An Open Letter of Gratitude to the Doris and Victor Day Foundation: A 15-Year Legacy of Impact

Spring Forward Community,

Today, we pause to recognize a partnership that has helped shape the future of thousands of children across the Quad Cities.

For the past 15 years, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation has been a steadfast champion of Spring Forward's mission, providing a level of support, trust, and partnership that has been truly transformational.

With their most recent investment, the Foundation's total support of Spring Forward has now exceeded $1.5 million. While that number is remarkable, its true significance lies in what it has made possible. It represents fourteen years of belief in children, families, and the power of high-quality out-of-school time programming.

Because of the Day Foundation's commitment, Spring Forward has grown from a single-site initiative into a regional leader serving 1,118 students annually. More than 700 of those students call Rock Island home, where we continue working to remove barriers and create safe, enriching, and culturally responsive learning opportunities.

Their support has also helped fuel a Nationally recognized Summer Program model that served more than 725 students across eight sites this past year, reaching children from 23 schools and gaining buy-in from four school districts. Along the way, we have built a network of 71 community partners, creating a ripple effect of opportunity that extends far beyond any one organization.

On a personal note, I too am deeply grateful to the Doris and Victor Day Foundation. Over my 11 years with Spring Forward, I have grown alongside the organization, witnessing firsthand the impact of their generosity and partnership. The Foundation's belief in Spring Forward has not only expanded opportunities for thousands of students, but has also helped shape me into a stronger leader for our community. I am committed to honoring that trust by continuing to build upon what we have accomplished together, amplifying our impact, and ensuring that Quad Cities students have access to the opportunities they deserve.

The Foundation’s continued confidence in our mission has inspired us to continually raise the bar for programs to provide greater impact on the children and families we serve.

Simply put, both Spring Forward and this community would not be where it is today without the Doris and Victor Day Foundation. They have done far more than fund programs. They have invested in potential, opened doors to opportunity, and helped create brighter futures for thousands of young people throughout our community.

To the Board, staff, and supporters of the Doris and Victor Day Foundation: thank you for your extraordinary partnership, your visionary leadership, and your unwavering belief in our students.

With profound gratitude,

Robert McIntyre
Executive Director
Spring Forward