Turning celebrations into community impact

When Scott and Alexa Florence, owners of Great River Brewery, celebrated their 60th birthdays this year, they had a simple request for friends and family: skip the gifts.

Instead, they asked the people they love to support something they care deeply about, the Florence Family Charitable Giving Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Guests gathered at Great River Brewery in downtown Davenport, connected with friends old and new, and celebrated two people who have spent decades building businesses, relationships, and community.

"It was a way to share what matters to us," said Alexa. “The fund began as a Christmas gift from Scott, and it has become one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received.” Scott established the fund and surprised Alexa with the opportunity to direct charitable support to causes they both believed in. It’s something they have shared together, and during milestones like birthdays, they’re sharing it even wider.

Like many business owners, the Florences regularly received requests to support worthy causes. The fund gave them a way to be intentional about where and how they give, while creating opportunities to involve others in the process.

Their philanthropy often focuses on local needs like housing insecurity, food access, family resources, and community gathering spaces. But just as important as where they give is how they give. As longtime small business owners, the Florences see generosity and community investment as natural extensions of entrepreneurship.

"The nature of business is that you can always put more back into the company," Scott said. "But you also need to be investing back into the community, creating opportunities, and connecting people.

That philosophy shows up in how they run the Great River Brewery, where they regularly invite nonprofits to host fundraising events and receive a portion of sales from the evening. The model is intentionally simple. Organizations bring supporters together, the brewery provides a welcoming space, and everyone benefits.

"It's a win-win," Scott says. "People make connections, nonprofits raise money, and we help bring people downtown."

The same spirit has guided other community partnerships over the years. For more than a decade, Mama Bosso's has supported local Honor Flight efforts, helping veterans travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.

“Philanthropy doesn't have to be complicated,” said Alexa. “It can be as simple as gathering friends for a birthday, hosting a fundraiser at a local business, or creating a charitable fund that reflects your values.”

Their story is a reminder that generosity comes in many forms and at every level. The Community Foundation offers tools for anyone who wants to make a difference. Interested in bringing people together around a cause you care about? Contact Anne Calder at annecalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org or 563-326-2840.