Dear Friends:

 

We are asking for your support, that you give with intent, to our annual fund drive – your donation will help support the Quad City Botanical Center with operating expenses so that we can continue to offer quality educational programming to the Quad City Community.

 

The Quad City Botanical Center grows out of your intention, the intention of passionate people, those who came before us, those with us now, and those who will join us in the future.   Our intention: to grow a glorious garden alongside the Mississippi River. Unbelievably almost 10 years have passed since the doors and our minds opened to the idea of maintaining a collection of plants – a collection with the intent to promote the beauty of plants, to increase botanical and horticultural knowledge and ecological concern, and to inspire citizens to improve their environment and the world. 

 

In the early summer of 1998, emerging from the desolation of an industrial brown-field, founding Board Members brought change to our community – change with intention.

 

With your help the Quad City Botanical Center effects change…

 

…in the Gardens: Thousands of guests revitalize and restore their senses every year as they enjoy time to reflect in the gardens, experiencing change on a personal, elemental level.  Studies show that time spent in the natural world positively impacts well-being.

 

“From the very beginning, the Quad City Botanical Center has been important to me because plants and horticulture are a part of our lives.  Without plants we would not exist on this earth.  To that end I am lending my support.”     -Mr. Justin (Chub) Harper, Member & Volunteer

 

…in the Community:  Over 1,000 Botanical Member families, 500 Volunteers, and 400 Travel Club participants regularly engage in community activities at the Quad City Botanical Center.  Monthly events and programs create a forum for fun among the beautiful collections.

 

“The Quad City Botanical Center is more than a collection of plants and flowers; it is a great mix of entertainment and education for the Quad Cities.”    -Mr. Kirk Marske, Member & Business Associate

 

…through Education: Thousands of students visit the Center every year to learn about the tropics, food and climate, and the amazing world of plants.  Smiles prevail and excitement rises at the prospect of a trip through our gardens.

 

“Dear Quad City Botanical Center…I had a blast.  My favorite (plant) was the chocolate tree.  My most favorite (experience) was the waterfall.   Because all I saw (at the Botanical Center) makes me want to go back there again… I feel like telling the world.”  -4^th-Grade Student, Kewanee, IL

 

You can make a significant change for the future.

 

Your generous contribution to our annual appeal will allow us to expand our programming and help foster awareness for the plants that sustain us.  Please, with your help we can reach our goal of $80,000.00 in funding, that we may continue to grow with the intention of serving the Quad City community.

 

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”   - Mahatma Gandhi

 As a community we are just beginning to understand the impact that living on the earth has created, the changes that we bring with us, and the long term, lasting effects that our actions will have on the delicate balance of our natural world.  For our children and grandchildren, hours spent with computers, gaming, and television have replaced hours spent in secret forts, vacant lots, wooded ravines and backyard tree-houses.  In fact, today, we are further removed from the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the basic knowledge of where our food and oxygen originate than any generation that has come before us.  With your help, we can re-introduce the natural world to our children and create positive change for the future.

 

With Kindest Regards,

 

Ami D. Jenkins, Operations Manager

Quad City Botanical Center

 

 

P.S.  Because you care we were able to offer important environmentally conscious programming to over 10,000 students last year.  We need your support to continue our vital work in the community!  Please make a contribution today, in support of the Quad City Botanical Center and be the change you wish to see!