23 Nov 2015

Camp Courageous Celebrates #GivingTuesday

By Charlie Becker
On Tuesday, December 1st, Camp Courageous will celebrate the 4th annual #GivingTuesday. A camp representative will be at Lucky's Market in Iowa City at 1668 Sycamore St. from 11am to 6pm on #GivingTuesday. The public is welcome to make a donation or find out more about camp. Everyone can participate from anywhere by checking out the Camp Courageous web page or Facebook page. This will be the 4th year of #GivingTuesday, a global movement to encourage ordinary people to come together to make extraordinary things happen!
Camp Courageous volunteers and donors have always been the backbone of the camp! Supporters can give their time, help spread the word, skills, or donations. Camp Courageous gives individuals with special needs confidence, friendships, life changing experiences and opportunities to demonstrate what they can do. See a video made for this event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSszogA_uM
Camp Courageous started serving individuals with disabilities in 1974 with 211 campers and has grown to nearly 7,000 in 2015. The camp is located at 12007 190th St, Monticello, just five miles southeast of Monticello off Highways 151, Exit 65 & 38.  For more info visit www.campcourageous.org or visit the camp anytime.
Camp Courageous™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run on donations.
PO Box 418, 12007 190th St, Monticello IA 52310-0418 • 319-465-5916
19 Nov 2015

LOCAL PHILANTHROPISTS HONORED DURING NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY EVENT

By Amy Jones

Bettendorf, Iowa–More than 200 people gathered on November 18, 2015 to celebrate the impact of philanthropy in our community as part of National Philanthropy Day, a nationwide celebration of philanthropy. The luncheon and award ceremony was held at Isle of Capri Ballroom, 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, Iowa. The sold-out event was hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Quad Cities.

Nate Clark, Manager of Enterprise Citizenship for Deere & Company and Vice President for the John Deere Foundation was the keynote speaker and presented on "The Speed of Change for Philanthropy."

The following awards were presented during the luncheon:

Outstanding Volunteer Fund Raiser:  John Anderson, President & CEO, Quad City Bank & Trust

Outstanding Philanthropist:  Dana Wilkinson, CEO, Paragon Commercial Interiors, Inc.

Outstanding Civic/Service Organization:  Bettendorf Rotary

Outstanding Foundation:  Hubbell-Waterman Foundation

Outstanding Corporation/Corporate Foundation:  Advanced Radiology, SC, accepted by Dr. Craig Tillman

Outstanding Planned Giving Professional:  Barbara Melbourne, Vice President of Development, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend

Outstanding AFP Chapter Member:  Gary Rowe, Retired Fundraising Professional

For more information on the recipients, please visit www.afpquadcities.com.

#end#

19 Nov 2015

The Project of the Quad Cities is kicking off its 30th Anniversary on World AIDS Day, December 1st, with Project Chocolate.

By Brenda Schwarz
Project Chocolate is a chocolate lover's dream that gives attendees the chance to taste a variety of sweet and savory chocolate creations made by local Quad Cities Vendors including Chocolate Manor, Scott Community College Culinary Arts Department, Eastern Iowa Baking Company, Jumers Hotel and Casino, El Rio Spa's Hummingbird Café, River Lush Bakery, Eising on The Cake, Cake Street Bakery and Velata. Non-food vendors include face painting by BearPaw Creations SFX, and Origami Owl by Erin Menting.

Project Chocolate will be held at Jumers Hotel and Casino in Rock Island on Tuesday, December 1st from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Tickets are $10 (children 6 and under are free) and can be purchased at the door or in advance.

The Project of the Quad Cities is a nonprofit community based organization that was established in 1986 to provide services to those at risk of contracting, affected by, or living with STI/HIV/AIDS. The funds raised from Project Chocolate will provide holiday presents for children who are affected by or living with HIV/AIDS. Because many of our clients live in poverty, the holidays can be both mentally and financially difficult and the goal of Project Chocolate is to ensure the children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS have a memorable and enjoyable holiday.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ProjectChocolate or call (309)762-5433.

