“Papa Steve!”, “Papa Steve!” the toddler room kids shout as they run out onto the playground, tiny buckets at the ready. Papa Steve, as he’s affectionately known at Hand in Hand, is getting his hands dirty, helping fill the playground with mulch and is having our littlest participants help.

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.

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.

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.

The UnityPoint Health® – Trinity Project SEARCH Program was awarded the fourth annual Happy Joe Whitty Award at Hand in Hand’s Chili Cook-Off Saturday, February 4.