The Project of the Quad Cities is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS year round and with World AIDS Day quickly approaching on December 1st, TPQC has planned several community events to commemorate the day.
The Project of the Quad Cities has been working diligently for nearly 30 years to provide services to those at risk of contracting, affected by or living with HIV/STI/AIDS. To kick off the 30th anniversary, TPQC will be hosting Project Chocolate, a fundraising event, at Jumers Hotel and Casino from 6:00PM to 9:00PM on December 1st. 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. Tickets are $10 (children 6 and under are free) and can be purchased at the door or in advance.
Because one in eight Americans do not know they have HIV, to encourage HIV testing, TPQC, the Moline-Davenport Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (MDAC) and Community Health Care in Rock Island are hosting In You Backyard: Knowledge is Power, a free testing event. The event will be held at the Community Health Care in Rock Island, located at 2750 11th Street, Rock Island, IL from 8:30AM to 12:00PM on World AIDS Day. MDAC will be providing food and giveaways.
Lastly, on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00PM, Metropolitan Church of the Quad Cities will be holding an HIV/AIDS service in their Sanctuary located at 2930 West Locust in Davenport. The service is dedicated to raising HIV/AIDS awareness and remembering those who have died of the disease. The proceeds from this event benefit The Project of the Quad Cities.
We hope you will join us to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the community and create a future where HIV/STIS/AIDS is no longer stigmatized and everyone living with, affected by, or at risk of contracting HIV/STI/AIDS has the support they need to succeed. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/TheProjectOf TheQuadCities or call (309)762-5433.
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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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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