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18 Nov 2015

MLB All-Star and Chicago native Curtis Granderson hosts 3rd Annual Grand-Giving initiative

By Christina Coleman
WHO:
New York Mets All-Star outfielder and Chicago native, Curtis Granderson and the Grand Kids Foundation will host the 3rd Annual Grand Giving initiative to benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank during the entire month of November. The Annual 'Night of Giving' Fundraiser to take place Thursday, November 19 at 7pm - Tunnel Chicago, River North.
Granderson, born and raised in Chicago's south suburbs, is a life-long Chicagoan. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Curtis is one of approximately thirty-six current professional baseball players with a four-year college degree.
The Grand Kids Foundation will launch a series of Chicago-based community programs including a month long in-store promotion in partnership with Mariano's in which customers can "Check Out To Help Out" by making a donation at any Mariano's store. Proceeds from Grand Giving benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank's youth programs, providing children with nutritious food- as nearly 1 in 5 children are food insecure.
In addition to the month-long fundraising campaign, Grand Giving Weekend includes an array of event programs such as A Night of Giving Reception at Tunnel Chicago (11/19), Grand Kids Mariano's store visit hosted by Granderson (11/20) and a Grand Kids Indoor Youth Baseball Clinic at Curtis Granderson Stadium - UIC (11/21).
"In 2014, Mariano's customers donated over $78,000 to support Grand Giving - nearly a quarter million meals. This year we're excited to elevate our program and fundraising goal with the help of my fellow Grand Giving Ambassadors," said Granderson. "Children should never have to worry about where or when they will have their next meal. Kids who go hungry can fall behind in virtually every way - physically, behaviorally and academically. The Grand Kids Foundation and our Grand Giving partners are dedicated to making a difference in Chicago, one meal at a time."
Granderson enlisted a group of notable Grand Giving Ambassadors to join in his mission including Anthony Rizzo, Scottie Pippen, Jonathan Toews and Israel Idonije, to name a few.
"I'm honored to partner with Curtis Granderson in his mission," said Bob Mariano, chairman and CEO of Roundy's, the parent company of Mariano's.  "I'm excited to give our Mariano's customers an opportunity to support the basic needs of children through Grand Giving."
WHAT:
The 3rd Annual Grand-Giving initiative in partnership with Mariano's www.grandgiving.org
WHEN/WHERE:
Nov. 19 - Night of Giving Reception, Tunnel Chicago - 7pm
Nov. 20 - Greater Chicago Food Depository's Kids Café + Mariano's West Loop - 4pm
Nov. 21 - Grand Kids Youth Baseball Clinic, Curtis Granderson Stadium/UIC - 10am
CONTACT:
18 Nov 2015

COMMUNITY CARING CONFERENCE REORGANIZES UNDER NEW LEADERS

By Phillip Dennis

During the last six months, the Community Caring Conference has been enlisting new Board members to rebuild the organization which had worked so successfully in the city to build block clubs. The Board recently approved an updating of their By Laws and setting goals for future activities.

"A renewed CCC intends to expand and re-energize its neighborhood block clubs so that residents all over the city of Rock Island know their neighbors and are watching out for the community," said Paul Fessler, new Chairman of the CCC Board of Directors. Mr. Fessler reported, "the new Board has set three specific goals. First, form or reform block clubs; two, hire a staff organizer to build these watch groups; three, seek wider community support, such as volunteers, funding and linkages to other organizations who want to improve life and lives in Rock Island.  We have a big job ahead of us but we are committed to the CCC vision."

Formed in 1976 in the older neighborhoods of the city, CCC was active until the departure of their previous Executive Director in 2014. CCC block clubs are the foundation for getting neighbors to know their neighbors and developing solutions to common issues.  The current Board will be working to re-energize existing block clubs as well as building the network of governance to create a grassroots organization.   The Board will be working with ten sponsoring churches to build stronger support for the mission of the CCC.  Additional churches will be invited to participate in this neighborhood emphasis.

The National Night Out Picnic on August 4th, was a kick off event to make the community aware that the CCC was back in business.  Over 90 citizens turned out to meet their neighbors and hear about current policing practices.  There was also entertainment, games and prizes.

The current Board of Directors include, Lt. Rusty Hocker, Vice-Chair, Ethel Bassett, Secretary, and Jeff Barnes, Treasurer.  Additional members are Mattie Seward, Aaron Weytenick, Rev. Ken Kuenning, Vikki Blair, Rick Miers, Phil Dennis, and Brian Wischnak   Pat Ward, former Director of the CCC, is helping advise the new Board. Five Board positions remain to be filled at this time.

Check out CCC on Facebook or email rockislandccc@gmail.com for more details
18 Nov 2015

Churches United searches for bacon volunteers

By Meredith Dennis

The 3rd Big Bacon Bonanza, the largest fundraiser for Churches United of the Quad-City Area, will be held on April 9 at the RiverCenter in Davenport and the group is looking for help.

All money raised by the event goes to run 26 food pantries, three hot meal sites and Winnie's Place, a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, or homeless, with or without children.

