27 Feb 2012

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans reports third-consecutive year of strong results

By Dan Moret

Not-for-profit membership organization also reports more than $175 million given to communities in 2011

 

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 23, 2012) - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced today that its 2011 results led to the third-consecutive year of financial growth for the not-for-profit, Fortune 500 membership organization. Sales, revenue, assets under management, and total adjusted surplus all rose in 2011 and have continued to rise since 2008 despite turbulent economic and market conditions. Thrivent Financial's statutory revenue climbed to $7.9 billion, up six percent over 2010, and assets under management rose to $75.8 billion, up almost four percent from the previous year.

"For the third consecutive year, Thrivent Financial produced outstanding results," said Brad Hewitt, president and CEO of Thrivent Financial. "We continue to grow while offering the ongoing strength and stability our members expect from us. Solid business performance and strong investment results are two of the drivers that helped us meet and exceed our target goals."

Life, health and annuity sales continued to be a major factor in helping Thrivent Financial attain strong results, rising five percent from 2010. Thrivent Financial's life insurance in force now stands at $170.2 billion, two percent higher than in 2010.

Ongoing strength and stability

Thrivent Financial continues to be one of the strongest and most stable financial services organizations in the industry. The total adjusted surplus of the organization grew seven percent to $5.4 billion in 2011. In addition, Fitch Ratings recently affirmed Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' AA (Very Strong) rating, the third-highest of Fitch's 19 categories, and gave the organization a stable outlook. Earlier in 2011, A.M. Best gave Thrivent Financial for Lutherans an A++ (Superior) rating with a stable outlook. A++ (Superior) is the highest of A.M. Best's 16 ratings categories.

 

Community giving and outreach

Thrivent Financial, its members and employees continue to strengthen communities nationwide. In 2011, Thrivent Financial and its members gave $175.5 million in direct support to charitable organizations, schools, congregations and individuals in need. In addition, the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation recently announced that it awarded $15.1 million in grants to Lutheran institutions nationwide and nonprofits in Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Fox Cities (Wis.) area.

Thrivent Financial members and other non-members volunteered more than 10.8 million hours in the communities in which they live and work in support of Thrivent Financial projects in 2011. The 3,000 employees of Thrivent Financial also gave more than 71,000 volunteer hours in support of nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities (Minn.) and Fox Cities (Wis.). Through the Thrivent Gift Multiplier program, employees' and financial representatives' donations were matched by the Foundation for a total of $4,646,222. In addition, through the employee giving campaign employees generated an additional $759,000 for nonprofits, which was matched by the Foundation for a total of $1,518,000.

 

 

Thrivent Choice

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans distributed more than $62 million through its Thrivent Choice Dollars program in 2011. More than 20,000 Lutheran congregations and organizations received funding as a result of 259,000 eligible Thrivent Financial members recommending where to distribute a portion of the organization's charitable funds.

 

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity

Through its unique partnership, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute $9.2 million to fund the construction and rehabilitation of 142 Habitat for Humanity homes in 32 U.S. states and an additional $1 million to support teams building homes around the world in 2012. With this contribution, Thrivent Financial will have contributed $160 million since the program began in 2005, constructing more than 2,600 homes in the U.S. and around the world.

"Our purpose is to help our members be wise with money and to inspire them to live generously," continued Hewitt. "For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial has helped its members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Our ongoing strength and stability will allow us to be there for them for another 100 years."

 

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.5 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI.  Not all products are available in all states.  Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-847-4836, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc.  They are also licensed insurance agents of Thrivent Financial.

For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.
24 Feb 2012

Churches United participating in the Alan Feinstein Challenge

By Anne Wachal
Churches United of the Quad City Area will be participating in the Alan Feinstein challenge

Churches United would like to ask the community to please recognize our long history in operating food pantries and meal sites by supporting our hunger programs beginning March 1 through April 30th.

We have an opportunity to receive other funding from the Alan Feinstein Foundation if we can garner a significant contribution during these 60 days.

Should you feel so moved please designate in the memo line or send us a note you are in your envelope that you are responding to the Feinstein Foundation Challenge.

