Quad City Bank & Trust and Quad City Times Bix 7 Collaborate for Local Children

Quad City Bank & Trust (QCBT) is proud to announce our second annual sponsorship to provide Arconic Jr. Bix race registrations for students at Madison Elementary School in Davenport. This year, in a collaborative effort with the Quad-City Times Bix 7 and United Way Quad Cities, we're thrilled to introduce exciting new elements designed to foster a more inclusive and engaging experience for the entire school community.

Continuing a tradition we're incredibly proud of, QCBT will once again provide brand new running shoes to every graduating 5th-grade student. Running Wild is back as our trusted shoe partner, having already individually fitted each child for their new footwear. These shoes will be presented during the 5th-grade graduation ceremony on May 29th at St. Paul Lutheran Church, just across from the school.

Our sponsorship this year expands beyond race registrations and shoes, aiming to cultivate a deeper appreciation for running and community involvement. We're excited to share that Madison Elementary's end-of-year field day on May 28th will now feature a "Fun Run" with varying distances tailored to different grade levels!

"We want to make sure there are no barriers for these children to participate," said Laura “Divot” Ekizian, President & CEO of QCBT. "QCBT is committed to a holistic community approach, and this starts with involving the local youth in these large-scale community events."

QCBT volunteers will be on hand at the Fun Run, joined by Bix representatives, local elite runners, and members of the local running community, to encourage students and cheer them on. Michelle Juehring, Bix 7 Race Director, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a way we can make sure all students at Madison Elementary School have a chance to participate in this fun run to practice for the actual race in July and have an idea of what it’s all about, all while having fun at their field day, of course! QCBT’s sponsorship not only provides the opportunity for these kids to register for and participate in this amazing community event that runs right through their backyards when it happens in late July, it also ensures every child at the school begins to feel the excitement of the event.”

In a significant new development we're especially thrilled about, QCBT’s sponsorship will now provide race registrations for all staff and faculty at Madison Elementary, allowing them to participate in either the Quad-City Times Bix 7 or the Prairie Farms Quick Bix. "After spending time at the school and hearing the passion and the struggles of the teachers and staff, we wanted to make sure to include them in the opportunity to participate as well," said Jill Dubin, Community Development and Reinvestment Act Officer at QCBT. "We want to help them in any way we can and show our appreciation for all the hard work they do. We’re excited to announce the school will also be starting a running club as a result of this donation to inspire healthy habits in these local children."

The 51st annual running of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 will take place on Saturday, July 26th, at 8:00 AM in downtown Davenport. QCBT is proud to partner with the Bix to expand its reach and inspire the young people of our community to learn more and participate in this great event.