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
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
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
I was once again privileged to be asked to photograph the 11th Annual Lyle Finch Memorial Claybird Classic at the Oak Ridge Sportsman’s Club in Mackinaw, IL. Throughout his career, Lyle Finch was not only known as a successful businessman, but as a highly respected leader in the construction industry. He is also fondly remembered as a loyal friend, an avid outdoorsman, and owner of the Rice Pond Duck Preserve in Chillicothe, IL. In his honor, the Lyle Finch Memorial Claybird Classic was created. It was another fantastic event hosted by Doug and Diane Oberhelman. Thanks to all of the shooter’s who help raise $250,000 at the event. The proceeds from the days event helps benefit the children of Easter Seals.
-Bob
I gathered up my camera’s and lenses and headed east on I-74 over to Bloomington, IL to try and capture some photo’s of a Bartonville area baseball legend 12 year-old Payton McSimov. He plays the game with same enthusiasm as future MLB Hall-of-Famer Jim Thome and Bradley University legend and 1984 U.S.A. Olympic Gold Medal winner Mike Dunne. Payton who was diagnosed early in his life with Costello syndrome. He plays for his favorite team the St.Louis Cardinals in the Miracle League of Central Illinois with the support of his family and friends.
-Bob