Churches United will then receive a proportional amount of the $1,000,000 (million) the foundation will be dispersing to hunger agencies all across the country.

Remember, your donation must simply require two things: that it be dated between March 1 and April 30th, 2012 and the Feinstein Foundation must be mentioned somewhere in your mailing.

It has been a tough year and we continue to feed Quad Citians all over the greater Quad City area.

In 2011, our food pantries served over 29,000 families equaling over 102,000 indiivduals. We do make an impact .

So please help us during this time. Thank you!!

For questions or more information contact Churches United at 332-5002 or email us at: awachal@cuqca.org

For information on Alan Feinstein Foundation go to: www.feinsteinfoundation.org
20 Feb 2012

Churches United of the Quad City Area will be participating in the Alan Feinstein challenge

By Anne Wachal

Churches United would like to ask the community to please recognize our long history in operating  food pantries and meal sites by supporting our hunger programs beginning March 1 through April 30th.

We have an opportunity to receive other funding from  the Alan Feinstein Foundation if we can garner a significant contribution during these 60 days.

Should you feel so moved please designate in the memo line or send us a note you are in your envelope that you are responding to the Feinstein Foundation Challenge and mail it to Churches United of the Quad City Area, 2535 Tech Drive - Suite 205, Bettendorf, IA  52722.

Churches United will then receive a proportional amount of the $1,000,000 (million) the foundation  will be dispersing to hunger agencies all across the country.

Remember, your donation must simply require two things: that it be dated between March 1 and April 30th, 2012 and the Feinstein Foundation must be mentioned somewhere in your mailing.

It has been a tough year and we continue to feed people in need all over the greater Quad City area.

In 2011, our food pantries served over 29,000 families equaling over 102,000 individuals. We do make an impact .

So please help us during this time.  Thank you!!

For questions or more information contact Churches United at 332-5002 or email us at: awachal@cuqca.org

For information on Alan Feinstein Foundation  go to: www.feinsteinfoundation.org
17 Feb 2012

Unique Birdhouses to be Featured at Diamonds or Denim

By Sarah Burnett

 

Iowa City, IA -Diamonds or Denim, Riverside Theatre's annual fundraising gala, will include a new and unique element this year, one-of-a-kind birdhouses.

The birdhouses were decorated by local artists, community members, members of Riverside Theatre's Board of Directors and patrons of the theatre and look like anything but ordinary birdhouses.

Using paint, paper, cloth, lights, feathers, beads, metal and repurposed materials, the birdhouses have been transformed by their designers into original pieces of art.

"When we distributed birdhouses to area artists and friends of Riverside - we had no idea they would come back to us with such unique designs," said Riverside Theatre Artistic Director Jody Hovland.  "They are truly one-of-a-kind art objects - who would have thought a simple wooden birdhouse would generate such wildly imaginative and whimsical ideas?"

The only way to see these creative creations is to come to Diamonds or Denim.

The birdhouses will be part of the table decorations at this year's fundraising gala and will be sold within the evening's silent auction.

This year's Diamonds or Denim will be held at hotelVetro suites & conference center in the Plaza Towers, 201 S. Linn St. Iowa City, on Friday, February 24, starting at 6 p.m.

The event features a silent auction, live auction, raffle drawing, music by Iowa City's most eclectic ensemble The Recliners, appetizers and desserts provided by local eateries, and a cash bar.

This year's raffle offers two fabulous prizes. The first raffle prize is a 14K two-toned white and yellow gold diamond bracelet. The second raffle prize is a $1,000 Visa ® Gift Card, usable anywhere Visa is accepted. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and can be purchased by calling 319-338-7672. Raffle tickets will also be for sale at the event.

The professional live auction by Sharpless Auction offers a wide variety of unique experiences including dinners, excursions, accommodations in popular vacation destinations, and parties.

The silent auction will feature many unique items including jewelry, art, autographed books, handmade creations, and much more.

