Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

QUINCY, ILL. -- The following Press Release was issued by the J.W. Gardner II Foundation.

The J.W. Gardner II Foundation announced it's 2009 grants on Wednesday.

The following organizations will benefit from grants totaling over $217,000 from the J.W. Gardner II Foundation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Adams County, Two Rivers Council Girl Scouts, Mississippi Valley Boy Scouts, Cheerful Home Association, Quincy Humane Society, Make A Wish Foundation, Quincy Family YWCA, United Way of Adams County, Good Samaritan Home, Quincy Public Schools - Career Skills and Sports Program, and the Quincy Art Center.

Jack Gardner established the foundation to improve the quality of life of residents in Quincy, Illinois and the surrounding area through funding qualified social welfare, health, education, and religious organizations. The Foundation has donated approximately $1.7 million to local charities since it was funded in 2003.

Grants will be awarded during the summer each year. Mr. Gardner celebrated his 92nd birthday this summer, as a result the board asks that no contact be made directly with Mr. Gardner regarding the foundation or future grants and for additional information, contact John G. Stevenson, Jr. at 217-277-2526.