"We have one-of-a-kind items like a ride in a vintage 1929 automobile and picnic, or a Chicago get-away," said Special Project Coordinator, Bea Brasel.

On June 5 at 7:00 p.m. WQPT will air a preview program that will give potential bidders a sneak peek at many of the on-line auction items up for bid.

The auction is a fundraising event for WQPT. "The auction is a great way for people to find unique gift items and support WQPT, all at the same time," said Chief Development Officer, Lora Adams, who also hosts the preview special.

Auction items include : a Lobster Feast for two with the Lobsters flown in from Maine; gift certificates for massages at the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness; summer session dance lessons from Illinois Ballet Theatre; Chicago White Sox Autographed photo and book; Rockford IceHogs Hockey tickets; trips to Maine, Chicago, Florida, St. Lucia, San Antonio and more.

WQPT has been the local public television station serving western Illinois and eastern Iowa since 1983

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For Immediate Release: Contact: Press Office May 19, 2009 (202) 479-7070

Washington- Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA), are allowing a climate bill to impose new and burdensome regulations on the power and manufacturing industries in America that could cause electric utility rates to skyrocket, killing American jobs and costing American families even more on their energy bills each month. Bruce Braley voted to kill an amendment that aimed to protect struggling families from soaring utility rates. This amendment would have ensured that electricity rates for residential customers couldn't increase by more than ten percent over 2009 rates, or else the harmful regulations of U.S. industries contained in this climate bill would no longer be in effect. "Bruce Braley failed to protect struggling families in Iowa from crippling utility rates that are inevitable under this Democrat National Energy Tax bill," said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. "Bruce Braley's refusal to put safeguards in place for American families will only prolong and increase the burden of soaring energy costs across this country."

There is mounting evidence that under the Democrats' National Energy Tax plan utility rates will skyrocket and American families and businesses will suffer as a result. There is no mistaking that this bill will drastically burden already struggle families with increased energy costs. How much more can Iowa families take?: The average Iowa household already pays nearly 9 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity (Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government, Electric Power Monthly with data for January 2009, http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_a.html) 12.3% of people in Iowa are past-due on their electric utility bills by about $102.09 (2008 Individual State Report by the NARUC, Consumer Affairs Subcommittee On Collections Data Gathering, http://www.naruc.org/Publications/2008%20NARUC%20Collections%20Survey%20Report.pdf) President Obama Even Admitted Utility Rates Would "Skyrocket": "Under my plan of a cap and trade system electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket ... that will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers ..." (President Barack Obama, Meeting with the Editorial Board at the San Francisco Chronicle, January, 2008)

Deep Concern over Increased Costs: An overwhelming majority of Americans are deeply concerned about the drastic increase in cost they would bear as a result of the National Energy Tax. Seventy-seven percent of Americans said they are concerned that federal regulation of greenhouse gases could substantially raise the price of things they have to pay for. (Source: ABC News/Washington Post; conducted April 21-24, 2009; Survey of 1,072 Adults Nationwide) A new study shows the devastating effects the National Energy Tax will have on the economy: * Electricity rates would spike by 90 percent (after adjusting for inflation) * The annual energy bill for an average family would increase by $1,500 (William W. Beach, David Kreutzer, Ph.D., Karen Campbell, Ph.D. and Ben Lieberman, Heritage Foundation WebMemo #2450, "Son of Waxman-Markey: More Politics Makes for a More Costly Bill," May 18, 2009) View the text of the amendment offered by Rep. Roy Blunt here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090519/hr2454_I_blunt.pdf ###

(ROCK ISLAND, IL) - The Royal Neighbors Foundation continues its efforts in Parkersburg, IA by sponsoring a "Remembrance & Renewal" breakfast on Monday, May 25 from 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Parkersburg Veterans Building at 205 Cemetery Street.  Iowa Governor Chet Culver will speak at this special event marking the 1-year anniversary of the F5 tornado that damaged or destroyed over 400 homes in this small Iowa town.

Royal Neighbors began their relationship with Parkersburg in October 2008 by announcing its Foundation will assist two women as they rebuild their lives after a tornado destroyed their homes.  Construction on one home began earlier this month.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity to help these women rebuild their lives after such a devastating disaster," said Judith Tshibangu, Vice President of the Royal Neighbors Foundation. "Our organization's Foundation is dedicated to changing women's lives.  In Parkersburg, we are doing this by assisting two individuals in starting over in their newly built homes."

Royal Neighbors of America is a non-profit fraternal life insurance corporation dedicated to helping women and their families for close to 115 years. It insures lives, supports women, and serves communities by offering insurance and annuity products. Its members receive valuable benefits and can participate in a variety of local volunteer activities.

The Royal Neighbors Foundation is an independent philanthropic arm of Royal Neighbors of America.  As a 501(c)(3) public charity, it was established to promote charitable and educational causes that align with the organization's mission.  Its focus is changing women's lives by supporting programs such as scholarships for women veterans and building homes.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America and the Royal Neighbors Foundation, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

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On Thursday, May 21^st from 4pm-6pm, Purple Polka Dotted Hippo will hold a Grand Opening at its new location in Davenport's Old Town Mall on Kimberly Road.  The event will start with a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. and there will be plenty of child friendly refreshments on hand as you browse our new site. To show our appreciation of your support, all attendees are eligible to win a custom designed diaper cake and a Purple Polka Dotted Hippo Basket.

Purple Polka Dotted Hippo opened in 2009 at 3601 North Division in Davenport to provide affordable quality clothing and accessories for children and to give mothers the opportunity to sell and consign their gently used children's and maternity clothing.  "After providing so many children with a new look, we decided the Purple Polka Dotted Hippo deserved a new look as well," Melanie Schneckloth said.  "The new location has more room and parking for our customers, while still maintaining its warm and welcoming surroundings to parents and children alike." Schneckloth adds, "We're excited to get the opportunity to provide a more central location for our local customers."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Melanie Schneckloth

Telephone: 563-388-5076