Association of Fundraising Professionals honors three Community Foundation partners
Sherry Ristau presents to Dick Kleine, the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award.
Three long-standing philanthropists and partners at the Quad Cities Community Foundation were honored for their leadership at the 2018 National Philanthropy Day celebration presented by the Quad Cities chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
Dick Kleine was named Outstanding Philanthropist for the generosity that he has spread through the giving of his time, expertise and financial resources throughout his life.
“We are proud to have nominated Dick for this tremendous honor, and are so grateful for his partnership with us to transform the region through his generosity,” said Sherry Ristau, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “He believes that once one has had the opportunity to learn and has put in the work to earn, it is finally time to return—to give back to the community that he loves so well, through leadership, volunteering, and philanthropy. He lives this belief every day.”
As a community leader, Kleine helped to launch the Achieve Quad Cities program, designed to reduce the high school dropout rate. He served as chairman for the United Way Campaign for the Quad Cities, and passionately served his church and the Diocese of Davenport.
In addition to being a donor, he has volunteered at the Quad Cities Community Foundation for over 20 years, including eight years on the board of directors, two years as the board chairperson, and volunteering in a staff position as the director of corporate relations. He set up the first-ever donor advised fund at the Community Foundation, which has granted to over 70 nonprofits in the Quad Cities community.
“Dick believes that personal philanthropy is important,” added Anne Calder, vice president of development. “He strives to not just meet fundraising goals, but to achieve goals that effect change at a community-wide level for greatest impact.”
Anne Calder presents to John Slover, the Outstanding Planned Giving Professional of the Year award.
In addition to Kleine, Professional Advisor John Slover was recognized as the Outstanding Planned Giving Professional. For many years, he has served as an exemplary planned giving professional for the Quad Cities regional community.
“Through his client relationships with private individuals, foundations, and business interests, he fosters the power of charitable giving,” said Ristau.
As a member of the board of directors at the Quad Cities Community Foundation from 1999-2004 and a member of the investment committee, he volunteered his leadership and vision during a time of great growth for the Community Foundation. In his roles, he helped to oversee the distribution of millions of dollars of grants from individual funds as well as shared impact through discretionary grants.
Today, he serves as a trustee of the Brissman Foundation and the Looser-Flake Foundation, two private foundations administered by the Community Foundation, as well as an advisor for the Franklin Parr Marquis Family Foundation.
Slover has also assisted in the direction of countless, generous charitable gifts for the benefit of the Quad Cities. “Many of the provisions established with John’s assistance will come of age in the years to come, providing new and permanent sources of support for the community and the causes his clients cared so deeply for,” Calder noted. “He advocates for and appreciates how every charitable gift matters to the donor, to the recipient, and to our shared Quad Cities community.”
Jim Millman, Tom Rowe, Mark Matthews (Child Abuse Council CEO), and Tom Thoms.
Quad Cities Community Foundation Board Member Tom Thoms was part of a group recognized as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers. Along with Jim Millman and Tom Rowe, the three transformed a 1,600-mile biking journey into a 21-day mission to help others. As they traveled, they shared 21 stories of families and their need to "Break the Cycle" via a down payment on a car or home, deposit for rent, grant for school tuition, or caregiver services. Their passion resulted in exceeding their fundraising goal benefiting three local nonprofits: Bethany for Children & Families, Child Abuse Council, and Alternatives for the Older Adult. The ride raised over $100,000.