05 May 2014

Christian Care Receives Funding The Rock Island Rotary Supports Children's Program

By Rick Martin

Rock Island, IL - The Rock Island Rotary Club awarded a $500 grant to help Christian Care provide therapeutic services to children who arrive at its Domestic Violence Shelter with their mothers. "All children who have seen and experienced domestic violence in the home can benefit from professional counseling," said Christian Care's CEO, Dr. Elaine Winter. "With our Awakening Children to Empowerment (ACE) Program, children over the age of two receive the mental and emotional support, the nurturing, and the affirming validation they need to heal from the effects of domestic violence. We thank the Rock Island Rotary for its gift; not only are we working together to help these families in need, but to help their future families, as well."

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness. Its two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care crisis hotline any hour of the day or night at (309) 788-2273.

02 May 2014

Royal Neighbors Hosts Kick-off Ceremony for New Habitat Home; All-Women Crew to Build on Davenport Site

By Britney Quaale

(Rock Island, IL)–Royal Neighbors of America will host a kick-off ceremony for a new Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities home in Davenport, IA, on May 6, 2014. Women volunteers will be welcome throughout the year, with special build days set aside for female crews only. To volunteer, call Barb Hiesterman at (563) 359-9066.

WHAT: Kick-off ceremony for a Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities home

WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 2014; 8 a.m.

WHERE: 6400 Appomattox, Davenport, IA

CONTACT: Sarah Reemtsma, (309) 732-8348 or (563) 343-7770

Royal Neighbors' partnership with Habitat began back in the 90s when it was part of a "blitz build" in Kansas City, MO. Other projects included building homes in Rock Island and Moline, IL, Moorhead, MN, and San Angelo, TX, and sponsoring The First Ladies Build and the Women Building a Legacy project.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, visit www.royalneighbors.org or

call (800) 627-4762.
02 May 2014

9th Annual Hawkeye Day for Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City

By Charlie Becker
KINNICK STADIUM
SATURDAY - MAY 3, 2014
12:00 PM TO  2:45 PM

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 - beginning at 11:45 AM is the Annual Hawkeye Day for Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime for campers to visit with the Iowa Hawkeye football players, coaches, and staff.  Camp Courageous campers will enjoy a great lunch, provided by Martin Brothers, and a tour of the Iowa football complex.  Campers will receive from the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa special souvenirs that can be autographed by the players, coaches, and staff.

"This is one of those experiences that will never be forgotten by the campers who attend. We cannot thank enough Kirk Ferentz, along with the players and staff for this opportunity. It is heartwarming that individuals so gifted and talented and busy will take the time to spend with these special campers. Every year the players do an exceptional job, engaging the campers.  We have campers that have had a hard time falling asleep the night before, in anticipation of this big day," said Charlie Becker, Camp Courageous.
The annual spring picnic was spearheaded by a long time Camp Courageous supporter and Hawkeye Football lover, the late Bill Krause. The continued success of the event is due to the amazing support of Martin Brother's Distributing, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI), Gilcrest-Jewett Lumber Company, Kum & Go and the University of Iowa Football team.

The media is welcome to attend at any time. Photo and video opportunities with the coaches, players, and campers.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS #####

11:45 a.m. Camp Courageous campers arrive at Kinnick Stadium. Charlie Becker will check-in everyone at the Krause Plaza on the South end of the stadium by the Nile Kinnick Statue. 

12:00p.m. Check in; receive name tags and complimentary item. Immediately go through lunch buffet provided by Martin Bros.

12:00 p.m. Hawkeye football team arrives and also receive name tags, and go through buffet lunch line. Players eat at tables with campers and parents

12:30 p.m. Begin short program. Thanking sponsors (PMCI, MARTIN BROS., KUM & GO & The University of Iowa Players, Coaches, and Staff)
Introduce Chig, and Coach Ferentz. Coach will speak openly about past/upcoming season...etc. Introduce players, coaching staff who may be there. As they are introduced, they will proceed to a long table and sit for autograph line. After the introductions, Campers will line up for the autographs from players and coaches.  Campers will then be directed to meet at designated location after autographs to head out on their tour.

1:00-1:15 p.m. Timing depends when the autographs are finished. Begin tours. Camp Courageous will have their campers split into groups. (Black and gold)
**Photos with players will be available on the field after tours and group photo. This will help the autograph line move quickly.
Tours will include : Hawkeye Locker Room, Pink Locker Room, Press Box
Black tour group will start in the Locker Rooms
Gold group will start in the Brechler Press Box

1:45 p.m. Both groups will finish on the South end bleachers for a group photo.

2:00 p.m. Free play on the field. This will end the official 'tour' portion of the day. 

########
For more information contact: Charlie Becker  319/465-5916 ext 2100 or cbecker@campcourageous.org
30 Apr 2014

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS AWARDS GRANT TO CHURCHES UNITED FOR HUNGER PROGRAM

By Rick Martin

Churches United of the Quad City Area is extremely proud and thankful to announce the award of a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 from the Rock Island County Federation of Women's Clubs, to be utilized in support of our Hunger Program.

