MUSCATINE — The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine recently presented its annual trio of Initiative Awards to recognize the good work of fellow citizens and charitable organizations who are making a difference in the county.
The 2024 award recipients in the following categories were:
Tom Hendricks Community Service Award
The recipient of this year’s Tom Hendricks award is the all-volunteer Friends of the Fairport Fish Hatchery. The organization is working to preserve historic resources at the Fairport Fish Hatchery. It supports its historical and scientific research, and educates students and the public about conservation efforts to protect mussels and fish.
Founded in November 2020, these volunteers have made incredible strides, the Greater Muscatine Foundation said in a news release. Through the creation of the interpretive trail system and the new education pavilion, the Friends of the Fairport Fish Hatchery have transformed the historic Fairport Federal Biological Station into an engaging outdoor classroom.
 This award comes with an $8,000 grant. It will further support their work in preserving our local heritage and natural resources for future generations.
Muscatine Charities, Inc. established the Tom Hendricks Community Service Award Endowment Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine in 2016. It honors Tom Hendricks’ volunteer leadership and service to the greater Muscatine community.
Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award
The recipient of the 2024 Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award is David Ales.
Over 30 years ago, Mr. Ales proposed the idea for the ragtime festival. Since then, he has actively served on the Muscatine County Arts Council, leading and sustaining these impactful programs.Â
What started as a one-day concert has blossomed into the Eagles and Ivories Festival. It’s a multi-day, multi-venue event that draws musicians and audiences from around the world. Through this festival, Muscatine has been introduced to a diverse array of musical talent. It engages people of all ages, fostering local pride, and contributing to area tourism. Through his tireless volunteer service, the release said, Mr. Ales demonstrated his dedication to promoting the arts, history and culture of his hometown of Muscatine.
As part of the award, Mr. Ales received a $1,500 grant to be directed to the charity of his choice: the Muscatine County Arts Council.Â
The Great Initiative Award was established to honor inaugural recipient Shirley Jean Drake. She was a long-time Community Foundation board member. Ms. Drake left a legacy of great initiatives across our community, county, and state. The cheerful, ethical, and inspirational determination she demonstrated will continue to be honored through the Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award.
Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award
The recipient of the 2024 Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award is Harper Wittmer.
Ms. Wittmer has a passion for community service and helping others. Two years ago, she started a philanthropic program called “Painting the World Teal for Food Allergy Awareness.” It was designed to spread awareness and educate the community about food allergies.
From fundraising to working to create safe spaces for children at events like Halloween, giving school presentations, and meeting with policymakers, her commitment is making a real difference.
 As part of the award, she received a $1,000 grant to be directed to her charitable cause of choice, It Takes A Village Animal Rescue and Resources.
 Giles Joslyn received the first Youth Initiative Award for implementing a “Stringfest” concert. It raised money for new band instruments and music lessons for students who might not otherwise be able to afford them. The passion, persistence, enterprise, and leadership he demonstrated will continue to be honored through the Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award.
The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is a county-wide charitable organization. It actively works to improve the quality of life in Muscatine County through philanthropy. For more information, call the Community Foundation at 563-264-3863 or visit the website at www.givinggreater.org.
Find more information on the Foundation’s Initiative Awards Program here. Or contact Rebecca Harden-Jones at [email protected] or 563-264-3863.
