River Bend Times

The city council of Bettendorf celebrated two community organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army for their contributions to the city at a Jan. 17 meeting.

Mayor Robert Gallagher issued a proclamation and brought up two representatives from the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization to discuss the importance of mentoring the young residents in the community. The proclamation recognized the impact that some of the older mentors can have and especially how they helped bridge the gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic and keep connecting with the youth when school was not in session. Gallagher declared January 2023 as Mentoring Month in Bettendorf.

Nola Neely and her little sister Monique represented Big Brothers Big Sisters. They have been a pair for seven years now, since Monique was in kindergarten. She is now in eighth grade. Neely said she was very proud to be Monique's mentor and that she has grown in the years they’ve known each other. Monique said it has been very enlightening to grow up and realize how much of a role model and inspiration Neely has been for her.

The city council also recognized the Salvation Army. The volunteer coordinator for the Army came up with a new idea this year for the Battle of the Bells between local municipalities to increase volunteerism and donations efforts. At-large council member Lisa Brown joined in on the fun and worked with them throughout the holiday season. Salvation Army Major Robert Doliber presented a new traveling trophy to Gallagher for Bettendorf’s stellar performance and their winning contribution amounts. 

"So this year, our advisory board laid down the challenge to mayors across the Greater Quad Cities to have a battle of the bells on Dec. 10," Doliber said. "Now, we probably started too late in the game and we only get three takers to the only three cities participated in that. But in just two short hours on Dec. 10, we raised over $500 to help programs and services of the Salvation Army."