Hand in Hand Announces Major Memorial Gift

The Howard E. and Carol E. Harkins Charitable Trust has generously gifted a $25,000 memorial gift to Hand in Hand. This is the largest memorial gift in Hand in Hand’s 20-year history.

“It’s no secret or uniqueness to Hand in Hand that these past months have been challenging. Closing our doors was an extremely difficult decision as it halted our revenue and left families without the support they rely on. Hand in Hand provides unique and essential care for families and children and we were anxious to get our doors open to welcome our participants. This gift could not have come at a better time as it provided us hope, boosted our morale, and injected much needed support,” said Hand in Hand CEO, Angie Kendall. “We are truly humbled at the opportunity to honor the lives of Howard and Carol who, even after death, provide a legacy of generosity and a commitment to provide loving care for individuals of all abilities.”

Howard and Carol Harkins were active members of the Quad Cities community and were involved in many different activities. Both were members of the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club and Lindsey Park Yacht Club. Howard was a member of the Elks and the Davenport Shriners. He had been on the Board of Directors for both, as well as the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association and the Amusement and Music Operators Association. He was also a charter member of the Iowa Operators of Music Amusements.

The Harkins were longtime supporters of the disability community. They were generous donors to the Handicapped Development Center for many years, quietly sponsoring events and participating in HDC events and now Hand in Hand is a benefactor of their generosity.

“Hand in Hand has been very fortunate to have had many champions over the years,” said Hand in Hand Co-Founder, Mark Smith. “They have supported us with volunteer energy, innovations, and funds for countless daily activities. Our champions are critical in helping us create the noisy, active growth we know as Hand in Hand.”

“The tremendous gift provided by the Howard and Carol Harkins Trust will insure that, even in troubling times, Hand in Hand will be there for families in the Quad Cities for years to come. This donation has provided a blessing we will see every time a child eagerly enters Hand in Hand for a new day of adventures. What a wonderful gift to our families!”

Hand in Hand is honored to receive such a generous gift and is happy to continue the Harkins legacy of helping people of all abilities.