Pederson, Community 1st Credit Union
Wendy Sims, Welgaard CPA’s & Advisors
Doug Stewart, Pella Cooperative Electric
Robert Vermeer, Chair Emeritus Vermeer Corporation
David Vollmar, Alliant Energy
Teri Vos, WorkSMART Connector
Bob Zylstra, Grassroots member
Wes Chaplin, Kreykes & Chaplin PLC