Summer_2013Newsletter

TITLE SPONSOR

SATURDAY OCT. 12, 2013 PEORIA CIVIC CENTER

peoriapromise.org/gala

Updatepromise from the

Providing a College Education for Tomorrow’s Workforce…

Board of Directors Mayor Jim Ardis - President Susan Fellerhoff - Vice President Tom Lunsford - Treasurer Brian Meginnes - Secretary Paul Beiersdorf Scott Elger Tara Gerstner Paul Hammond Megan Holder Beth Johnson Kollet Koulianos Deborah O’Fallon Derrick Parker

Executive Director Sheri McGill sheri.mcgill@peoriapromise.org

Director of Marketing & Communications

Promise Mentors Enters Second Year The college student mentor is both a friend and a role model who supports and encourages a younger partner in his/her academic and personal growth. The mentor is also a guide who helps a young person make the difficult change from high school to college. The Promise Mentors program will support Peoria Promise students for the second year. The number of students and volunteer mentors participating in the program has greatly increased from last year. Mentors received training in July and will meet their students for the first time at our Kickoff to College Success event in August. Any contribution to support the program -- printing services, refreshments for events and meetings, incentives for achievements -- is greatly appreciated!

Alumni Update: Two of Our First Year Graduates Sara Hodgens - Class ‘08 I have just purchased my first home in Peoria! I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Currently, I am a practicing Physical Therapist Assistant for Professional Therapy Services, Inc and am continuing my education at ICC to work towards my bachelors degree and eventually obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

“Peoria Promise allows our community to invest in its future and paves a path for the success of our youth in their journey to realize their dreams.”

Emily Adams emily.adams@peoriapromise.org

Gaby Fernadez - Class ‘08

Young Leaders Board Emily Prouty - President Whitney Vincent - Vice President Vince Boyle - Secretary Nathan Willi - Treasurer Loren Vincent - Governance Nate Bach Scott Carlson Lindsey Cheney Ashley Daily Lee Deehring Natalie Edwards Casey Johnson Meghan Lundeen Amy Pfeiffer Roy Rao Joni Staley Michael Staley

After graduating from Richwoods High School in 2008, I attended ICC on a Peoria Promise scholarship and earned my associates degree. Then I transferred to Illinois State University where I double majored in Organizational Communication and Theater Management. In May of 2013, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree and will begin an internship with the Disney College Program in August.

Raffle: 2014 Lexus IS 2 Year Paid Lease Lexus of Peoria is supporting our fundraising efforts for the second year with another Lexus raffle. This year’s prize is a paid, 2-year lease on a 2014 Lexus IS. Tickets are $50 each or three for $100 and can be purchased on our website, at our office or at the Lexus of Peoria dealership. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Gala on October 12, 2013 (need not be present to win).

Taxes and fees are paid for by Peoria Promise. Must be 18 or older with a valid drivers license, car insurance & credit approval to win.

Upcoming Event: Peoria Promise Gala 2013 If you have an affinity for the oldie rock ‘n’ roll sounds, classic hot rods and the carefree days of the 1950’s, the Peoria Promise Foundation has an event for you. Peoria Promise is giving community members a chance to break out the bobbysocks and Brylcreem, as they transport back to the 50’s for its Fifth Annual Gala on Oct. 12, 2013 at the Peoria Civic Center.

The Grease themed event will include a dinner, live entertainment, a paddle raiser and live and silent auctions. Proceeds support the Peoria Promise Foundation. Those in attendance are encouraged to dress in their best 50’s fashion or favorite school spirit attire.

Tickets are available online at peoriapromise. org/gala. Individual tickets are $150 and tables of 10 seats are $1,500.

The Gala, hosted by honorary chairs Glen and Polly Barton, is the foundation’s largest fundraising event which raises money to support city of Peoria public high school graduates who attend Illinois Central College.

To Volunteer: Contact Sheri McGill sheri.mcgill@peoriapromise.org Office: 309-681-0091 Mobile: 309-431-0081

Learn More About us!

Check it out on our website:

www.peoriapromise.org Also, watch our video!

Thanks to Tim Sotter Productions.

Looking for a Speaker?

Peoria Promise is always looking for ways to spread the word. If you would like to have Peoria Promise present to your community group, please contact Sheri McGill.

The event will serve as a wonderful opportunity for businesses and individuals to showcase themselves to the community.

Last year, the gala drew more than 500 attendees, providing boundless marketing and promotional opportunities for both corporate and individual sponsors, as well as those donating to the auction. To be a sponsor or to donate auction items please contact Emily Adams at emily.adams@peoriapromise.org.

Expansion Update

Peoria Promise is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine our capacity to fund students graduating from private high schools. More information to come at a later date.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Event Recap: Play for the Promise The Peoria Promise Young Leaders Advisory Board hosted the 3rd Annual Play for the Promise on Friday, May 17 at Brewers Distributing. More than 250 attendees enjoyed an evening in true Vegas fashion to help support the ongoing work of the Peoria Promise Foundation. Many also enjoyed several gaming tables throughout the evening. Gaby Fernandez, a Peoria Promise graduate, gave an inspiring speech that helped guests better understand how the promise of education changed her life. The event raised more than $15,000 for Peoria Promise. Thanks to our generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters!

Photo Left: Christine & Lee Deehring, Walt and Beth Deehring.

Photo Right: Whitney Vincent, Amber Nelson, Kim Johnson

Thank You 2013 Donors!

Thanks to those who have donated this year. Every donation makes a difference! A complete donor list will be published in our 2013 Annual Report.

To donate go to www.peoriapromise.org Stop in or mail your contributions to Peoria Promise Foundation 620 W Glen Ave Peoria, IL 61614