River Bandits Donate $40,000 to Genesis Family Connects
The Quad Cities River Bandits have made a second generous challenge grant, this one for $40,000, to support Genesis Philanthropy and the Genesis Family Connects program.
The River Bandits, champions on the field in the High-A Central League in 2021, continued as champions off the field for Genesis Foundation initiatives benefiting children. In December, the River Bandits donated $50,000 to the Genesis Foundation.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have the River Bandits support for both foundations under the Genesis umbrella. As a member of our health system board of directors, Dave Heller understands more than most the needs that can be addressed by charitable gifts – both inside the walls of our hospitals and clinics and out in the community.
“This gift will have a direct benefit to the health of babies in the region,’’ said Missy Gowey, executive director of the Genesis Foundation. “Family Connects helps give all babies in the region a healthy start.”
Family Connects provides newborns with a well-baby physical examination and helps new moms adapt to their new role by identifying needs and referring support services.
“The results have been a 96.9 percent immunization rate for babies and moms receiving Family Connects visits and a 23% decline in emergency department visits by babies before they turn 1 year old,’’ Gowey explained. “A Duke University study found that for every $1 spent on Family Connects, $3 is saved in healthcare costs.”
“The River Bandits love to entertain Quad Cities kids and care greatly about their good health,’’ said River Bandits’ team owner Dave Heller. “Today is my birthday and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by making this donation to Family Connects to help ensure that every Quad Cities child starts their life happy, healthy, and well prepared to take on the world.”
Other sponsors of Genesis Family Connects include Scott County Kids; Holmes Murphy; Clinton County VNA Foundation; Quad City Bank and Trust; and The Standard Insurance Company.
