The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine recognizes the good work of fellow citizens and charitable organizations who are making a difference in Muscatine County through our annual Initiative Awards.
Award recipients include:
Tom Hendricks Community Service Award, established by Muscatine Charities, Inc.
The recipient of the 2024 Tom Hendricks Community Service Award is Friends of the Fairport Fish Hatchery for their work to preserve historic resources at the Fairport Fish Hatchery, support its historical and scientific research, and educate students and the public about conservation efforts to protect mussels and fish.
Founded in November 2020, this volunteer group has made incredible strides. Through the creation of the interpretive trail system and the new education pavilion, the Friends of the Fairport Fish Hatchery have transformed the historic Fairport Federal Biological Station (Fairport Fish Hatchery) site into an engaging outdoor classroom.
This award comes with an $8,000 grant to further support their work in preserving our local heritage and natural resources for future generations.
Muscatine Charities, Inc. established the Tom Hendricks Community Service Award Endowment Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine in 2016 to honor Tom Hendrick's volunteer leadership and service to the greater Muscatine community.
Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award
The recipient of the 2024 Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award is David Ales.
Over 30 years ago, David proposed the idea for the ragtime festival, and since then, has actively served on the Muscatine County Arts Council, leading and sustaining these impactful programs. What started as a one-day concert has blossomed into the Eagles and Ivories Festival—a multi-day, multi-venue event that draws musicians and audiences from around the world. Through this festival, Muscatine has been introduced to a diverse array of musical talent engaging people of all ages, fostering local pride, and contributing to our area’s tourism. Through his tireless volunteer service, David has demonstrated his dedication to promoting the arts, history, and culture of his hometown of Muscatine.
As part of the award, David received a $1,500 grant to be directed to the charity of his choice, the Muscatine County Arts Council.
The Great Initiative Award was established to honor inaugural recipient Shirley Jean Drake, a long-time Board member of the Community Foundation who left a legacy of great initiatives across our community, county, and state. The cheerful, ethical, and inspirational determination she demonstrated will continue to be honored through the Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award.
Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award
The recipient of the 2024 Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award is Harper Wittmer.
Harper has a passion for community service and helping others. Two years ago, she started a philanthropic program called "Painting the World Teal for Food Allergy Awareness" to spread awareness and educate our community about food allergies. From fundraising to working to create safe spaces for children at events like Halloween, giving school presentations, and meeting with policymakers, Harper's commitment is making a real difference.
As part of the award, Harper received a $1,000 grant to be directed to her charitable cause of choice, It Takes A Village Animal Rescue and Resources.
Giles Joslyn received the first Youth Initiative Award for implementing a ‘Stringfest’ concert to raise money for new band instruments and music lessons for students who might not otherwise be able to afford them. The passion, persistence, enterprise, and leadership he demonstrated will continue to be honored through the Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award.
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