About the Rauch Foundations

History

The Rauch brothers remembered how the community, especially the American Federation of Labor Construction workers, came to the aid of the Rauch family whose husband and father was a paraplegic.

Albert and Lester remembered how the family managed to pull through the Great Depression of the 1930’s because the union members constructed a storefront—and the means for the family’s livelihood—onto the front of their Rock Island home. In later years that remembrance took the form of plans to establish family foundations that would help others in their community.

Albert and Lester Rauch both graduated from St. Ambrose University, majoring in sciences. Les was director of food services at St. Amthony’s Hospital and Franciscan Medical Center. He died in 1987 and bequeathed his assets to his brother. Al went to work at Deere & Company as a chemist and worked there as a senior scientist for 48 years. Albert Rauch died in 1994.

These modest and unassuming brothers remembered the gifts of their neighbors and friends with their own generous gifts to future generations.

Rauch Family Foundation I

The focus of the Rauch Family Foundation I is on the City of Rock Island, where Al and Les lived all their lives. It is appropriate that this foundation supports programs and activities that enhance the daily lives of Rock Island citizens.

Rauch Family Foundation II

Rauch Family Foundation II focuses on Judaism, the traditions and faith that enriched and gave meaning to Albert and Lester Rauch. The Tri-City Jewish Center, with its services and community life, was very important to them.

The Foundation’s grant programs attempt to nurture children, youth, and adults’ understanding and incorporation of the values and traditions of Judaism in everyday life through study programs such as camperships and higher education scholarships.

Emphasis is given to helping the larger society remain knowledgeable of the Holocaust through the provision of educational materials and teacher training. Significant grants were awarded to the Jeff Leibovitz Special Collection of Holocaust Education Materials at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities.

Remembrance of the special assistance the Rauch family received from the union prompts grants to meet individual needs. The Quad Cities Jewish Federation, local synagogues, and several national and international Jewish charities periodically receive support. Social services, immigration, and water resource development in Israel are of particular interest.