Hot glass for a cause

Joel Ryser knows resilience.  

He also knows generosity.

It was less than a year ago last that his downtown Davenport nonprofit, Hot Glass Inc., shuttered its doors for three months as the Mississippi River flooded storefronts and parking lots. “The Quad Cities Community Foundation stepped up in a huge way during that flood and it is amazing that they are doing it again during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ryser, executive director of Hot Glass. “It shows how generous and caring people are in this community.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic changes life for people around the world, Ryser is donating 25 percent of his sales to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation, which is currently raising money to support the community’s recovery efforts from the pandemic. As the fund grows, the Community Foundation continues to award grants to organizations supporting the most vulnerable residents being impacted. Grants have focused on urgent needs, including food, health care and housing for individuals affected, as well as funding for organizations struggling because of cancellations and closures.

Ryser said donating in this way simply made sense. Hot Glass is a nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans and at-risk kids. The nonprofit offers classes, corporate team building events and seasonal events. “It’s a win-win,” he said. “To be honest, sales are slow for us right now as we’re only selling online, so if we can move some of our glass and help people at the same time, why wouldn’t we do that?”

The Community Foundation is a great place to give, he said. His connection with the organization goes back to 2013 when he first opened Hot Glass. The nonprofit has since received multiple grants, including one of last year’s Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund Grants. “Anytime I can give back to the Community Foundation, I do it,” he said. “They have been incredible mentors for me, and so patient with me as I figured out how to run this nonprofit.”

Ryser has been encouraged by the widespread generosity he has witnessed in the Quad Cities in recent weeks. He taught art at Moline High School for three decades and served as head coach of the football team, and it doesn’t surprise him that people are willing to lend a hand. “I was never shy asking for help when I was a teacher and coach,” he said, adding that when he opened Hot Glass Inc., family, friends and the community donated more than $400,000 in time and equipment to get the 4,000 square foot workshop and gallery up and running.

“That was an amazing time,” he said. And, it’s hard right now. However, when you think about that, how can you not be positive and try to help other people? There is story after story after story of people helping other people.”

To learn more about Hot Glass Inc. or to purchase an item, visit www.hotglassart.org. The 25 percent contribution on all sales will go through May 31, 2020.

To donate to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund, click here.