Saturday's Forey Fest Benefits Johnston Custodian

When a  custodian was attacked in downtown Des Moines this fall, his friends and acquaintances banded together to support Forey Jacobson.

After weeks of planning "Friends of Forey," a Facebook group of supporters, present Forey Fest this Saturday.

A day of celebration for Forey will include the Forey 5K Barefoot Benefit, live music and pub crawl, concert and auction.

Mindy Toyne, owner of In Any Event and an organizer of the event, said Jacobson, 61, is really a friend to everyone.

"I've more interacted with him at events," she said of meeting Jacobson. "He's kind of a regular on the scene. He's very active and he's there helping and offering his service out of the goodness of his heart."

In early November, Jacobson was attacked at a bar along Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines.

Jacobson was in a coma after the attack, Toyne said.

"We reached out to his family members on Facebook," Toyne said of keeping up-to-date on Jacobson's progress while planning the event.

According to an article in Cityview, Jacobson has undergone reconstructive surgery for his injuries. 

While planning the event, Toyne said organizers were looking at all options such as a race, dance, anything that would fit Jacobson's personality.

"He's such an interesting (guy), he's a consumate participator, and has such various interest groups, he's reached so many sets, running, dancing, musicians, then the downtown scene," Toyne said. "He's so outgoing and a caring person."

The event aims to raise money to help Jacobson with his medical bills.

The Forey 5K Barefoot Benefit, named because Jacobson is known for running races barefoot, begins at 10 a.m. at Mullets, 1300 S.E. First St. Cost for the race is $25.

Following the race participants are invited to enjoy live music and a bar crawl hosted by the Full Court Press family of bars.

Stops include Mullets, Hessen Haus, 101 Fourth St.; The Royal Mile, 210 Fourth St.; and el Bait Shop, 200 S.W. Second St. From noon to 6 p.m. live music will play at the venues.

Cost of the pub crawl is $12 and includes a commemorative kookie. Food and beverage sales during the crawl will benefit Jacobson.

From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. People's court will host a concert and auction. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Additional information and to purchase tickets visit the Forey Fest Facebook page.

Those unable to attend the event can make a donation at www.tikly.co.

"He's an absolute character," Toyne said. "There's no one else like him. He's full of life."