BETTENDORF, IOWA (April 29, 2026) — Tapestry Farms invites the community to its annual Spring Fling benefit, a fundraiser and celebration of the new growing season. The event will be held on Friday, May 1, at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf. Doors open at 6 p.m. and will feature live music, food and drink, a silent auction, a flower bar, and a special keynote address by Ahmand Ali Noorestani, who fled with his wife and two young children from Afghanistan and now finds home in the Quad-Cities.
Funds raised will directly support Tapestry Farms’ investment in the lives of refugees who resettle in the Quad Cities, focusing on access to housing, education, healthcare, food, and employment. Its 14 urban farm plots located throughout the Quad Cities reclaim underutilized land to grow fresh, nutritious produce.
“We are so very thankful for the community of support that surrounds our work, growing fresh produce and walking alongside refugees from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti,” said Ann McGlynn, founder and executive director of Tapestry Farms. “We are looking forward to an evening with hundreds of our friends, celebrating our work together and raising vital funding to continue on into our eighth year of refugees and neighbors, flourishing together.”
Ali Noorestani was born in Kabul during a time when Afghanistan was still shaped by the aftermath of the Soviet–Afghan War and years of ongoing conflict. His early life was marked by war and displacement, forcing his family to seek refuge abroad before returning home after the arrival of NATO forces.
Ali learned English and computer skills when access was limited, began teaching others at sixteen, and worked in a government office helping shift systems from manual to digital — all while attending school at night and supporting his family.
After completing high school in 2009, Ali began his professional journey in aviation. Over the next thirteen years, he built a strong career, advancing into supervisory and management positions in international flight operations. At the same time, he continued his education and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law.
The return of the Taliban in 2021 brought severe restrictions, intolerance toward those who believed in democracy, and increasing pressure on the younger generation — many of whom were accused of being influenced by Western values. Life became difficult, and for Ali — a young man who spoke passionately about human rights — unsafe. Due to growing security concerns and a lack of freedom, he was forced to leave behind his country, his career, and everything he had built.
In 2023, Ali arrived in the United States to begin a new chapter. Starting over was not easy, but it was a step toward a life aligned with his beliefs — a place where freedom of speech, education, and equal rights are protected. He is rebuilding his life in the Quad Cities, working toward a new future while holding onto the same values that shaped his journey.
“We’re honored to welcome Ali to this year’s Spring Fling,” Ann said. “His lived experience and lifelong devotion to human rights reflects the heart of our work—accompanying refugee neighbors with dignity, trust, and practical support.”
Tapestry Farms helps refugees navigate health-care and education systems and access housing, jobs, and food. The organization also has a legal clinic that has supported more than 100 refugees file for their green cards and to become US citizens.
Worldwide, there are more than 43.4 million refugees who have fled their home countries as a result of conflict, persecution, violence, and climate disasters. At a time when global displacement is at historic levels, Spring Fling offers a way for Quad Citians to take meaningful action on behalf of those who have fled to find home in our shared community. Attendees will learn more about Tapestry Farms’ impact and how their support can make a lasting difference in the lives of refugee families who now call this community home.
“If you’ve ever wondered how to show up for refugees in our community — come to Spring Fling,” Ann said. “It’s a joyful evening that ushers in the growing season here in the Quad-Cities and will leave you full of hope and a deep sense of connection. We would love to have you there.”
About Tapestry Farms:
Tapestry Farms generously invests in the lives of refugees who resettle in the Quad Cities, focusing on:
● Access: We persistently work to eliminate barriers refugees experience to housing, education, medical and mental health-care, work, food, transportation, community, and citizenship.
● Urban farm: We reclaim underutilized land in Quad City neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity, growing culturally-responsive food so that all in our community are abundantly fed.
● The future: Our greatest hope is that building trusted connections will create a Quad City-wide welcoming infrastructure — a vibrant and thriving community for every single person, including refugees.
To learn more, visit: tapestryfarms.org/.
