Queen of Hearts Fundraiser Brings Community Together at Raelyn’s

by Sarah DeMaranville

In Geneseo, community support often shows up in familiar ways—events, fundraisers, and local partnerships that bring people together for a shared cause. A new collaboration between the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo and Raelyn’s is doing just that, with a weekly fundraiser that blends entertainment, generosity, and a little bit of suspense.

The Queen of Hearts fundraiser, now underway at Raelyn’s, offers participants the chance to support local animals while taking part in a growing, community-driven game that builds momentum week after week.

How It Works

At its core, the fundraiser is simple: participants purchase raffle tickets and select a numbered envelope, each concealing a playing card from a shuffled deck. During the weekly drawing, one ticket is selected—and if that ticket corresponds to the envelope hiding the Queen of Hearts, the winner takes home the jackpot.

If not, the selected card is revealed and removed from play, and the jackpot rolls over, growing larger each week.

Drawings are held every Wednesday evening at Raelyn’s, creating a consistent opportunity for the community to gather, connect, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

More Than a Game

While the format adds excitement, the purpose behind the fundraiser is what truly matters.

All proceeds benefit the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, supporting their ongoing efforts to care for animals, provide shelter, and connect pets with loving homes. Fundraisers like this play a critical role in sustaining those services.

A Community Collaboration

This partnership reflects a broader trend seen across Geneseo: local businesses and organizations working together to create experiences that benefit the entire community.

Raelyn’s provides the space and weekly gathering point, while the humane society brings the mission and impact. The result is a fundraiser that feels less like an obligation and more like a shared experience. Participants aren’t just buying a ticket—they’re becoming part of a weekly rhythm that supports a local cause.

Building Momentum Week by Week

One of the defining features of the Queen of Hearts fundraiser is its ability to grow over time.

As cards are removed and the jackpot increases, interest builds. What may start as a modest gathering can quickly turn into a highly anticipated weekly event, drawing both regular participants and new faces.

That steady momentum not only increases engagement but also amplifies the fundraiser’s impact.

An Invitation to Participate

Whether you’re a regular at Raelyn’s or simply looking for a new way to support a local cause, the Queen of Hearts fundraiser offers a low-barrier way to get involved.

Each ticket purchased contributes directly to the Humane Society’s work—while also offering a chance to be part of something fun, social, and community-driven.

As the weeks progress and the jackpot grows, so does the opportunity to make a difference.

Supporting Local, Together

In our small town, partnerships like this matter. They strengthen connections between businesses, organizations, and residents—and they create opportunities to support causes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Queen of Hearts fundraiser is more than a game. It’s a reminder that when local organizations collaborate, the entire community benefits.

Local Businesses Gather for Geneseo Retail & Restaurant Roundtable

Nearly twenty local businesses and community partners came together recently for a Geneseo Retail & Restaurant Roundtable, focused on strengthening communication, collaboration, and visibility across the local business community.

Katie Katsunis of GWK Enterprises discusses community events at her table.

The discussion brought together a diverse group of business owners—from retail and dining to service providers—along with representatives from the City of Geneseo and other local organizations.

A representative from Erdman Construction discussion marketing strategies utilized in the past.

One of the clearest takeaways from the conversation was the importance of creating experiences that people remember. Business owners noted that events and promotions tend to perform best when they are family-friendly, community-centered, and give people a clear reason to get out and participate.

Timing and consistency in promotion were also key themes. Many participants emphasized that successful events are rarely last-minute efforts, but instead benefit from intentional promotion over several weeks, particularly through social media and local media outlets.

Many businesses expressed openness to working together more intentionally—whether through shared promotions, coordinated events, or simply supporting one another’s efforts. At the same time, business owners noted the importance of being thoughtful and strategic about partnerships to ensure they are meaningful and mutually beneficial.

The meeting was held at Exchange St. Works.

The roundtable highlighted both the strength of Geneseo’s local business community and the opportunity to build on that foundation. With continued collaboration and a shared focus on communication, participants expressed optimism about creating even more visibility, engagement, and support for local businesses in the months ahead.

Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center Searching for Heroes

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   In communities across Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties, there is one organization working quietly, but powerfully to support children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 

   Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center in Cambridge is dedicated to providing a safe, child-focused environment where young survivors of abuse can begin their journey toward healing.  Historically, Braveheart receives the most child abuse reports from Henry County.

