The jagged peaks of Montana rise spectacularly around us, a stunning backdrop for this new chapter of our lives. Yet even surrounded by such natural beauty, our hearts often wander back to the Quad Cities – a place that profoundly shaped us and continues to inspire our philanthropy today.
We arrived in the Quad Cities in 2003 when I became president of Augustana College, and over the years, my wife, Jane, and I immersed ourselves in the region’s rich arts and culture scene. From the brilliance of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra to the transformative exhibits at the Figge Art Museum, these experiences gave us a deep appreciation for the creativity and innovation thriving in the Quad Cities because culture matters here, and it always will.
Our grandchildren delighted in exploring the Putnam Museum and strolling through Winter Nights, Winter Lights at the Quad City Botanical Center. We were inspired by Common Chord’s music and energized by Quad City Arts’ ability to make creativity accessible. These organizations are part of the very fabric of the Quad Cities, weaving joy, connection, and vibrancy into the community.
That’s why we continue to support the Quad Cities Cultural Trust (QCCT). This privately funded arts and cultural endowment is unique – not just to the Midwest, but to communities across the country. We’ve searched for something comparable here in Montana and found nothing like QCCT’s enduring commitment to its six cornerstone Legacy Partners: Quad City Arts, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum, Common Chord, and the Quad City Botanical Center. QCCT ensures these vital organizations have the resources to thrive, now and for generations to come.
Supporting QCCT isn’t just about preserving cherished memories; it’s about building a future where arts and culture remain a cornerstone of life in the Quad Cities. Giving back through QCCT allows us to contribute to a region that gave us so much. To those who have been shaped by the Quad Cities, we encourage you to join us. Together, we can ensure these cultural treasures endure and inspire for years to come because culture matters in the Quad Cities, and it always will.
As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” The Quad Cities gave us so much, and we’re proud to give back to keep its cultural heartbeat strong.
(Steve and Jane Bahls are former residents of the Quad Cities, where he served as president of Augustana College from 2003 to 2020 and as board chair of the Quad Cities Cultural Trust.)