It is a family-friendly event will feature the Dani Lynn Howe band as entertainment. Also, local winners qualify for the national championships, which are held in Kissimmee, Fla.

For information or to volunteer, call Meredith Dennis, 563-332-5002 or email at mdennis@cuqca.org

17 Nov 2015

Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa 35th Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day

By Charlie Becker
The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa are launching their thirty-fifth annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.  One-cent out of every gallon of petroleum product sold on the day before Thanksgiving by participating marketers will go to Camp Courageous.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreation and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Run on donations, over 7,000 are served annually.
On this day, participating Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores will give thanks by contributing one-cent from every gallon of petroleum product to Camp Courageous.  "The day before Thanksgiving was picked 35 years ago," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's executive director, "because both Camp Courageous and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores felt we have an awful lot to be thankful for and it was the perfect time to give thanks for all our blessings."
Posters will be displayed in the windows of participating Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores to distinguish them as participants. The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa encourage everyone to join with their local petroleum marketer to give thanks this Thanksgiving, by helping Camp Courageous on the day before.
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We are encouraging the media throughout the state to once again get involved with their local petroleum marketer and convenience stores by pumping gas or cleaning windows on Cent-A-Gallon Day. This gives the customer, an advertiser (or potential advertiser), and families in need, a good feeling about your interest in helping over 7,000 individuals with disabilities that come to camp each year. Thank you for your consideration.

Camp Courageous™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run on donations.
PO Box 418, 12007 190th St, Monticello IA 52310-0418 • 319-465-5916
16 Nov 2015

CHRISTIAN CARE BRINGS WARMTH TO THE LESS FORTUNATE

By Marilyn DeMay

Rock Island, IL -To focus attention on National Hunger and Homelessness Week November 14-22, Christian Care will collect coats and winter clothing to distribute to those in need on Monday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. at its Rescue Mission located at 2209 3rd Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. Christian Care will bring warmth to the Quad Cities' less fortunate by giving away men's, women's and children's winter coats; hats and gloves; winter clothing and personal care products. With winter fast approaching, Christian Care invites those wishing to help to donate coats, hats and gloves now through November 22.


Each year, Christian Care serves almost 60,000 meals to residents at its rescue mission and its domestic violence shelter?as well as to hungry individuals who come to its community meal site seven days a week, 365 days a year. At this time of year, food supplies tend to dwindle, just when they are needed the most. Food donations are gratefully accepted at all times, and especially around the holidays.


Financial donations to Christian Care are much needed. Without financial support, the organization is hard-pressed to provide the transformative programs and services so vital to those they serve: the homeless, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, those recovering from addictions and those with mental illness. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and their 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 at any hour of the day or night at 309-786-2273. 

Send or bring donations to Christian Care, 2209 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 or call Marilyn at 309-786-5734 for more information.

16 Nov 2015

2015 STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE LOADING DAYS AND FINALE RALLY

By Liz Treiber

DID YOU KNOW..... 131,900 PEOPLE IN THE QUAD CITIES ARE MISSING MEALS???

THE 30TH ANNUAL STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE CAME TO A CLOSE ON THURSDAY. WE SHOWCASED THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS OF OUR 18 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS AS THEY WORKED TO FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR AREA.

 

THE STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE FINALE RALLY WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH FROM 5:30 PM - 7: OO PM.  THE FINAL TOTAL FOR THE 2015 STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE WILL BE REVEALED AT/NEAR 6:00PM. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUR DIVISION WINNERS.   STUDENT HUNGER DRIVE STAFF, STUDENT AMBASSADORS, BOARD MEMBERS, SPONSORS, AND PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WILL BE ON HAND FOR INTERVIEWS.  THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE RIVER BEND FOOD BANK *4010 KIMMEL DRIVE IN DAVENPORT, IA

13 Nov 2015

2015 Red Kettle Campaign Kick-Off Event

By Holly Nomura
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 6:00pm

NorthPark Mall:  Near Vitamin World, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius Corner

Red Kettle Campaign Goal will be revealed by Mayors Bill Gluba and Dennis Pauley
Sunshine's Show Choir, two children's vocalist groups, will perform.
Salvation Army Advisory Board Vice-Chair John McBride and Quad Cities Coordinator Major Gary Felton to host.

This campaign is a community-wide effort and The Salvation Army's most important fund raiser of the year.  
60% of the annual budget is raised during these six weeks.    

To volunteer:  please sign up at www.ringbells.org

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