   April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Braveheart CAC is inviting the community to step into the role of hero – literally.

   The upcoming Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run, Saturday, April 18, at Baker Park in Kewanee, is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of strength, resilience and community support.  Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero while running or walking to raise awareness for the Children served by Braveheart.

   Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun family activity, the event offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying a day of energy and connection. 

   On April 18, Braveheart also will have free face painting, bubble stations and more.

   Felisha Rogers, Community Outreach and Advocate since 2023 at Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, said, “Our kids are the real superheroes.  The strength and resilience these children show is incredible, and this event is a way for our community to stand beside them and show they are not alone, while keeping anonymity for the kids.”

   “Often, the team gets asked how they can do this work without getting burned out.  Danielle Walker, Advocate since 2020, said, “Although these cases are heartbreaking, I have to remind myself of the pain the kids that aren’t here are going through.”

   The team knows that even in the years they receive less reports, the abuse is still happening, it just isn’t being reported. 

   Braveheart brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including law enforcement, child protection services, state’s attorney offices, medical providers, and mental health specialists, to ensure that children and their families receive compassionate, coordinated care.

   The CAC model was formed to bring different teams together, and ultimately, lessen how often a child would have to tell the story of their abuse.  By reducing the number of times a child shares their story and offering advocacy every step of the way, Braveheart lessens trauma and builds a path forward rooted in hope.

   In addition to the 5K on April 18, Braveheart is hosting a Superhero Coloring Contest in an effort to engage children in a creative and empowering way.  Pre-school through sixth grade students are invited to imagine and illustrate their own superhero.

   Both April 18 events reflect Braveheart’s mission to foster healing while building a stronger, more informed community.  By combining awareness, education, and engagement, the organization continues to make a lasting impact on local families.

   Community members are encouraged to participate, support and spread the word.  If someone cannot attend the 5K, but would like to show support for Children Abuse Prevention Month, they are invited to create their own pinwheel garden, organize a fundraiser for the Center, or wear blue on April 10.

   For more information, call Braveheart CAC at 309-937-5663

Richard Charlet Becomes an Ameriprise Financial Hall of Fame Member

Richard Charlet

Geneseo, IL – March 1st, 2026 - Richard Charlet, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CFA® a Private Wealth Advisor with Charlet, Vandersnick & Associates a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Geneseo, has earned membership in the company’s exclusive Hall of Fame.

Introduced in 1986, the Hall of Fame is designed to recognize exceptional professionals who have achieved years of consistently high performance. The Ameriprise Financial Hall of Fame is considered a lifetime achievement award.

3% percent of Ameriprise financial advisors have earned the prestigious Hall of Fame distinction. Charlet was one of only 29 advisors to achieve this milestone in 20261. He has 39 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial.

As a financial advisory practice, Charlet, Vandersnick & Associates provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact our staff at 309-944-6596, or visit our Ameriprise office at 100 South State Street, Geneseo.

Girl Scouts Celebrate Girl Scout Week

From Jennifer Nelson
Service Unit Director 886

Girl Scouts celebrated the beginning of Girl Scout Week, which runs from March 8th to 14th, with a Community Service event this past Sunday, March 8th. Each troop brought all the necessary supplies for their station, which then Girl Scouts used to create items for our community. We had 60 Girl Scouts and Volunteers from Service Unit 886 of Geneseo and Atkinson participate. Afterwards most of the Girl Scouts went to a planned event at the bowling alley to celebrate their hard work. 

We would like to thank all of those that help support Girl Scouts, including those in our community and the Geneseo Community Chest. 

What these girls completed during the event:
- 45 bus driver and crossing guard treat bags 
- 100 Kindness rocks 
- 120 cat toys and 50 dog treats for the Humane Society
- 200 thank you bags for local teachers
- 60 cards for dialysis patients 
- Oodles of bracelets to make people smile 
- 50 Placements for nursing homes 
- 50 appreciation snack packs and cards for first responders
- 120 seed bombs for Girl Scout camp

Paintings from RutabagA Members for WQPT Fundraiser

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

RutabagA Art Gallery members Joyce Mattan, left; and Sharon Michaelsen, are shown with the paintings to be donated to the WQPT Public Broadcasting Fundraising Auction that begins Sunday, March 15, at WQPT’s Facebook Page.  
In addition to Mattan and Michaelsen, both Karen Vroman and Les Hoste also did paintings for the upcoming fundraiser.  Contributed Photo