We are very grateful to the Rock Island County Federation of Women's Clubs for its support in this endeavor.

###

30 Apr 2014

100 Royal Neighbors volunteers will plant gardens to raise food for local families

By Britney Quaale

(Rock Island, IL) -More than 100 volunteers from the Royal Neighbors of America Home Office and area chapters are scheduled to observe JOIN HANDS DAY on Saturday, May 3, by "Growing & Giving TogetherSM." The group also will include individuals from Girl Scout Troop 5895, Rock Island; the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners; and The Friends of Riverside Park Gardens. Also invited are women and their families who use the services of area social services agencies.

Riverside Park in Moline will be the site of several projects including planting fruit, vegetable, and herb gardens which will benefit the Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Food Pantries; designing a children's garden; and creating make-and-take container gardens. Master gardeners will be on site to teach participants how to plant and maintain the gardens. It is estimated that when harvested, the food will feed nearly 100 women and their families.

WHAT: Planting gardens in observance of JOIN HANDS DAY

WHEN: Saturday, May 3; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Riverside Gardens and Park, 5th Avenue and 34th Street, Moline, IL

CONTACTS: Vickie Sedam (563) 320-1137; Sarah Reemtsma (563) 343-7770

In the event of inclement weather, outdoor garden work will be rescheduled for June.  The make-and-take container garden event will go on as scheduled from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

In its 15th year, JOIN HANDS DAY is sponsored by America's fraternal benefit societies such

as Royal Neighbors of America. The day of service provides an opportunity for adults and young people to build relationships through volunteer activities. As partners, adults and youths work together to plan, organize, and implement activities that improve their neighborhoods.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance and annuity products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.
29 Apr 2014

The Arc of the Quad Cities Announces Grant Award

By Sarah Wright

Rock Island, IL - The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is pleased to announce that is has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $3,000,000. These funds have been designated for construction of no less than five group homes which will be licensed as Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in-community.

Funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity come from bond funds and are distributed to The Arc of the Quad Cities for capital expenditures. The Arc of the Quad Cities is most grateful to State Representative Pat Vershoore for sponsoring this grant. Says Kyle Rick, Executive Director for The Arc, "We are very grateful to Representative Verschoore for this transformational opportunity for The Arc and the people we serve." Mr. Vershoore is a long standing supporter of The Arc and friend to those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

The homes will be occupied by up to eight individuals and will be located in the cities of Rock Island and Moline.

The Arc of the Quad Cities will be initiating a capital campaign to offset any costs not covered by the DCEO grant for the construction of the new CILA homes and for the repurposing of The Arc's Heritage 53 location and The Arc's Day Services and Administrative Offices on 9th Street in Rock Island.

The construction of these new homes in Rock Island and Moline, is a natural progression of a national trend to support Individuals with disabilities in-community to maximize each individuals fullest potential. The Arc of the Quad Cities has traditionally lead the way in this endeavor; these funds and the resulting CILA homes is a continuation of The Arc's legacy that values community placement and integration in all aspects of the quality services it provides.

Editor's Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc of the Quad Cities Area or The Arc not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered a title or a phrase.

###

28 Apr 2014

Modern Woodmen will support Quad City food pantries on May 3

By Amber O’Brien

Youths and teens will work to benefit local American Red Cross chapter

On Saturday, May 3, hundreds of volunteers will make a difference throughout the Quad Cities with paint cans, brushes, rollers and cleaning supplies. The food pantry support projects are part of Join Hands Day, a national day of service sponsored by Modern Woodmen and other fraternal benefit societies.

Grace Bible Fellowship Food Pantry
1535 36th Avenue, Moline
Number of Volunteers: 40+
Project Details: cleaning waiting area, building shelving, painting
Projected Time: 8 am-12 pm.

Second Baptist Church Food Pantry
919 5th Ave., Rock Island
Number of Volunteers: 5
Project Details: painting and cleaning the food pantry.
Projected Time: 8 am-12 pm.

Watertown Ecumenical Food Pantry
1365 13th Ave., East Moline
Number of Volunteers: 5
Project Details: window work including detailing and cleaning.
Projected Time: 8 am-12 pm.

Modern Woodmen youth project:
Modern Woodmen, 1701 1st Ave., Rock Island
Number of Volunteers: 80+
Project Details: Youth clubs will make "Comfort Kits" for disaster clients with the American Red Cross.
Projected time: 9:00-11:00 am

Prince of Peace Food Pantry
415 W. 53rd Street, Davenport
Number of Volunteers: 5
Project Details: updating waiting area, cleaning, waxing and painting.
Projected Time: 8 am-12 pm.

Bettendorf Community Food Pantry
2204 Grant St., Bettendorf
Number of Volunteers: 5
Project Details: Refurbish entry and waiting area. Volunteers will also clean, paint and help hang signage.
Projected Time: 8 am-12 pm.

Join Hands Day is the only national day of service designed to bring youths and adults together to plan and implement service projects in their communities. As the generations work side by side, they learn more about each other, sparking a new level of understanding and respect.

