BETTENDORF, IOWA (April 3, 2020) — First Midwest Bank has announced a $50,000 pledge to the United Way of the Quad Cities to respond to local challenges faced by residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation will be designated to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund. Formed by a coalition of philanthropy, government and business partners, the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund, hosted at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, so far has galvanized a total of $678,000 from a growing list of partners and online contributors responding to this public health emergency.
“There is a tremendous ‘can do’ spirit within our organization and communities as all of us respond to the challenges from COVID-19,” said Michael L Scudder, chairman and chief executive officer at First Midwest Bank. “We at First Midwest are proud to do our part to help support our clients, communities and each other during a time when it is needed the most. We are all in this together, and these funds will further aid in the collective effort to provide additional relief and recovery to vulnerable communities, businesses and individuals.”
One-hundred percent of contributions will be invested back into the community to help Quad Citizens with immediate needs like food, shelter, and hygiene items.
“Each day, people are losing their jobs, out-of-school children are not receiving food, and the virus is straining the capacity of our health-care system,” said Rene Gellerman, president and CEO, United Way of the Quad Cities. ”We are grateful to partners like First Midwest Bank for joining us during this time of crisis.”
On Monday, April 6, a community-wide fundraising event, UNITE QUAD CITIES, will take place throughout the region. Powered by a partnership of local media, United Way, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Quad Citizens are invited to donate to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund to support the ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts.
“We witness the power of unity to create change every day at United Way,” Gellerman said. “Especially in the most challenging times, Quad Citizens always step forward to support our community. This crisis can be a defining moment of solidarity. Our nonprofits are on the front lines, and they need everyone’s generous support to respond to the unprecedented need created by this pandemic.”
Donations for the fund can be made by texting “UNITEQC” to 41444 or online at www.unitequadcities.org.
“Unite Quad Cities” is supported by KWQC TV6, The Quad-City Times, United Way of the Quad Cities, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Regional Development Authority, iHeart Radio, Rock Island Argus and Moline Dispatch, Townsquare Media, WHBF, WQAD, and WVIK-Quad Cities NPR.
About United Way of the Quad Cities
United Way believes every Quad Citizen deserves the opportunity to live their best life. These opportunities happen by involving people in volunteerism, advocacy and giving. The result is a mobilized community creating the conditions that improve individual lives and strengthen the Quad Cities. unitedwayqc.org.
