In 2010, Pepsi is giving millions of dollars to fund good ideas, big and small, that make the world a better place. What’s a good idea? Who gets a Refresh Grant? You decide. Locally The Sparkles Cheer Squad and the Quad City Animal Welfare Center have been awarded grants. Submit your good idea here. Vote for these local Good Ideas: Thank Veterans in Henry Co, IL Event Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Brown Dog Foundation Tacos on Tuesday to benefit Mike Nicholas When: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 5-9pm Where: Mulligan’s Valley Pub Where: 310 W. 1st Ave, Coal Valley, IL Mike Nicholas lives in Galesburg, IL. He grew up in Geneseo, IL and currently works at ALCOA. He is married and has two young daughters. Mike was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in February of 2008. His kidneys began to slowly decline. A biopsy in October of 2009 found that they were functioning at a very low rate, and he needed a transplant. In May of 2010 his mother, Diane, was a confirmed match for a transplant. On June 30, 2010, Mike received his new kidney. Proceeds will help with medical costs and expenses incurred during time off work. $5 donation for taco dinner, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and bake sale. "Fight the Pain" Benefit When: Saturday, September 11, 2010 Where: Therapeutic Massage And Wellness Where: 1730 Wilkes Ave, Davenport, IA Midwest Championship Wrestling presents "Fight the Pain", a benefit for Chiari Malformation. Doors open at 4pm and live wrestling starts at 6pm. We will have a 50/50 raffle, prizes to be raffled off, a clown for children and much more. All proceeds will be donated at the Walk Across America the next weekend in Burlington, IA. If you have any questions feel free to contact Samantha or Chris Lauritzson. (309) 438-2013 or (309) 428-2031 Brown Dog Foundation Benefit & Auction When: Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 1-6pm Where: La’ James International College Where: 5205 N Brady St, Davenport, IA Adult cut or style with student $10 donation Adult cut or style with local stylist $20 donation Children under 12, 50% donation discount Dog Bath $10 donation Dog Trim $15 donation Ears/Toes $10 donation Five live auctions for appointments with Dean worth a $1500 value. All proceeds benefit Brown Dog Foundation. Miles For Mutts When: Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 10:30am - 5pm Where: Crabby's Bar & Grill Where: 826 West 1st Avenue, Coal Valley, IL Benefit ride open to motorcycles & cars benefiting the Rock Island County Animal Shelter Registration is from 10:30am-noon at Crabby's $10.00 per person First 50 entrants receive an event t-shirt (sizes limited) Display Only - $10.00 Ride leaves at 12:30m * Crabby's, Coal Valley, IL * Ducky's, Andalusiua, IL * Blueport Junction, Davenport, IA * Back to Crabby's for food, drink specials, Animal displays, raffles, and SHOW & SHINE Benefit For Justin Arlt & Allison Breuss When: Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 1-8pm Where: Leisure Time Billiards Sports Where: 845 42nd Avenue, East Moline, IL Allison and Justin are a recently engaged couple, getting married in 7 months who are dealing with the disaster of a house fire. There is a lot of damage to their home and belongings. Their three family pets were hospitalized, suffering greatly from smoke inhalation, eye abrasions, and pneumonia. We are reaching out to the community to enjoy a day filled with RAFFLES, 50/50 DRAWING, FOOD and FUN In hopes to raise money to help Justin and Allison in the hard times they are facing in the upcoming months. For more information contact: Nancy Arlt at 309-755-2885 or 309-236-2075 Benefit For Baby Mattix When: Saturday, September 18, 2010 4pm 'til midnight Where: The Friends Circle Where: 701 18th Ave, Moline, IL Mattix Grayson Berg was born on May 9, 2010, at Trinity Medical Center in Moline, IL. He was born at 23 5/7 weeks gestation at 1 lbs 6.6 oz and 12 ½ inches long. His due date was September 01, 2010. He was immediately airlifted to OSF NICU in Peoria, IL. He has undergone many surgeries, and more are to be performed before his release. He has also had many medical setbacks; his release date is still unclear at this point in time. His parents, Matthew Berg and Taylor Coleman, have been staying in Peoria at a campsite since the day he was airlifted to OSF NICU. They are looking forward to returning to the Quad Cities upon his release. Taylor will need to stay home full-time with Mattix due to his medical state and Matt will resume work at Poor Boy's. The families of Matt, Taylor, and baby Mattix have organized a benefit to help raise money to assist with his numerous medical expenses and their return home. Everyone is invited to attend and join in the activities. There will be bands, 50/50 raffles, auctions, and food. Donations may also be made in his name at: American Bank and Trust 4051 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL 61265 Questions? Please call: Mary Schreiner 309-797-9389 Matt Berg 309-631-1882 Bellevue Parade Victim's Fundraiser When: Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 3-9pm Where: Downtown Bellevue, IA Street Party & Auction Kids games from 3-6pm Live and silent auction Live music: 3:00 - 4:00 Hasanna Montana 4:15 - 5:15 Midnight Rambler 5:30 - 6:30 The Sieverding Band 6:45 - 7:45 Rayzor Ray and the Blades 8:00 - 9:00 The Rayzor Berries For more information please contact the Bellevue Chamber Office at 563-872-5830 Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma When: Friday, September 24, 2010 Where: Modern Woodmen Park Where: 209 S Gaines St., Davenport, IA Walk distance: 1.5 miles Check-in: 5:30 PM Opening ceremony: 7:00 PM Walk start time: 7:30 PM The Colby family is walking to raise money for Leukemia & Lymphona research. Find out how to join their team here and walk with them or to make a donation. Benefit for Sid "Pirate" Stoecker When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 Where: KJ’s Bar & Grill Where: 115 West Main Street, Morrison, IL Come out starting at 5pm to help raise funds for Pirate who lost a lung to cancer this year.