The Par-A-Dice Hotel hosted the 58th annual Easter Seals Auxiliary fashion show fundraiser Thursday with close to 600 guests in attendance. Each year Easter Seals designates a family, a member of which is receivingservices, to speak on it’s behalf. This year, the Getz family appeared on stage with their 4-year-old daughter, Maggie, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome when she was born, beginning physical therapy at 3 months old through Easter Seals, followed by speech therapy of which are part of her life today. All of the proceeds from today’s event provides services for individuals with disabilities.
-Bob
I had some free time this afternoon so I contacted Easter Seals therapist Michelle to have her bring therapy dog Payton to the studio to update his portfolio with some new photo’s. He is a well groomed mild mannered black labrador retriever who has been working with the kid’s at the Peoria facility since last year. Hope you enjoy the photo’s.
-Bob
More than $2.3 million was raised Saturday during the annual Easter Seals Telethon. The telethon, held at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria and broadcast on WMBD Channel 31, resulted in $2,391,905 in donations. The organization’s goal was to top last year’s telethon total of $2.382 million. “We did great,” said Steve Thompson, President/CEO of Central Illinois Easter Seals. “We were really excited about our results.” Easter Seals provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy to people living with autism and other disabilities. Congratulations to all of the VIP’s for all of there hard work, energy and compassion for the kids. Limestone High School raised over $ 59,000 this year for the kids. Please enjoy some of my favorite photo’s from in front of the TV camera’s and some from behind the scenes.
-Bob
It is a new year and time to get ready for the upcoming Black & Blue Ball on February 22, 2013 at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. I was allowed to be part of the fun at Fired Up Studios in Peoria Heights, and capture some images of the kids creating pieces of art for the auction. A big shout out goes to Kati the gracious host for the day along with her fabulous staffers. All of the proceeds from the auction and dance will benefit the children at Easter Seals. For more information please contact Andrea Marhold-Childs at 507 E. Armstrong Ave. Peoria, IL 61603. Phone:309.686.7755 x2298 ~ Fax: 309.687.2030 ~ Email amarhold-childs@ci.easterseals.com.
-Bob
The Penguin Project presented Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Thursday evening at Eastlight Theatre. Under the direction of Dr. Andy Morgan and his wife Kathy it was opening night for the cast. Special thanks to Dale Burklund and family for generously underwriting Easter Seals Night. The cast of 87 young children with disabilities was spearheaded by the lovely “Ariel (The Little Mermaid” played by 18 tear-old Olivia Coombs, Charles J. Blackwell as “Prince Eric” and Skye Mayo as “Ursala” the main antagonist in the story. It was a enthusiastic sold-out crowd that gave a rousing 10 minute standing ovation for a inspiring performance. There are three more performances January 18th and 19th at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. January 20th.
Click here to view more photo’s.
-Bob
