By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
The five Catholic schools in Scott County are collaborating with Kwik Star Convenience Stores on a fundraising project for the schools. The convenience store chain is issuing a reward card whose benefits go directly to the schools.
The program began Sept. 1 and, through the end of the year, Kwik Star will donate 10 percent of inside sales and 10 cents per gallon of fuel to the five Scott County Catholic schools whenever the card is used. An extra $10 will be donated for every activated card after the 10th visit. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, 2018, the amount changes to 5 percent of inside purchases and 5 cents per gallon of fuel. The card functions solely as a rewards card, not a credit or debit card. The schools will receive a check quarterly. The cards can be picked up at the schools, the St. Vincent Center or by calling (563) 324-1911.
The LaCrosse, Wis.-based company contacted diocesan Development Director Andy Gaertner in mid-summer, eager to test out the new Kwik Rewards program in the expanding Davenport-Bettendorf market. Gaertner was familiar with the company, having gotten to know some of the executive employees in his previous development position with the LaCrosse Diocese. “They have keen interest in funding schools — education is very important to them,” Gaertner said of Kwik Star.
Gaertner, Superintendent of Schools Lee Morrison, Bishop Thomas Zinkula and Father Tony Herald, diocesan vicar general, met with company representatives and together determined the program could be “a good fit” for the Catholic schools in Scott County, Gaertner said.
Morrison said the Kwik Rewards program benefits “far outshine” the Scott County Catholic Schools’ Scrip program, in which the schools buy gift cards from retailers at a discount, sell them for face value and keep the difference. The Kwik Rewards program is being offered in addition to the Scrip program at the present time. Morrison said the funds from the Kwik Rewards program will likely be used for tuition assistance.
Gaertner explained that while the diocesan schools are not trying to endorse individual companies, “this was a huge opportunity for our schools to make extra money,” especially if people are already shopping at one of the half-dozen Kwik Star stores in the Davenport-Bettendorf area.
