Ten area funders announce extraordinary success of Hunger Relief Match, surpassing $600,000 raised in just over two weeks
Early philanthropic leadership sparks region-wide momentum; community encouraged to continue supporting River Bend Food Bank
Ten Quad City-area funders announced today that the region has once again demonstrated extraordinary generosity. In just two and a half weeks, the community contributed more than $300,000 to the River Bend Food Bank Hunger Relief Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation—fully unlocking an additional $300,000 in matching funds.
More than $600,000 in total has been donated to River Bend Food Bank.
This rapid surge of support was made possible by a coalition of philanthropic leaders whose early commitments set the entire effort in motion: the Marie H. Bechtel Charitable Trust, Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Reggie and Jeff Goldstein, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Modern Woodmen of America, Kent and Judi Pilcher, Quad Cities Community Foundation, Regional Development Authority, and Russell Group Inc.
Their collective leadership ignited a wave of community giving that exceeded expectations and provided critical resources to expand hunger relief efforts across eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
“This is what the Quad Cities does,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “The generosity of these funders inspired hundreds of other donors to step forward, and the community responded with incredible speed and compassion. Reaching more than $600,000 in such a short time is truly remarkable.”
“This partnership of funders demonstrates the real power of collective investment,” said Matt Mendenhall, president and CEO of the Regional Development Authority. “None of us can meet a challenge of this scale alone, but together, we can accelerate solutions and care for our neighbors across our region when they need it most. It’s inspiring to see what collaboration makes possible.”
River Bend Food Bank emphasized how pivotal this level of support will be for families facing hunger amidst ongoing disruptions in federal assistance programs.
“Food insecurity continues to rise, and many of our neighbors are struggling to access the meals they need,” said Chris Ford, president and CEO of River Bend Food Bank. “This outpouring of support—led first by a visionary group of funders and then amplified by the community—allows us to meet today’s needs while preparing for the challenges ahead.”
Even though the match has been fully met, the need for hunger relief remains urgent. Community members are encouraged to continue contributing to the River Bend Food Bank Hunger Relief Fund.
Donate at www.riverbendfoodbank.org
Every $1 provides approximately five meals, and every donation goes directly to support hunger relief across River Bend Food Bank’s 23-county service region.
“The match may be complete, but the work is far from over,” said Hafkemeyer. “If you haven’t already made a gift—or if you’re inspired to make another—now is still a powerful time to support your neighbors.”