I am so excited to be a Charming Champion for YWCA Quad Cities' fundraiser this year and now I need to ask for your help. As a Charming Champion I play a key role in not only spreading the word about this great event, but also all the Charming Champions are in a competition for the coveted title of KING OF CHARM.🤴

This is my own fundraising campaign to gather money BEFORE the event. Although, I will also be working through a variety of ways to raise even more money DURING the event, this pre-event campaign is a great way for individuals who are unable to attend the event to still show their support. PERHAPS you want to attend the event and see me in action -- tickets can be purchased HERE! And, for every donation of $200 or more, the donor will receive a complimentary ticket to the event!!

The most important thing about this event is where the proceeds are being delegated. All proceeds from this event will support a critical need in our community: the YWCA Quad Cities' new youth shelter for at-risk and homeless youth in the Quad Cities. Sadly, the only youth shelter in our community closed in 2008 and the only shelters close to the QC are in Rockford, Illinois (90+ miles away); the closet shelter in Iowa is over 165 miles away. We are thrilled and proud to announce that we will be repurposing our old building to meet that need, allowing us to better serve the Quad Cities community. The shelter will be named "Alan’s House" in memory of Alan Egly, the former Executive Director of the Day Foundation, who was instrumental in bringing ThePlace2B to fruition. ThePlace2B, which serves homeless and at-risk, has been an integral part of the YWCA since its doors opened in 2010. Unfortunately, foster/host homes have become very sparse since COVID and finding placements for teenagers in emergency situations is very difficult. In situations where a youth is unable to return to their home, there are very few safe places for them to stay. In the absence of a family or friends’ home, they are likely to end up spending several nights in a social service agency office, which are not equipped to provide overnight accommodations. YWCA Quad Cities has been exploring a shelter option since mid 2023, and now that we have vacated the old building, plans are underway. The shelter, starting with 15 beds, will serve youths (ages 10 to 17 years), providing sleeping areas, restrooms and male/female showers.

To meet DCFS requirements, the scope of work includes an elevator, fire sprinkler system throughout, kitchen renovations, installation of new windows (already purchased) and the addition of two showers on the 2nd floor of the facility. The total budget for such renovations is estimated to be $430,775.00; however, the YWCA Quad Cities was recently awarded a $250K grant from DCFS for the purpose of said renovations, so they're already more than half-way to their goal!!! Won't you help us bring this youth shelter to the Quad Cities???

Thank you for helping me support YWCA Quad Cities!!!

Gary

Gary Nolan's Charming Champion Fundraiser

By YWCA of the Quad Cities

Gary Nolan's Charming Champion Fundraiser

Gary Nolan's Charming Champion Fundraiser

Team Members