Published on January 08, 2010

Croppers To Lead Scott County Family Y's
2010 Partner With Youth Campaign

It takes a lot of Quad-Cities generosity for the Scott County Family Y to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Genesis President and CEO Doug Cropper and his wife, Lynne, will rally community support as the 2010 Campaign Chairs for the Scott County Y's Partner with Youth & Kids to Camp annual campaign.

When the public campaign kicks off Feb. 4, the couple will lead the effort to raise $525,000 in the "Raising Dollars to Make Change!" effort.

Building strong families is a concept that the family-oriented Croppers easily embrace. Money raised will provide direct financial assistance and program subsidies so that no child, adult or family in the community will be turned away from Y programs like Camp Abe Lincoln, youth sports, tutoring and mentoring, aquatics, and affordable childcare.

"The future success of the Quad Cities depends upon giving our youngsters the character-building opportunities they need to make positive choices," Doug Cropper said. "What better way to invest in this community than to support the Scott County Family Y - an organization that helps children and families from all walks of life aim high, overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential?"

The Croppers will lead a campaign driven by nearly 350 volunteers. Each volunteer will work within their unique circles to communicate the life-changing work of the YMCA movement. In 2009, 1,638 donors made gifts to support this cause. In 2010, the goal will be to include even more leaders in the mission.

"In 2009, we provided nearly $1.5 million in financial assistance," said Frank Klipsch, President and CEO of the Scott County Family Y. "The Partner with Youth & Kids to Camp Campaign makes everything we do possible."

For example, community support helps a child discover the outdoors at Camp Abe Lincoln; gives a teen an alternative to gangs; and, offers a working parent affordable childcare. It unites students with tutors and helps youngsters gain confidence as they master skills in programs ranging from youth sports to aquatics, Klipsch added.

The YMCA mission-in-action takes place every day through five branch facilities. The Davenport Family YMCA is in downtown Davenport; the North Family YMCA is at North High School; the West Family YMCA is at West High School; the Bettendorf Family YMCA is a partnership with Genesis Health System on Devil's Glen and Tanglefoot Road; and, the Maquoketa Area Family YMCA is a collaboration with the city of Maquoketa, Iowa.

The Y's Child Care and Family Services branch is the biggest child-care provider in Scott County. Camp Abe Lincoln has offered character-based outdoor programs in Blue Grass, Iowa, since 1924. The Y's growing Youth Sports programs instill leadership and teamwork in nearly 6,000 kids each year. In addition, the Y also runs programs in collaboration with five school districts, multiple parks and recreation departments, churches, youth groups, and many not-for-profit partners.

Genesis has a longstanding relationship with the Scott County Family Y. For the past two years, Camp Genesis has provided a free camp to youngsters impacted by cancer in their families at YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln.

Genesis also was a community partner in the Scott County Family Y's multi-million-dollar building campaign, which included the construction of the Bettendorf Family YMCA several years ago.