The Project of the Quad Cities (TPQC) announced Wednesday that this year’s Louis Katz award will be given in memory of Clayton Peterson, a longtime community advocate and volunteer who passed away late last year.
“Simply put, The Project of the Quad Cities owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Clayton Peterson,” said TPQC Community Impact Officer Sarah Stevens (she/her). “He spent so much of his free time helping us and our clients. His generosity had no limits.”
Peterson was instrumental in organizing the annual We Care Weekend, a fundraiser for The Project that attracted attendees from as far as Des Moines and Chicago. The event morphed throughout the years, last happening in 2015.“
Back in the 90s, the We Care Weekend would bring in significant dollars to support our clients living with HIV,” Stevens said. “So many community members came together to make it happen. But we know Clayton was one of the most pivotal and we are excited to be able to honor this significant contribution in some way.”
Peterson was also involved with The Project’s Annual Red Ribbon Gala, in particular the sale of custom Christmas tree ornaments. Caitlin Wells (she/her), TPQC’s CEO, says a few of those antique ornaments will be available for bidding in this year’s Red Ribbon Gala silent auction.
As for the decision to pick Peterson as this year’s award recipient, Wells says it was an easy choice.“
We wish the circumstances were different, but the need to honor Clayton remains. He truly impacted so many lives when he was with us. He represents all the best parts of The Project: caring, compassionate, and remarkable.”
For more information about the Red Ribbon Gala, visit tpqc.org/Village