The Moline Rotary Club continued its commitment to supporting local students and fighting hunger in the community with a $305 donation to the Moline High School Student Hunger Drive. During the club's November 2 meeting, Rotarian Gary Francque presented a $305 check to Moline High School Principal Jeff Whitaker in support of the school's student-led fundraising efforts. The donation followed a visit the previous week from members of the Moline High School Interact Club, a youth service organization sponsored by Moline Rotary. The students shared information about their involvement in this year's Student Hunger Drive and their efforts to make a difference for families facing food insecurity. Inspired by the students' dedication, Rotary members held an impromptu collection during the meeting, raising $305 to support the campaign. The 2026 Student Hunger Drive brings together students from more than 16 area high schools, encouraging young people to take an active role in addressing hunger throughout the Quad Cities. Moline Rotary is proud to sponsor the Moline High School Interact Club and support its members as they develop leadership skills, serve their community, and put Rotary's motto of Service Above Self into action. The club congratulates the students on their efforts and thanks its members for their generosity in supporting this important community initiative.
The Moline Rotary Club welcomed Micaela Booth, Director of John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity, to its November 2 meeting for a presentation highlighting a historic year of charitable giving and the program's lasting impact on the Quad Cities community. Booth announced that Birdies for Charity raised a record-breaking $20.1 million in 2026, continuing the remarkable growth of one of the region's most successful charitable fundraising programs. Participating nonprofit organizations also received an 8.85% bonus on funds raised, representing approximately $1.56 million in additional charitable support. Since the golf tournament began, charitable contributions have exceeded $226 million, with 99% of that total generated since John Deere became the tournament's title sponsor in 1998.
MOLINE, Ill. — The future of professional hockey in the Quad Cities was the focus of the Moline Rotary Club's October 19 meeting as Quad City Storm owner John Dawson shared updates on the team's long-term commitment to the community, charitable efforts, and continued growth of the Southern Professional Hockey League. One of the biggest developments was the Storm's new 10-year lease with Vibrant Arena at The MARK, securing the team's home in downtown Moline for another decade. Dawson credited the City of Moline, Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati, and city leadership for helping negotiate an agreement that benefits both the hockey franchise and the arena. "The City of Moline's been good to us," Dawson told Rotary members, expressing appreciation for the partnership.
The Quad Cities edition of the World’s Largest Polio Walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at Vibrant Arena in Moline, with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. Registration is free and available now at poliowalk.org. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
The event will bring together members of 12 Quad Cities Rotary clubs, along with their families, friends and community members. The local walk is part of a much larger effort involving nearly 40,000 Rotarians across 11 states and two countries in recognition of World Polio Day. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
Before the walk begins, organizers will hold a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. to recognize area polio survivors. Quad Cities-area survivors who would like to participate are encouraged to contact Forrest Meyer at 319-530-1558 or ftmeyer@icloud.com by Oct. 20. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
Organizers hope the event will do more than bring people together for a morning walk. It is also designed to increase awareness of Rotary’s decades-long effort to create a polio-free world and raise funds to continue that work. Schools, businesses, community leaders and residents throughout the region are invited to participate. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
“This really is more than a walk—it is a united movement to raise awareness and demonstrate the power of Rotary in action,” said Amber Wood, president of the Rotary Club of Rock Island and one of the event’s organizers. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
The Quad Cities effort will also help support Rotary’s $1 million fundraising goal for the fight against polio. Donations can be made through poliowalk.org. QC Polio Walk registration surv… QC Polio Walk registration surv…
Rotary has been a leader in the worldwide campaign to eradicate polio for more than 35 years through its End Polio Now initiative. Rotary reports that global polio cases have declined by more than 99.9 percent, but the work continues until every child is protected. QC Polio Walk registration surv…
Event Details
World’s Largest Polio Walk — Quad Cities
Saturday, Oct. 24
Vibrant Arena, Moline
9:30 a.m. — Polio Survivor Recognition
10 a.m. — Walk Begins
Registration: FREE at poliowalk.org
Whether you are a Rotarian, a friend of Rotary or simply someone who wants to support a healthier future for children around the world, the Quad Cities Rotary community invites you to walk with us on Oct. 24.
Quad Cities Marathon founder and race director Joe Moreno recently shared with Rotary members how a simple idea nearly 30 years ago grew into one of the region’s best-known community events.
Moreno, who retired from 3M in Cordova after 35 years, never expected to still be leading the marathon nearly three decades after helping launch it. What began as an effort to bring a full marathon to the Quad Cities has grown into an event supported by approximately 1,000 volunteers, a 60-member organizing committee and a nine-member board of directors.
Moreno likes to describe the event as “five races through four cities, over three bridges, in two states and through one island.”
Ben Limmer, Executive Director of the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District, recently provided an update on MetroLINK services, major capital improvements and plans for the future of public transportation in the Quad Cities.