Regular tickets for Diamonds on Denim are $55 each ($45/ticket is tax-deductible) and tables of 10 are available for $500 ($40/ticket is tax-deductible). Discounted tickets are available for Riverdog Pass Holders for $50 each ($40/ticket is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased online at www.riversidetheatre.org, by phone at (319) 338-7672 or at the Riverside Theatre Box Office. The Box Office is located at 213 N. Gilbert St, Iowa City. Box Office Hours are: 12 - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the event. Tables of 10 must be arranged through the Box Office.

All proceeds from the evening will support Riverside Theatre programming.

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14 Feb 2012

Piano Recital to raise funds for King's Harvest and new shelter

By King's Harvest

McCaulley Piano Studio and Happy Joe's Pizza are teaming up to raise money for King's Harvest and its new shelter for homeless mothers with children.

A piano recital will begin at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Happy Joe's location at 201 W. 50th St., Davenport.

Students and their families who attend are asked to donate $10. The money will go directly to King's Harvest and the new shelter. Performing students will receive a free Little Joe pizza and their families will receive 15 percent off any food purchase.

Monetary donations can be sent to 5837 Wisconsin Ave., Davenport, IA 52806, or via kingsharvest.net. For more information, call King's Harvest at 563-570-4536.

10 Feb 2012

Trivia Night, then Taco Tuesday

By Jared Johnson
The Bi-State Literacy Council is hosting two fundraisers coming up, a trivia night on Saturday, March 3, 2012, and a Taco Tuesday fundraiser on Tuesday, April 10, 2012.  We are busy preparing baskets for the trivia night fundraiser raffle and silent auction, thanks to the generosity of our donors, so it will be a fun evening!  And, we have a special challenge for trivia teams representing a school or public library - $100 donated to the winning team's library to be used for reading program supplies.  The library teams don't have to be all librarians - library supporters playing for their library count, too!  It's not too late to sign up your team!

Hope to see you at one of our events, and thanks for your support of the Council's activities.

Judy Hutchinson
BSLC Secretary

Judy Hutchinson, PrairieCat Manager
judy.hutchinson@railslibraries.info
309-799-3155, x3150
08 Feb 2012

DubStar Recreates 'Minute To Win It' Game Show to Benefit Quad Cities Autism Center

By Rick Martin

Davenport, IA February 7, 2012 - Local fundraising group DubStar will recreate the television magic of the hit NBC game show, 'Minute To Win It' to support the Quad Cities Autism Center, with their second annual event titled DubStar Presents: Minute 2 Win It. The event will take place Feb 17 at 8:00pm, live from The Pub (4320 Brady Street - Davenport) and will again be hosted by local comedian, Brandon Gale.


DubStar is hoping to capitalize on the success of 2011 event, that gained the attention on NBC producers, who asked the pair to apply to be contestants and submit a highlight video to possibly be used on the show. For the Feb 17 event, DubStar has added more games, more prizes, and a few new elements, including team challenges to the show.

 

"Last year was so much fun, and such a tremendous success." siad returning host, Brandon Gale. "The only complaint was that not everyone could play, so we added five more games and two team challenges," Gale added. "At times like these, when funds are tight, this is a great way to get involved and help an amazing cause. In exchange for your support, our service is to offer you a night of fun and fabulous prizes."

 

The Quad Cities Autism Center (QCAC) was founded in October of 2005 as a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization that delivers direct instruction and natural environment teaching to children affected by Autism. The Quad Cities Autism Center exists to provide education, guidance and resources to parents and children affected by Autism and to offer one to one instruction to develop and enhance the lives of our children by giving them New Hope and a brighter future.

 

DubStar is an amateur fundraising group founded in 2008 by Tony Boyer and Chris Starman. DubStar's mission is to make a positive impact, either financially or through awareness, on deserving charities or groups, through fun and unique ways; "Party With A Purpose". Additional information can be found at the DubStar website, www.facebook.com/DubStarQC.

 

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30 Jan 2012

Dress for Success® Quad Cities Celebrates Grand Opening

By Kim Woodward

What:              Dress for Success Quad Cities Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Reception

Date:               Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012

Time:               5:15 p.m. (with a reception between 4 and 6 p.m.)

