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

Local Siblings Recognized by Henry County Board After National Win

The Henry County Board issued an official proclamation recognizing Abigail and Kenneth Wolf as National Next Gen Baking Champions on the Food Network.

by Sarah DeMaranville

The Henry County Board recently recognized local siblings Abigail and Kenneth Wolf with an official proclamation honoring their national achievement as Next Gen Baking Champions on the Food Network.

The proclamation highlights not only their success on a national stage, but also the pride they brought to Henry County through their talent, professionalism, and representation of the community.

The recognition took place during a County Board meeting, where Abigail and Kenneth were formally presented with the proclamation. The moment gave them a chance to be part of the meeting and experience local government firsthand.

“It was very cool to be at the courthouse and have the board recognize us,” Abigail said.

“That was a fancy proclamation, and it was really fun to be part of a board meeting,” Kenneth added.

Their parents, Dan and Erica Wolf, said the experience has been especially meaningful because of the strong support from the community throughout the show.

Abigail and Kenneth Wolf pose with family and a county official after being honored by the Henry County Board for their national win.

“We are so thankful for the support from the community during the show,” they said. “Every comment has been positive and encouraging.”

The recognition reflects more than a television win—it highlights the creativity, work ethic, and potential of young people in the Geneseo area, and the pride a community takes in seeing its own succeed on a national stage.

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.

Geneseo Schools Honor Eight Distinguished Alumni for Career Achievement and Community Impact

The Geneseo High School Alumni Association recognized eight graduates Monday, March 9 during its Distinguished Alumni program, celebrating individuals whose careers and contributions reflect the values and legacy of Geneseo schools. The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the association, recognizing graduates who have reached the pinnacle of their careers while bringing credit to themselves and the Geneseo school district.

The program is part of the Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame initiative, which aims to recognize notable graduates, inspire current students to pursue excellence in their own careers, and foster pride in the school and community.

This year’s inductees represent a wide range of professional fields—from military leadership and agriculture to business, conservation, and the arts—illustrating the many paths Geneseo graduates have taken to make meaningful contributions.

Susan (Lodge) Backs – Class of 1963

Army Lieutenant Colonel Susan (Lodge) Backs built a distinguished career in military nursing and leadership after graduating from Geneseo High School. Initially hoping to join the U.S. Air Force, she ultimately entered the Army, where she served for 23 years across multiple medical specialties.

Backs served in Vietnam under demanding and unpredictable conditions, including work in a POW hospital early in her deployment. Her career later included roles in female surgery, newborn care, and the operating room. After leaving the Army, she continued serving others through nursing roles in Kansas. Today, the retired lieutenant colonel remains proud of her service and the resilience it required.

Brad Gericke – Class of 1984

Major General (Ret.) Brad Gericke is recognized as a visionary strategic leader whose career spanned decades in senior roles within the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.

Gericke earned a doctorate from Vanderbilt University and graduated from the National War College. He served as the Army’s longest-tenured Senior Strategist and Chief of Plans, where he led development of more than fifteen major joint and Army strategies, including components of the Chairman’s National Military Strategy and the Army Campaign Plan.

In retirement, Gericke continues to mentor future military leaders and contribute to national security policy discussions as a distinguished fellow and advisor.

Tony Vandemore – Class of 1995

Tony Vandemore has built an internationally respected career in waterfowl conservation and outdoor entrepreneurship.

After briefly playing professional baseball and working in the insurance industry, Vandemore co-founded Habitat Flats, a renowned waterfowl hunting and conservation operation managing thousands of acres dedicated to habitat management. Known worldwide among waterfowl enthusiasts, Vandemore emphasizes conservation, stewardship of natural resources, and sustainable outdoor traditions.

Habitat Flats continues to expand, reflecting Vandemore’s commitment to wildlife management and outdoor heritage.

Ramon Wirth – Class of 1953

Ramon Wirth’s legacy in Geneseo is deeply tied to the long-standing success of Wirth Plumbing & Heating, a family business he founded in 1965.

Wirth built the company through a commitment to craftsmanship, customer relationships, and community trust. The business became a Lennox “Premier Dealer” for more than 50 years—one of the longest tenures in Illinois.

Today, Wirth Inc. serves customers across a wide region and remains a family-centered company employing dozens of people while continuing its decades-long presence in downtown Geneseo.

