The Quad City Mallards teamed with Genesis Philanthropy to raise $25,225 for the Genesis Family Connects program through a game-worn jersey auction following the Mallards’ March 5 game against the Wichita Thunder at the iWireless Center.
The special edition Star Wars jerseys worn by the Mallards went up for bid in a live auction immediately following that contest. The jersey of Mallards defenseman Mike Monfredo went for the evening’s high bid of $1,300.
Over the past two decades, Mallards jersey auctions have raised more than $800,000 to benefit Genesis Health System projects. The March 5 auction was the second of two the Mallards have teamed with Genesis to hold this season. The two auctions this season combined to raise more than $41,000.
In partnership with Scott County Kids, the Genesis Family Connects Program was established in 2015. The program is an evidence-based initiative with the goal of connecting parents with essential community resources they need to raise a healthy family.
In the first three weeks following a baby leaving the hospital, specially trained Genesis Visiting Nurses provide in-home visits and offer a needs assessment of mothers and newborns. Nurses are able to address housing issues, breastfeeding, depression and mental health needs, substance abuse, domestic violence and relationship issues, child care access, parenting education, family planning, financial concerns, social support and other issues.
“Through the generous support of our community and funders, we have been able to offer education and support to families from all walks of life during the most critical time for a newborn to be able to have the strongest start possible,’’ said Tera Weets, supervisor of child and family services, Genesis VNA & Hospice. “We are grateful for the continued support to be able to offer this valuable service to families.’’
To learn more about Genesis Family Connects, or to help provide support for the program, call (563) 421-6960 or go to www.genesisphilanthropy.org.###
