2016 Honorable Mention: I AM Strong Mudventure Race

This year’s Honorable Mention for Fund Development goes to The Junior League of the Quad Cities for the I AM Strong 5K Mudventure Race.

The I AM Strong 5K Mudventure Race, a women’s-only event, was designed to build awareness of Junior League of the Quad Cities’ purpose, advance the mission of their I AM Initiative and raise funds for organizations that are supporting and empowering women in their community: I AM strong. I AM empowered. I AM willing to make a change.

The I AM Strong Race is the only race in the region that offers women an opportunity to bond and support one another through a fun, but physically challenging exercise while collaborating with area business to support local charities that positively impact the community by improving the lives of women and girls.

Since 2012, Junior League of the Quad Cities’ membership has increased by 85% and they've donated over $40,000 to area non-profits. Over 2000 race participants and volunteers who are not Junior League members have had the opportunity to bond and support one another. The race allowed JLQC to be named the “best Charitable/Community Service” in the Quad Cities in 2014 and 2015.

Junior League of the Quad Cities members trained to collaborate internally and externally to execute this large event through: securing over $80,000 in sponsorships; developing long-term donors; event planning and logistics; management of volunteers and vendors; developing and carrying out an extensive budget; and developing communication and marketing strategies.