Bettendorf, Iowa (April 14, 2009) - Quad Cities Leadership Alumni United would like to announce the opening of the grant application process for 2009. QCLAU will provide up to $1000 Quality of Life grants for programs or projects in Rock Island or Scott counties that support the group's mission: Quad Cities Leadership Alumni United will work to improve life in the Quad Cities by eliminating barriers and providing access. This year's focus will be on programs that support education or employment readiness.

The Quad Cities Leadership Alumni United is made up of graduates from local leadership programs in both Iowa and Illinois.

The three grant recipients from 2008 included: $750 to Boys/Girls Club of Mississippi Valley for Power Hour, $750 to Transitions Mental Health Rehabilitation for Youth Education & Employment Readiness Project, and $500 to Rock Island County 4-H Extension for QC Teen Reality World.

Proposals for the 2009 granting cycle will be accepted between April 1 and June 1. Application packets may be requested by emailing qcleadership@gmail.com. Checks will be awarded at the organization's September 10th fall event - "A Night at the Ballpark" - at Modern Woodmen Park.

Applicants must have 501(c)3 or non-profit status.

Celebrity Chef Donates Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Treats To Local Shelter

When: Friday, April 17th at 10:30AM

Where: Quad Cities Adoption Center, Inc. (9525 New Liberty Road, Maysville, IA)

What: The economic downturn that started on Wall Street is beginning to take a serious toll on the backyard doghouse. Many apartment complex owners are no longer allowing dogs due to fear of increased "wear and tear" and in general many families no longer have the ability to provide for food, toys and costly medical bills. The result: an escalated amount of pet owners relinquishing their dogs to local shelters.

Heartbroken by the thought of millions of animals taken in by these shelters, celebrity chef Rachael Ray will be donating dog food and treats from her new premium pet food line Rachael Ray Nutrish. This is on top of Rachael's Rescue, through which all of Rachael's proceeds from the dog food line sold in stores goes directly to no-kill animal shelters.

Why:

• Animal rescue groups and shelters across the country have seen an increase in the number of pet owners forced to give up their dogs because of the ailing economy and a decrease in adoptions.

• Iowa ranks 3rd in the nation in the commercial dog breeding industry and puppy mill operations, for animal lovers, that statistic is not a good thing.

• Approximately 7 million dogs enter shelters each year across the nation.

• Recently, Rachael's Rescue donated $50,000 to North Shore Animal League, and there is much more to come.

Visual and Interview Opportunities:

Rochelle Buskirk, Fundraising Coordinator, Quad Cities Greyhound Adoption, Inc. speaking about the donation and the importance of animal nutrition.

Rachael Ray Nutrish workers donating 7 tons of treats to Quad Cities Greyhound Adoption, Inc.

Dogs enjoying Rachael Ray Nutrish treats like Isaboo Booscotti at the shelter.

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Prayer... America' Hope is the focus of the 17th Annual Quad Cities National Day of Prayer.  Join us from 6:30am - 8:00am on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at The Lodge, 900 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf.

The Master of Ceremonies is Mike Mickle; the Keynote Speaker will be John Bustle, Vice-President, John Deere Foundation; and special musical presentations by Scott Schaefer.

"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalm 33:22.

Admission is $10 in advance, $12 after May 1st.  Students are $5 in advance, $6 after May 1st.  Visit any Quad Cities YMCA or email qcndp@quadcitiesymca.org.

Sponsored by: Quad Cities YMCAs - St. Ambrose University - Churches United of the Quad City Area - Augustana College.

Youth Courses Sponsored by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Begin this Month - Offering Mix of Spiritual Growth and Rock Music

DAVENPORT, Iowa, April 14, 2009 - This summer, some of America's most popular hard rock and hip-hop Christian artists will Rock the River in Quad Cities - but the fun is already starting. This month, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is sponsoring a teen-oriented program called FM419 - two-days of music, fellowship and spiritual growth where young people tackle questions about their walk with God, how to deal with the challenges of life and how to share their faith with others.

WHAT: FM419 Youth Training - OPEN TO MEDIA

WHEN: April 24-25 (Add to Outlook Calendar)

WHERE: Harvest Bible Church
3800 E 53rd Street
Davenport, IA

Adults also have the opportunity to participate in preparations for this summer's Rock the River event with the Christian Life & Witness Course, which is kicking off this month at churches across the region. Click here for more information and the local Christian Life & Witness schedule.

Rock the River Tour is a new evangelistic summer concert series that features seven hours of high-voltage music plus brief, challenging messages by Franklin Graham. These one-day events will rock their way up the Mississippi River through Baton Rouge, St. Louis, Quad Cities and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Rock the River Tour comes to the Quad Cities on Saturday, Aug. 8.

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