Bettendorf, Iowa – Five individuals were recognized for their selfless and long-term commitment to service by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. Each Quad City Caring Award finalist won a $1,000 grant for the organization that submitted their nomination.

Caring Award recipients include:

• Larry Carson Larry began volunteering for the American Red Cross after 9/11. In seven years he has delivered vital services around the world and around the nation. He is on-call nights and weekends and is an emergency link between local families and their loved ones in the Armed Forces. Larry was one of the first Red Cross workers to be allowed to enter New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
• Ann Franke Ann volunteers her time four days a week, every week, to sort, select and prepare materials for Davenport Public Library’s bi-annual book sale. She has served on the Friend’s Board and has helped with the organization’s fundraising efforts for 10 years. Ann has trained more than 60 volunteers to staff the branch’s book store, and she delivers books to the homebound.
• Belinda Holbrook Belinda found her passion working with Habitat for Humanity. She has served as a Board member and she has worked ‘hands on’ with partner families, mentoring them throughout the homebuilding process. She teaches classes at Habitat ReStore to show others how to be creative with used materials, and she has personally volunteered more than 1,000 hours at ReStore.
• Jill McLaughlin Jill has been involved with the Quad City Symphony for more than 30 years. She has served on the organization’s Board and was its president. Jill has been an officer for the Quad City Symphony Trust since its inception and has helped it to grow to an endowment of more than $5 million. For the last two years, Jill has been chair of the Annual Fund for the Symphony.
• John Ward John recently completed nine years of service as a member of Arrowhead Ranch Board of Directors. Two of those years were served as president. John’s passion for Arrowhead Ranch shows in many ways. He works side by side with residents to set up and tear down for the John Deere Classic and helps plan fundraisers. John has guided the organization through a change in staff leadership, and every year he and his family bring Christmas dinner to residents.

The Community Foundation established the Quad Cities Caring Awards to recognize local volunteers for their commitment of time and talent. The award seeks to recognize the accomplishments of citizens that have and continue to dedicate their lives to improving the area.

To learn more about the Community Foundation and the programs it offers, or to learn how you can leave a legacy, call 563-326-2840.