Bettendorf Rotary Lobsterfest: “100 Percent Goes Back to the Community”

IA/IL QUAD CITIES – This year, as every year, the 12th Annual Bettendorf Rotary Lobsterfest will offer the community an evening of quality dining, friendship and support. But according to Tim Lane, President of the Bettendorf Rotary Club, the event has a unique aspect that is rarely discussed. “What many people do not realize about Lobsterfest’s proceeds,” Lane said, “is that 100 percent goes back to the community.” Lane added that expenses for staging the event do not come out of the proceeds. “Lobsterfest expenses are offset by our generous corporate sponsors,” he said. In addition to ticket sales, event funds are also raised through cash donations, a raffle, live and silent auctions, a Wine Pull, and a ‘Grab for Grub’ competition. Lobsterfest will be held 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sat., June 9, 2018, at Tanglewood Hills Pavilion, 4250 Middle Rd., Bettendorf, IA. Tickets to the event are now available at $75 per person, or $520 for a table of eight. Presenting sponsors are Abbey Carpet Gallery and Triumph Community Bank. The event is open to the public. To buy tickets, call (563) 445‐4264 or visit bettendorfrotary.com/tickets. “Triumph Community Bank congratulates Bettendorf Rotary on its twelfth edition of Lobsterfest,” said John DeDoncker, Executive Vice President, Triumph Community Bank. “We’re very proud to have been a major sponsor at every Lobsterfest. We support our community and appreciate the great benefits that Lobsterfest bestows upon many worthwhile charities each year.” “Abbey Carpet Gallery is delighted and honored  to partner with Triumph Community Bank as co-sponsors of this great Rotary event,” said Bill Daley, President/CEO of Abbey Carpet Gallery. “The Bettendorf Rotary Lobsterfest has become a great summer tradition that benefits so many of our local charitable organizations, as well as funding many scholarships for students in Bettendorf. This is a great opportunity for all in attendance to stretch their charitable dollars to benefit so many every year.” In 2017, Chef James Preszler took the helm as the event’s head lobster chef, and in 2018, he will again oversee the preparation of a delicious Maine lobster dinner – this time, for more than 400 people. In addition to the lobsters and melted butter, the menu will also include corn on the cob, potatoes and fixings.    “This year, our goal is to raise $100,000,’” said Lane. “100 percent of the proceeds from this signature event support the programs, grants, and scholarships of the Bettendorf Rotary Club. With the community’s support, we are also planting trees, providing leadership opportunities to our youth, feeding the hungry, and providing for those most in need.” Bettendorf Rotary Co-Chairs of the event this year are Ann Kappeler and Johanna Blevins.    “Lobsterfest is more than a party with a purpose,” said Kappeler. “We are over 100 Rotarians planning an evening of food, fun and fellowship to raise $100,000, with a commitment to return 100% to the Bettendorf community and beyond.”     Last year’s Lobsterfest raised $80,000, and as always, 100 percent of those funds are supporting community efforts. $25,000 of the proceeds went to grants for 15 not-for-profit organizations serving the Quad Cities. Grant recipients included:      – 41st Iowa Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol: Youth cyber-security and public affairs project ($500). – Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley: New Vans for Transportation of At-Risk Youth ($2,000). – Center for Active Seniors, Inc.: Reception Improvement ($2,000). – Child Abuse Council: Shaken Baby Simulator Doll for Basic Training for New Dads Classes ($1,100).  – Christian Care: Caring for Our Community Project ($1,200). – Dress for Success Quad Cities: Professional Attire and Shoes for Low-Income Women ($2,000). – From Cover to Cover: Snuggle Up and Read Campaign ($2,000). – Great Bettendorf Community Foundation: The Agape Center ($2,000). – Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities: Technology Upgrades for Classroom ($2,000). – Hope at the BRICK House: Expansion of HBH After School Program Space ($1,500). – Junior Achievement of the Heartland: JA BizTown: Developing Our Future Workforce ($1,500). – River Music Experience: Laptops for Outreach ($1,500). – St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation: Family Burn Group ($2,000). – Supplemental Emergency Assistance Program: Emergency Assistance to clients of member agencies ($2,500). – The Sparkle Effect: Providing training to three local Sparkle Effect Teams ($1,200).       Chartered in 1957, the Bettendorf Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon. For more information, visit www.bettendorfrotary.com. Also, you can ‘Like’ the Bettendorf Rotary Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bettendorfrotary.