Honoring Legacy and Leadership: Showering Love Attends an Inspiring Celebration.
What does it mean to leave a legacy that inspires courage, compassion, and meaningful change?
Last night, an unforgettable evening was held to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mrs. Betty Ewens Quadracci. The event, hosted by her son Richard Quadracci, was more than a tribute to a beloved mother; it was a celebration of resilience, vision, and the power of women to uplift entire communities.
Betty Ewens Quadracci was a force to be reckoned with. She overcame childhood polio, a challenge that might have defined her life, but instead became the foundation of her resilience. As her daughter Elizabeth shared, "She had polio as a child... I know it sounds tragic, but it was not. My mother made sure that she would say, 'If this is the cross I have to bear, then so be it.' Nothing stopped her." Even in the face of immense physical challenges, Betty’s resolve never wavered. She continued working tirelessly, leaving behind a legacy that epitomizes strength and determination.
Betty went on to achieve extraordinary feats, co-founding Quad/Graphics with her husband, Harry. What began as a modest printing company grew into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise, a testament to her vision and tenacity. Beyond business, Betty's impact extended to education, philanthropy, and the arts. She taught underserved schoolchildren in South Carolina, helped establish the Waukesha Montessori School, and launched one of the nation's first Head Start programs. Her philanthropic efforts transformed Milwaukee, from her role in creating the iconic Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum to her leadership in organizations like the Windhover Foundation. Betty’s influence was a masterclass in combining strength with compassion.
Her son Richard described her as "unsinkable, unstoppable, a force of nature." These qualities inspired the "Unsinkable Award," which was presented to Jeanne Albaugh that evening.
Dr. Richard Quadracci is a philanthropist whose inherent altruistic qualities motivate him to support organizations in an effort to improve human welfare. Along with his siblings, he oversees the Windhover Foundation, a private foundation originally established by his late parents in 1983 to facilitate philanthropic efforts on a larger scale. The Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations and social service agencies, including women’s centers, hospices, libraries, arts centers, playgrounds, parks, food pantries, and more. Locally, the Foundation has supported food pantries, including a mobile food pantry distribution at a local elementary school, and has served as the Presenting Sponsor for "My Hollywood Pride" for three consecutive years.
Dr. Quadracci’s commitment to community extends to his roles on several Executive Boards throughout South Florida, including Safe Schools South Florida and NSU University School's Board of Advisors, where he serves as Vice Chairman. His dedication was recognized in 2021 when he was presented with the Community Cooperation of the Year Award by the Florida Police Athletic League of Hallandale Beach.
Richard & Jeanne (on left) cut the ribbon to Showering Love’s Housing Program for unhoused vets!
Richard’s words about the award resonate profoundly: "This year’s recipient of the Betty Q Award is Jeanne Albaugh. Her resilience, tenacity, persistence, and dedication to the homeless community exemplify the qualities of a true hero. Jeanne embodies the trailblazer attributes for which Betty Q was so famous." Richard’s words about the award resonate profoundly: "This year’s recipient of the Betty Q Award is Jeanne Albaugh. Her resilience, tenacity, persistence, and dedication to the homeless community exemplify the qualities of a true hero. Jeanne embodies the trailblazer attributes for which Betty Q was so famous."
As the CEO of Showering Love, Jeanne Albaugh embodies the very essence of the "Unsinkable Award." Like Betty, Jeanne’s journey is one of transformation. She overcame incredible challenges, including a decade of homelessness, to become a leader who restores dignity and hope to those in need. Under Jeanne’s leadership, Showering Love provides not only mobile showers but also a path to self-sufficiency, reminding people of their worth and potential. Jeanne’s story is a living testament to the idea that challenges can be the foundation of profound impact.
The shared values between Betty and Jeanne are striking: resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. Both women turned adversity into opportunity, using their strength to lift others up. Betty’s legacy continues through her family’s philanthropic efforts and the countless lives she touched, while Jeanne’s work with Showering Love carries forward the mission of restoring dignity and providing hope.
Betty’s powerful philosophy can be summed up in her own words: "Let life take you, have faith, and keep moving." Her life teaches us that true power lies in using our gifts to create opportunities for others. Jeanne’s leadership at Showering Love reminds us that the work of uplifting communities is never done, and every act of kindness can ripple outward to create lasting change.
As we reflect on the legacies of these two incredible women, let us be inspired to rise above challenges, lead with compassion, and make a difference in our own communities. Together, we can continue the work of building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
