Hand in Hand’s 16^th annual Chili Cook-Off presented by Quad City Bank and Trust is not just an event; it’s a community celebration that brings people together to support children and adults of all abilities. This exciting event wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers like you! Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the cause, there’s a place for everyone at the Chili Cook-Off. Here’s how you can get involved and what you can look forward to as a volunteer.

What is your current role at Hand in Hand? HR and Administrative Assistant

At 35 years old, our son Peter is a remarkable young man living with autism. As his parents, we have embarked on an unexpected journey. Diagnosed at the tender age of two, we were fortunate to access early interventions and services tailored to his needs. Yet, despite this support, there are moments when it feels like something is inherently broken, leaving us with a sense of helplessness.

Deb Mueller first connected with Hand in Hand as a volunteer during Read United with the United Way of the Quad Cities. She spent time reading to school-age kids at the Edwards Church location in Davenport.

Susan reported on our very first camp back in 2000 as a former reporter for WQPT. Now, 24 years later she joined us as a camp buddy during our most recent Camp Hand in Hand.

Hand in Hand and occupational therapy, the two fit so seamlessly into conversation together. To put it simply, occupational therapy has an overall goal of increasing performance and/or participation in anything its clients want or need to do in their lives.

I’m sure by now, if you’ve been to any Hand in Hand event or stopped by one of our locations, you’ve met Chuck, our therapy dog. Chuck, a 10-year-old labradoodle aptly named for Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger, was trained in Ranger, TX by All Purpose Canines to be a diabetes alert dog for a little boy.

I am currently one of the 3 staff for Hand in Hand’s Adventurous Summer Club where I get the pleasure to work with a great group of young adult participants.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between Hand in Hand and the Bix. This collaboration brings a special treat for our campers—a Hand in Hand Virtual Race at Camp Hand in Hand!

I am currently a supervisor at Edward’s Church for our summer enrichment program! During the school year, I work with our after-school program.

Claire is our new Senior Director of Programs, but first and foremost she’s a parent to Sarah, one of our long-time participants. Sarah started participating in camp when she was 6 or 7 and has been a participant ever since.

What is your current role at Hand in Hand: I am the preschool teacher at Hand in Hand.

Meet a few of our volunteers: Steve, Izzy, and Heidi!

I knew I wanted to send my girls to Hand in Hand as soon as I toured the facility. It is a beautiful facility, and I was sold on inclusion for ALL abilities.

Real Estate Buyer Agreements, Electric Power Generation, Alcohol Compliance Training, Physician Wellness Programs, EMS License Plates, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Public Officer Bonds, Termination of Parental Rights, Public Lake Vessel Regulation, Misbranded Food Products, Small Business Linked Investments.

What do all these things have in common?

They were all topics discussed by lawmakers at the capital on February 27th.

The Occupational Therapy Department at St. Ambrose University has been an amazing partner with Hand in Hand for many years, connecting us with students who want to learn more about child development while being sensory friendly and adaptive. We find that we learn just as much from them if not more as they show us ways to implement occupational therapy techniques in our programs to help improve the lives of our participants. Hannah is our latest occupational therapy student to join us at Hand in Hand.

Rhythm City Casino Resort® was awarded the fifth annual Happy Joe Whitty Award at Hand in Hand’s 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off Saturday, February 3. The award is given to a company or organization in the Quad Cities that makes hiring people with disabilities a priority and contributes to the programs that provide people with disabilities opportunities to build their confidence, self-esteem, and provide social interaction.

As we gear up for another exciting Chili Cook-Off, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to explore the rich history of the Chili Cook-Off and what makes it a cherished tradition for the organization and families and friends alike.

I’m 14 years old and have volunteered at the summer camp and am now volunteering in the rec program. I was inspired by helping in a STEM class for special needs at my school and heard about Hand in Hand from my dad. I started volunteering during the first week of camp on July 2023.