Help Raise Scholarship Money With Memorial Race In Bettendorf

Every year, many of us look forward to Labor Day weekend so enjoy three days off as opposed to just two. It also doesn't hurt it gets followed by a short workweek.

But every year on Labor Day in Bettendorf, a race takes place to remember someone dearly missed by friends and family and to raise money to help other students in the community.

2023 Race With Carl In Bettendorf

Coming up on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd, is the annual Labor Day "Run with Carl". This race was the primary funding vehicle for the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund.

After 20 years, the Schillig family decided to end the race, but still provide scholarships, according to the race's website. 

One of those scholarships is the Carl Schillig Scholarship. That scholarship, named after the same Carl as the race, is given to a student with a minimum 2.3+ grade point average who exemplifies Carl’s spirit through participation in school, sports, community, and church activities. Each recipient receives a $4,000 scholarship over 4 years, contingent on satisfactory performance.

In the fall of 2014, the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation and the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation joined together to continue the race. Money raised funds for grants and scholarships for area students.

In 2015, Ascentra Credit Union became the title sponsor for the race and continues this partnership today. The 2023 annual  "Run with Carl" race is still taking registrations for those who want to run.

The races you and others can participate in include the children's 1/2 mile Fun Run (12 and under), the 5-mile Run, and the 5K run/walk. More details about signing up can be found at runwithcarl.com.

Registration and Packet Pick-Up will be at the Bettendorf Middle School (2030 Middle Road). Go to door 3W.

About Carl Schillig

Carl Schillig, a student at Pleasant Valley High School, was 15 years old when he died in a car-pedestrian accident while participating in the Civil War Reenactment at the Village of East Davenport, on September 17, 1994.

In 1995, a year after his death, the annual Labor Day "Run with Carl" was established.

Carl was active in numerous school, community, and church activities. The memorial fund was established by Carl’s family to perpetuate his memory and enthusiasm for life by providing college scholarships to graduates of Pleasant Valley.

The first scholarship was awarded in 1998. In 2002, the scholarship award was extended to include graduates of Bettendorf High School.

The 2022 race raised over $17,000 for each foundation and proceeds are used to fund scholarships for graduating Seniors in both districts and are also used to support innovative classroom grants in the Bettendorf Community School District.