Tapestry Farms invites the community to join it for the annual fundraiser Spring Fling and a celebration of the new growing season.
The benefit will be Friday, May 2, at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf. Doors open at 6 p.m. It will feature live music, food and drink, a silent auction, and a special keynote address by Lanon Baccam, a combat veteran, public servant, and proud Iowan whose family arrived in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. The Tai Dam refugees came from Laos in 1980.
Organizers said funds raised will directly support Tapestry Farms’ investment in the lives of refugees who resettle in the Quad Cities. The nonprofit focuses on assisting refugees with access to housing, education, health care, food, and employment. With 14 urban farm plots across the Quad Cities, Tapestry Farms helps reclaim underutilized land to grow fresh, nutritious produce.
“We are so very thankful for the community of support that surrounds our work, growing fresh produce and walking alongside refugees from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti,” said Ann McGlynn, Tapestry Farms’ founder and executive director.
“We are looking forward to an evening with hundreds of our friends, celebrating our work together and raising vital funding to continue on into our eighth year of refugees and neighbors, flourishing together.”
Mr. Baccam, this year’s speaker, came to the U.S. with his parents as part of a wave of resettlement ushered in by then Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray. His administration was known for its welcoming attitude toward refugees.
Family built life in Iowa
The Baccam family built their life in Mt. Pleasant, where both of Mr. Baccam’s parents worked in the Mackay Envelope factory.
At 17, he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard to give back to the country that welcomed his family. After deploying to Afghanistan as a combat engineer, he continued his public service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There, he advanced policies that supported fellow veterans, opened pathways to jobs in agriculture, and expanded rural broadband access. These historic investments are still impacting communities across the country, Tapestry Farms said.
“His lived experience and lifelong service to others reflects the heart of our work – accompanying our refugee neighbors with dignity, trust, and practical support,” Ms. McGlynn said.
Founded seven years ago, Tapestry Farms helps refugees with health care, education, housing, jobs and food. The organization also has a small legal clinic and has helped more than 20 refugees become U.S. citizens.
According to Tapestry Farms, there are more than 43.4 million refugees worldwide who have fled their home countries as a result of conflict, persecution, violence, and climate disasters. At a time when global displacement is at historic levels, Spring Fling offers a way for Quad Citians to take meaningful action to help those who have fled to find a new home.
At Spring Fling attendees also will learn more about Tapestry Farms’ impact and how their support can make a lasting difference in the lives of refugee families now calling the Quad Cities home.
“If you’ve ever wondered how to show up for refugees in our community — come to Spring
Fling,” Ms. McGlynn said. “It’s a joyful evening that ushers in the growing season here in the Quad-Cities and will leave you full of hope and a deep sense of connection.”
