IA/IL QUAD-CITIES – The 10th Annual Bettendorf Rotary Lobsterfest will offer an evening of community spirit and robust dining, including a New England-style feast of lobster, corn on the cob, and more. And, the benefits of this event will go well beyond one evening. Funds generated by Lobsterfest annually provide the community with thousands of dollars in direct grants and scholarships.
Tickets are now available for this year’s Lobsterfest, which will take place 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, IA. Presenting sponsors are Triumph Community Bank and Abbey Carpet Gallery. Tickets cost $75 each, or $520 for a table of eight. To buy tickets, call (563) 445‐4264 or visit www.bettendorfrotary.com/
“One reason the community has stood with us each year is because people see the incredible assistance we've been able to provide,” said Kevin Kraft, President of the Bettendorf Rotary Club. “Whether it's funding to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, or provide educational materials to indigent children, there is much work that needs to be done. Also, a lobster boil on a starry June night under a tent happens to be a great way to raise money.”
“Each year, Bettendorf Rotary awards charitable grants up to $2,500 to worthy non-profits throughout the Quad Cities,” said Johanna Smith, Secretary of the Bettendorf Rotary Club. “For many of these organizations, this funding gives them an opportunity to fully pursue projects which otherwise may not have succeeded. This funding is integral to building stronger programs that take care of those who need assistance the most. Funds raised from the event also provide student scholarships. The event is truly a ‘party with a purpose.’”
Last year’s Lobsterfest proceeds funded $22,500 in grants, which went to 12 not-for-profit organizations serving the Quad Cities. Proceeds were also used to award $7,000 in scholarship funds to students from Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf High Schools, Rivermont Collegiate, and Scott Community College. Remaining funds raised went to the Bettendorf Rotary’s foundation for future charitable causes.
Below is an overview of the 2015 grant recipients, their projects, and the amount each received:
- Asbury Methodist Church. Project: Garden Ministry. The Garden Ministry will provide fresh vegetables to those who do not have access to them. $2,500.
- Bettendorf Public Library. Project: Outdoor Chess at the Library. ADA-accessible steel chess tables will be installed outside of the library. This project will include 10 chess sets for patrons to use during School Chess Club activities. $2,500.
- Boy Scouts of America. Project: Kittan (Scott County) Day Camp. This five-day camp will provide boys in first through fifth grades with meaningful learning and leadership experiences. $1,500.
- Child Abuse Council. Project: Stewards of Children: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. This funding will provide workbooks and supplies for sexual abuse prevention programming for Quad Cities adults. $1,500.
- Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ. Project: Blessings in a Backpack. Edwards will coordinate with Eisenhower Elementary in Davenport to provide healthy weekend snacks for economically disadvantaged children. $2,500.
- FROG: Fluent Reading Our Goal. Project: Expansion of Kindergarten Resources. This project will help provide summer volunteer tutoring and resources for kids who have completed kindergarten. $500.
- From Cover to Cover. Project: Snuggle Up and Read Campaign. The campaign will promote literacy among at-risk children through book and blanket donations to kindergarteners and free book and literacy programs at Monroe Elementary. $2,000.
- GiGi’s Playhouse – Quad Cities, LLC. Project: Literacy Tutoring Program. This program will provide one-on-one tutoring and customized materials for those with Down syndrome. $2,500.
- Hope at the BRICK House, Inc. Project: After-School Program. This project will provide at-risk students in the after-school program with materials and resources to enhance academic performance and social skills. $2,000.
- Scott County Family Y. Project: YMCA Fairmont Pines Summer Fun Club Program. This seven-week summer program will serve at-risk children from the Fairmont Pines Housing Complex. $2,500.
- The 180 Zone (One Eighty). Project: Sports Camp Equipment. Equipment provided through this program will be used during Sports Camps by more than 1,000 local school kids. $1,000.
- The Center. Project: Skate Shop. This program from Skate Church will teach students leadership skills. $1,500.
Chartered in 1957, the Bettendorf Rotary Club has more than 100 members. For more information, visit www.bettendorfrotary.com. Also, you can ‘Like’ the Bettendorf Rotary Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
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