Joshua Anderson – Class of 1998

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joshua Anderson dedicated 20 years to the United States Army following his graduation from Geneseo High School.

During his service, Anderson worked in both conventional and special operations units, including assignments with the 3rd Infantry Division and the Army’s elite 5th Special Forces Group. He deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Later in his career, Anderson transitioned to leadership development, mentoring ROTC cadets at Florida A&M University. Today he remains active in the Geneseo community while continuing to exemplify service and leadership.

Thomas N. Anderson – Class of 1998

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Thomas N. Anderson also pursued a distinguished military career following his time at Geneseo High School.

A standout student and athlete, Anderson attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2002 while competing on the Army wrestling team. Over two decades of Army service, he completed combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and served in leadership roles across the globe.

In addition to his military achievements, Anderson has contributed to leadership scholarship and remains involved in local youth activities and community organizations.

Warren Hadley – Class of 1956

Raised on a farm between Geneseo and Cambridge, Warren Hadley devoted much of his life to agriculture and community leadership.

After earning a degree in agriculture from Iowa State University, Hadley returned home to farm hundreds of acres and raise cattle while remaining deeply involved in regional agricultural organizations. His leadership extended to roles with Empire Equipment, the Henry County Beef Association, and other industry groups.

Hadley also served on the Geneseo Board of Education and the Black Hawk College Board, reflecting his strong commitment to education and civic engagement.

Scott Rokis – Class of 1998

Scott Rokis followed an unconventional path from corporate leadership to creative entrepreneurship.

After graduating from the University of Illinois with honors in Management Information Systems, Rokis joined General Electric’s Information Management Leadership Program, working internationally on global initiatives across multiple industries.

At age 35, he left corporate life to pursue photography full-time, spending several years traveling North America while living in a van and documenting endurance athletes and trail runners. Today, his photography inspires outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes around the world.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Distinguished Alumni program serves not only as recognition for past achievements but also as inspiration for current Geneseo students. By highlighting graduates who have excelled in fields ranging from military service to agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the arts, the Hall of Fame reinforces the values of dedication, leadership, and community impact.

School officials noted that the honorees’ careers reflect the broader mission of the Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame: to recognize outstanding graduates, motivate students to pursue excellence, and strengthen pride in Geneseo schools and community.

The eight inductees now join the growing list of Geneseo alumni whose achievements continue to shape industries, communities, and the next generation of leaders.

Geneseo School Board to Review Solar Proposal, Fee Changes

The Geneseo School Board will meet Thursday evening with several items on the agenda, including a solar energy proposal for Geneseo Middle School, potential student fee increases, and staffing updates.

A representative from E-Quantum Consulting is scheduled to present a proposal outlining a solar installation at Geneseo Middle School. The proposed system would generate roughly 270,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually—offsetting about 37% of the building’s energy use. The estimated project cost is between $561,000 and $569,000, though federal and state incentives could reduce the district’s net cost to approximately $108,000 to $115,000. The project is projected to pay for itself in about seven to eight years through energy savings.

Board members will also review proposed student fee adjustments for the 2026–27 school year. Registration fees would increase by $3 per student, bringing the proposed totals to $126 for K–8 students and $138 for high school students. Activity participation fees would rise from $35 to $40 at the high school level and from $30 to $35 at the middle school level.

The district’s S.A.F.E. before- and after-school childcare program rates are also proposed to increase slightly, with most daily fees rising by about 25 cents per child.

In addition, the board will review recommended hazardous bus routes for the upcoming school year. Areas under consideration include Oakwood Acres, Hillcrest Drive, Pine Ridge Subdivision, portions of Chicago Street south of Wells Street, Highway 82 North, and Maple Bluff Subdivision. Approximately 133 students would qualify for transportation from those areas.

Personnel matters on the agenda include several new hires for the 2026–27 school year, including a middle school social studies teacher and a new high school vocal music and choir director. The board will also review several resignations and a retirement among district staff.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Geneseo CUSD #228 District Office.

Sources:
Geneseo CUSD #228 Board of Education Meeting Agenda (March 12, 2026);
Solar Energy Proposal – Solar One / E-Quantum Consulting;
CSBO Report – March 2026;
Student Fees and S.A.F.E. Rates Proposal;
Personnel Chart Summary – March 12, 2026.

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