His ability and his willingness to help cannot be overstated.
John Huntington “Hunt” Harris II was vital to the Quad Cities. The 74-year-old, who passed in December, leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary generosity and a grateful community.
United Way Quad Cities is especially thankful for Hunt and saddened by his passing. He was a nonprofit’s dream come true, sharing his business acumen as abundantly as he shared his financial success.
Hunt was a leader in almost every major volunteer leadership role within United Way — from campaign cabinet to finance committee to serving on our board over 25 years. He improved lives and helped expand opportunity to even more of our neighbors in need.
When United Way faced big changes, Hunt was there, too.
He was involved with executive director searches, IT improvements and strategic planning. But his role didn’t end outside the board room.
“Hunt was involved in United Way’s president search in 2008, and he invited our new hire to live in his guest house,” said Kelly Weinbrandt, Vice President of Finance. “He lived there until his wife was able to join him in the Quad Cities.”
A Lifetime of Generosity
Just nine months before his death, Hunt and his wife, Diane, were awarded United Way Quad Cities Lifetime Achievement Award. Fifteen years earlier, the Harris’ had achieved $1 million Round Table status for personal giving.
His loyalty was as enduring as his generosity.
In 1986, he founded the Tocqueville Society, which is a network of United Way’s most generous donors. Its members give at least $10,000 annually, and the Harrises added a $30,000 yearly leadership match to bolster the membership.
“Hunt, alongside Diane, has been a driving force in regionalism and philanthropic innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of impact,” said Rene Gellerman, United Way QC’s President and CEO. “Through their foundations, they’ve been leading investors at United Way Quad Cities and in numerous local causes, making them the cornerstone of nonprofit capacity building in the Quad Cities.”
Hunt, alongside Diane, has been a driving force in regionalism and philanthropic innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of impact
His leadership was equal parts time and treasure.
“He was focused on our financial health,” Weinbrandt said. “He cared about how we operated. Doing good in the community was a given. He pushed us to be financially sound, efficient and on top of technology.
“He was known to be that person with expertise and care. He was just as generous with his time and thought process as he was with money. He wanted to empower our administrators, staff and volunteers to operate at the highest level.”
Karrie Abbott, United Way’s Chief Operating Officer, called board governance Hunt’s “passion point.” She added, “Lifting up boards to be as effective and efficient as possible … that was near and dear to his heart.”
For Hunt, thoughtfully investing his business know-how and the finances that followed were his purpose.
“God has been so good to me,” he told a local reporter in 2014. “I feel such an obligation. These are gifts that have come from God. We are taught and led to believe, to share these gifts.”