Location:        Union Arcade Building, 111 E. 3rd St., Ste. 710, Davenport

Description: Dress for Success® Quad Cities, the new local affiliate of the international not-for-profit organization, will host a Grand Opening reception and ribbon cutting event with the Quad Cities Chamber Ambassadors and the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The new affiliate opened its doors in November and now is inviting the business community to celebrate its mission to empower women toward economic stability. Dress for Success has served more than 600,000 women internationally by providing them with business-appropriate clothing, mentoring and professional development programs.

Royal Neighbors of America will be recognized for its donation of 200 "Totes for Hope." These totes will be distributed to women completing the Dress for Success Quad Cities program. The colorful bags, which include a daily planner, will serve as a functional accessory for the women in their new roles.

The organization's relationship with the business community will serve to further assist its clients.

"It's a natural fit to invite local businesses to learn who we are and what we do," said Regina Haddock Clewell, founder and executive director of Dress for Success Quad Cities. "As our clients work toward economic independence with the support we provide along the way, a relationship with area businesses is that essential next step."

About:            Dress for Success® Quad Cities is one of more than 115 affiliates around the globe. Each Dress for Success client receives one interview suit in her first visit, and once she finds work, receives additional attire, and an invitation to join the Professional Women's Group (PWG). The PWG program, along with career center and mentoring services, provides ongoing support to clients as they grow professionally, strive to turn their jobs into successful careers and journey towards economic independence.

www.dressforsuccess.org/quadcities

For additional information, contact:

Regina Haddock Clewell, Founder/Executive Director

563.322.1010 office

563.449.4020 cell

30 Jan 2012

Charity Texas Hold'Em Tournament & Sponsors' Gala Benefits The Arc

By Rick Martin
The Arc of the Quad Cities Area will hold its "Texas Hold 'Em Tournament & Sponsors' Gala" on Saturday, February 4, 2012. The tournament will be held in the Event Center at Jumer's Casino & Hotel in Rock Island. $60 buy-in with $30 re-buy limited to the first hour of play.

The Arc's Texas Hold'Em Tournament features two sessions with limited capacity - the first at 12 pm and the second at 5 pm. Total prize purse is a function of paid registrants. Grand Prize is a Seat at the World Series of Poker plus a Travel Voucher! Each session will play to 10 winners and the 20 finalists will compete in the Final Round beginning at 9 pm.

Advance registration is highly recommended as seating is limited to 200 players each session. The 12 pm session is filling up quickly. Players can pre-register through The Arc of the Quad Cities Area's Facebook event, online at www.arcqca.org/store, or by phone at 309-786-6474 x171. The registration table opens one hour prior to play.

Founded in 1952, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area serves more than 325 individuals with developmental and other disabilities daily. The Arc promotes living and working in partnership with the community to support individuals with developmental and other disabilities, through a variety of support services.

###

4016 9th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201
309-786-6474
www.arcqca.org
25 Jan 2012

Plant a Tree with JNF, Win a Trip to Israel

By Jewish National Fund

Plant a tree with Jewish National Fund before or on Tu BiShvat, February 8, and you will be entered into a raffle to win:

  • 2 roundtrip tickets to Israel with EL AL Israel Airlines
  • A free trip to JNF's Harvey Hertz Ceremonial Tree Planting Center at Neot Kedumim to plant a tree in Israel's soil with your own hands

Each tree purchased qualifies for one entry. JNF and EL AL employees and families of employees are not eligible.
Purchase must be a tree certificate. Other donations and purchases of any kind, including water certificates, will not be eligible for entry into the raffle.
Offer expires 2/8/2012 at 11:59PM EST.
The 2 EL AL tickets to Israel are available on a nonstop EL AL flight from EWR, JFK, or LAX. The applicable taxes of approximately $100 per ticket are not included. Travel must be completed by June 13, 2013; some restrictions and blackout dates apply. Tickets are based on availability as well as on the rules and regulations of "N" class, and are non-endorsable, non-refundable, and non-transferable. The award is not valid for receiving frequent flyer points nor will the tickets provide entitlement to involuntary compensation in the event of an over-sale or denied boarding situation.

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