The Quad Cities Community Foundation together with 12 other local funders and individual donors have raised $224,000 to help River Bend Food Bank feed children, adults and seniors facing hunger this winter in our community.
Energized by a $50,000 commitment from the Community Foundation and a match challenge from the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the joint fundraising effort exceeded its $200,000 goal in just two weeks. The generous donation reflects the urgent need for support and the Quad Cities community’s ability to come together decisively around a common cause.
“This community’s generosity never fails to inspire us,” Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “We steadfastly believe that we can do more together than we can alone—and what a tremendous demonstration of that belief.”
She added: “As funders, it’s imperative for us to respond to needs that arise in our region and join forces in addressing them. For the donors who contributed to help the food bank combat hunger this winter, we have so much admiration and gratitude.”
This year, the food donations that the food bank relies on to supply its 400 hunger-relief partners are down 40% – reducing the variety and quantity of no-cost food available to partnering food pantries, schools, senior residences, and community organizations.
While partners can use their own resources to purchase additional food, they too may be feeling some of the same economic straits as the people they serve. The $224,000 raised will allow the food bank to bridge that gap and meet increased needs for the next six to nine months.
“We strive to keep our finger on the pulse of needs and opportunities in our community, and as soon as the food shortage crisis came to light, we knew we could help bring our community’s collaborative powers to bear,” said Ms. Hafkemeyer.
“At a time when food insecurity continues to rise, the timing of the Community Foundation’s campaign was perfect,” said Nancy Renkes, River Bend’s new president and CEO. “Our board of directors, team members, and especially the children and adults facing hunger in our region are grateful for this amazing contribution that will provide more than one million meals to those in need. This is the kind of support that truly puts the word ‘community’ in the Community Foundation.”
Among the community donors was Randy and Debra Sergesketter, who said “We always feel good about giving back to our community, and the connections the Community Foundation helps us make ensure our gifts have a larger impact. The food bank is critical, and no Quad Citizens should go hungry this winter.”
Bettendorf-based Ascentra Credit Union also stepped in to help to fight food insecurity in the Quad Cities. “Since food donations are down and insecurity is rising, the time to come together as a community to combat these crucial issues is now,” Ascentra President and CEO Linda Andry said. “Ascentra is committed to supporting our members and the communities that we serve, and encourage others to get involved through volunteering and donations.”
These funders and donors contributed to the special effort:
- Ascentra Credit Union
- Doris & Victor Day Foundation
- Duncan J. Cameron Family Foundation Fund
- Hubbell-Waterman Foundation
- John J. and Bette J. Schmid Endowment
- Kenneth and Sharon Glassman Fund
- Kleine Family Foundation Endowment
- Morency Family Charitable Giving Fund
- Paul and Beverly Eckert Fund
- Quad Cities Community Foundation
- Randal and Debra Sergesketter
- Regional Development Authority
- Rock Island Community Foundation
To donate to River Bend, visit here. Each year, the food bank distributes nearly 20 million meals across 23 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
