MOLINE, IL -- Area college students who enjoy public television, along with volunteering, may wish to consider becoming a WQPT/PBS Ambassador. 

 

The program provides an opportunity for students to represent public television at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Ambassadors are an extension of the WQPT volunteer force representing the station at fairs, community and fundraising events, as well as on television, according to WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. 

 

"Serving as a WQPT Ambassador is the perfect way for students to fulfill volunteerism requirements, while making a difference in the community," said Pruess added. 

 

For more information and to obtain an application by the April 18 deadline, visit wqpt.org/involved. More information is also available by calling (309) 796-2424.  

 

WQPT has been serving eastern Iowa and western Illinois for 30 years and is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

 

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Rock Island, IL - On January 29th, the Davenport Evening Optimists Club presented Christian Care with their Outstanding Service Award for successful achievement in working with the youth and community of the Quad Cities Area. Kris Hull Houghton, Christian Care's Domestic Violence Shelter Manager, was on site to speak to the group and accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The Davenport Evening Optimists Club, much like other Optimists Clubs worldwide, works with individuals and organizations supporting causes in their local area by raising funds for agencies that help children.

"Christian Care's Children's Advocacy Program has been working and advocating for children for over six years, and it is gratifying to see that our work within the community is being recognized for the difference that it makes," says Kris Hull Houghton. Christian Care's Domestic Violence Shelter through its Children's Advocacy Program offers counseling, legal advocacy, tutoring, and parenting and support services to children who have either witnessed or experienced domestic violence. If you wish to support the Children's Advocacy Program, send a donation to Christian Care at PO Box 4176, Rock Island Illinois, 61204.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. The organization serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.

Lena, IL--Timber Lake Playhouse and The Rafters will present 'Casino Night at The Saloon' on Saturday, April 12 at The Rafters in Lena, Illinois. The Western Saloon themed evening will benefit Timber Lake Playhouse and includes buffet dinner, dessert bar, sixteen gaming tables with professional dealers, live entertainment by Jason Stone and prizes at the end of the night. The all-inclusive ticket for Casino Night is $50 and includes $1000 worth of play gambling money. Tickets should be purchased in advance at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling 815-244-2035.

The Western Buffet starts the evening from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. It will include Cole Slaw, BBQ Pork, Baked Chicken on the Bone, Cowboy Beans Trio, Fire Roasted Corn and Hoagie Bread. A dessert bar of Apple Crisp, Peach Cobbler and Bread Pudding continues until 9:00 pm.  Each attendee will receive a bucket with $1,000 in Fun Casino Chips to start them off at the gaming tables, which will be run by Stardust Productions. Tables will be operating between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. Additional chips may be purchased. They can be redeemed for chances to win prizes at 9:00 pm. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.

The evening continues with live music by Jason Stone from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am. There will be a cash bar all evening with drink specials, as well. Western dress is encouraged!

The Rafters Restaurant and Catering is a family owned and operated business that has been serving Northern Illinois for over 11 years.  Currently spearheaded by Gary and Ross Vehmeier, and located at 9426 W. Wagner Road in Lena, The Rafters serves lunch and dinner specials in their restaurant and bar spaces, and introduced new specialties including a brewery/distillery and smokehouse in 2013.

Timber Lake Playhouse has been bringing professional theatrical entertainment to northwest Illinois since 1962. Executive Director James Beaudry said, "TLP and The Rafters share a common goal of giving people in the region a great night out. We're thrilled to partner with everyone at The Rafters for what promises to be a fun evening for a great cause."

Coming up May 3-4, Timber Lake Playhouse presents "The Sing-a-longa Sound of Music" at the Playhouse in Mount Carroll, Illinois. Experience the Academy Award winning film starring Julie Andrews on the big screen, but this time, as a sing-a-long for the entire audience. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for the most creative. Tickets are $15 and include a prop fun bag. Show times are May 3 at 6:30 pm and May 4 at 2 pm. Tickets available through www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or at 815-244-2035.

'Casino Night at The Saloon' will take place April 12, 2014 at 6:00 pm at The Rafters, 9426 W. Wagner Road, Lena, Illinois, 61048. Tickets are $50 each. To purchase, or for more information, visit timberlakeplayhouse.org or call 815-244-2035.

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March 1 - April 30

Rock Island, IL - For the 17th consecutive year, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation in Rhode Island will divide $1 million among hunger-fighting agencies nationwide, including Christian Care in Rock Island. As an incentive to help raise funds from March 1 through April 30, Mr. Feinstein will provide a percentage of the $1 million to Christian Care, based on the amount of donations they receive during challenge's time frame. Challenge donations include cash, checks, food items (valued by the Feinstein Foundation at $1.00 per item or pound) and pledges to donate. Many donors have found that pledging facilitates their efforts. For example, if someone pledges $300, they may meet their challenge by paying just $25 a month to do so. Christian Care will receive credit for the full $300 amount. Donors must designate all monetary donations, food donations and pledges for the Feinstein Hunger Challenge. The more donations Christian Care receives between March 1 and April 30, the larger the percentage of Feinstein Hunger Challenge money they will be awarded.

Christian Care has been feeding the hungry for 97 years. Although the organization's focus is primarily on the homeless and victims of domestic violence, the Christian Care Community Meal Site welcomes anyone in the community who is hungry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on weekdays Monday through Friday and breakfast and dinner are served on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:15 PM, and dinner at 6:30 PM. The community relies on Christian Care not only to serve hot meals every day, but also to provide a warming station for nonresident homeless individuals during the winter.

The Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation continues to be one of the leading fundraising organizations in the fight to end hunger. Founded in 1991 by Alan Shawn Feinstein, the Feinstein Foundation is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger, the importance of community service in education and the values of caring, compassion and brotherhood. Feinstein's past annual spring $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised over $2 billion for over 1,800 agencies and houses of worship helping the needy nationwide.

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. 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.

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