BETTENDORF, IOWA (November 27, 2019) — The Quad City Storm looked a little green during their game against Peoria on Friday — in a good way. As part of their annual John Deere Night, the Storm wore specially-designed John Deere jerseys that were later auctioned off to raise money for United Way of the Quad Cities.
Today, Storm players and team president Gwen Tombergs presented a check for $12,500 to United Way at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline. This is the second consecutive year John Deere has chosen to donate their Storm proceeds to United Way.
“Creating positive change in the communities we live and work has always been a priority for John Deere,” said Mara Downing, president of the John Deere Foundation and vice president of global brand-management and corporate communications for Deere and Company. “We support United Way because they identify the root causes of our community’s most complex problems and develop solutions that lead to lasting change.”
In addition to the jersey auction, a portion of ticket sales and proceeds from the in-game fan favorite, chuck-a-puck, were also donated to United Way of the Quad Cities.
“United Way has set bold goals to ensure every Quad Citizen has the opportunity to live their best life, and John Deere’s support is absolutely critical to achieving those goals,” said Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of United Way of the Quad Cities. “For them to turn a night of fun into yet another opportunity to support our region demonstrates their remarkable commitment to the Quad Cities.”
The donation comes at an important time for United Way. As they approach the halfway point of their annual community campaign, the organization is accepting grant applications from local nonprofits. The money raised during the campaign directly impacts how many nonprofit agencies and programs will receive funding to improve the lives of Quad Citizens in the critical areas of education, income, and heath.
“The number of quality grant-applications we’re receiving shines a light on both the challenges facing our region, and the many local nonprofit agencies who are well-positioned to move the needle on stubborn issues plaguing our residents and community,” said Gellerman. “This is a critical moment for the Quad Cities, and with companies like Deere going all in, we have an opportunity unite and do more to support our neighbors and strengthen our region.”
To find out how you can donate, volunteer and advocate to improve the region and help create opportunities for every Quad Citizen to live their best life, visit unitedwayqc.org.
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
About United Way of the Quad Cities Strategic Grant Investment Process:
As United Way of the Quad Cities forms and executes strategies in the areas of education, income, and health to benefit Quad Citizens, we work closely with and fund dozens of nonprofit organizations, agencies, and other programs to align and coordinate our work. This approach allows the greatest impact on some of the most difficult issues facing our community, and ensures everyone involved is aware of those around them who are working toward the same goals. The investment process involves a rigorous application, goal-setting and results review led by a panel of volunteers and supported by United Way staff. Applications are accepted from qualifying nonprofits through December 18, 2019. Funding announcements will be made in May 2020.