The hunger and desperate need for food in the Quad City area sparked Modern Woodmen's interest to support River Bend Foodbank. This is one of many ways Modern Woodmen's plans to give back to River Bend Foodbank in 2014. The foodbank serves 22 counties in Illinois and Iowa and serves nearly 10,000 people each week for emergency food assistance.

Throughout the Quad Cities, more than 1400 area youths and adults are teaming up to complete volunteer projects. Locally, Modern Woodmen sponsors these local initiatives and gives each project a $50 grant to offset project expenses.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

For more information about local Join Hands Day projects, contact Amber O'Brien at 309-793-5660, or visit modern-woodmen.org.
- end -

24 Apr 2014

Tractor Encourages $35,000 in Donations for River Bend Foodbank

By Jennifer Schroder

"60-Day Hunger Drive" provides one million meals to alleviate hunger across Illinois and western Indiana

Annawan, Ill. - Since it was commissioned in January, a 60-year-old red tractor has traveled more than 1,300 miles and raised $35,192 for the River Bend Foodbank. Caren Laughlin, Director of Marketing at River Bend Foodbank accepted the donation during a presentation at Birkey's Annawan, Ill., location on Wednesday, April 23.

For two months, the restored Farmall Super MTA tractor served as an inventive for donations: individuals who gave $10 or more were entered into a drawing to win it. The tractor visited 12 Birkey's Farm Store locations from Feb. 3 to April 4 as part of the company's 60-Day Hunger Drive.

"This is an incredible effort on the part of Birkey's and its customers and we are very grateful," says Tom Laughlin, executive director of River Bend Foodbank. "Unfortunately the need for emergency food assistance in our outer counties continues to grow and families face tough decisions such as choosing between paying bills and buying food. The support from Birkey's will make a big difference in helping our neighbors in need."

The River Bend Foodbank received donations from 6 Birkey's stores, including Henry, Macomb, Galesburg, Polo, Prophetstown, and Annawan. Proceeds from each Birkey's location will be allocated to agencies in that store's local community.

More than 3,000 individuals and seven food banks participated in the drive, which raised $167,000 in donations–enough for one million meals.

"I am so proud of the way our employees worked together to contribute to neighbors in need," says Mike Hedge, President and CEO of Birkey's. "We hope that this donation will have a big impact, but we know that the need will continue long after our drive is over. We are grateful for the food banks' efforts to alleviate hunger year-round."

In the 47 counties served by Birkey's Farm Stores, Inc., more than 286,000 people are not able to access a nutritious meal when they want it, and one in five children is food insecure. Food banks selected to benefit from the drive were all part of the Feeding America network.

Ross Cluver of Buckley, Ill., won the tractor in the official drawing on Thursday, April 10.

Champaign-based Birkey's has locations throughout central and northern Illinois, and in western Indiana. The event is part of the company's 60th anniversary celebration.
24 Apr 2014

Belly Dance Troupe Ámate Promote Women's Empowerment

By Rick Martin

Rock Island, IL - The lovely ladies of Belly Dance Troupe Ámate will dance at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse beginning at 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 26 to benefit Christian Care's Domestic Violence Shelter by supporting women's empowerment. Dancers will demonstrate what belly dancing is all about by presenting solos, duets, trios and group numbers! Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, located at 1325 30th Street in Rock Island, will offer their delicious menu of food and beverages during the event. For more information about this free event, visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org.

Belly Dance Troupe Ámate was founded by Bez Lancial in 2013. They are a new and exciting belly dance troupe in the Quad City area. They are available for group or solo performances at public and private events, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, workshops or private and group lessons. They pride themselves on the knowledge that they are always learning and expanding as dancers, taking classes and workshops so that they can provide their audiences with up-to-date, ever-improving, quality work. For more information on how to an event, visit www.quadcitiesbellydance.com.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309/786-5734 for more information. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Line at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

###

23 Apr 2014

KAABA SHRINERS RECYCLE TABS TO HELP WITH THE COST OF CHILDREN'S CARE

By Rick Martin

The Kaaba Shriners are in their 24th year of collecting the little tabs off of soda pop and beer cans to raise money to help with the expenses of caring for children with orthopedic injuries, diseases, and birth defects.

Based in Davenport but with membership throughout southeastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Kaaba Shriners are also known for their parade participation, circuses and other community events in addition to their support of the network of hospitals and their care for children.

Noble Jack Stamm, PP, began the tab collections in 1990 by turning in the tabs as scrap aluminum and using the money received to help with patient expenses. So far in 2014, the local Shriners have collected over 1,900 pounds of tabs which has netted them $944.70. And it takes 1,267 of those little tabs just to make a pound! Since the inception of this program, they've recycled 378,432 pounds for a whopping total of $202,194.67! That works out to almost one half billion tabs, all of it to aid in the care of children!

Pretty soon when you think of the Shriners you'll think hospitals, circuses, parades and those little aluminum tabs. For more information on the tabs project, to make a donation of tabs, or for information on the Kaaba Shriners in general, please contact them at 563-386-2526.

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