In 2018 the Coulter Family and PDC were honored at the 28th annual Easterseals Tribute Dinner. The event raised more than $1.5 million dollars, with much of that money coming from outside of the community through their industry contacts. The entire Coulter family was on hand to celebrate this momentous achievement.

Also on hand that night was Hayden Fay, an Easterseals Ambassador who helped design a rendering of an interactive PDC Garbage Truck that was set to be installed in the Easterseals’ Peoria lobby.

A lot has changed in the past four years. Hayden grew (a lot). The lobby was completely redesigned. And the truck was reimagined.

On December 13 2022, the truck was finally unveiled!

In 2021, the Coulter family sold PDC to GFL. GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing a comprehensive line of non-hazardous solid waste management, infrastructure & soil remediation and liquid waste management services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in 27 states in the United States. Across its organization, GFL has a workforce of more than 17,000 employees.

Royal Coulter shared “It is clear to us that GFL shares the same core values as PDC: entrepreneurial spirit, operational excellence, a focus on safety and a commitment to giving back to the communities that it serves. I am excited to be part of GFL’s next chapter.”

A few days prior to the unveiling of the truck, GFL presented Easterseals Central Illinois with a $10,000 check as a part of their full circle project. We are so grateful to GFL, The Coulter Family and everyone who has been a part of PDC’s support of Easterseals over the years.

Community Foundation of Central Illinois awarded Easterseals Central Illinois $5,250 to fund interpreters in various languages such as American Sign Language, Spanish, French, and Chinese.  Easterseals Central Illinois serves over 6,000 families per year across central Illinois. With 1 in 6 children having some type of developmental delay, it is crucial that Easterseals has the ability to connect with all families in our community.

Providing interpreter services on-site gives families a clear understanding of a diagnosis and/or therapy plan.  They can begin accessing services immediately and participate easily in the services provided to their child(ren).  They feel confident in asking questions because they feel heard and understood. 

We currently partner with Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington, Illinois to provide services to many of our Spanish-speaking families and Inter Services Co. in Peoria, Illinois to provide services to our French, Chinese and ASL speaking families.

Inclusion is at the center of what we do. We are eager to find any opportunity to remove barriers for families. We are grateful that the Community Foundation of Central Illinois shares our passion for ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Melissa Riddle, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois

According to census.gov, 23.3% of Illinois families reported that languages other than English were spoken in the home. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in the success of the early intervention and pediatric therapy programs, and being able to communicate directly with these families is an important part of the process.

It’s time to party! The Black and Blue Ball is heading into its 18^th year with a fun remix on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Peoria Civic Center. The party begins at 5:30pm. We are excited to present Club Black and Blue to our guests this year. Featuring your favorite DJs Red Hot Brian Scott from Z92.3 and Matt Bahan from 105.7 X. Get ready to dance as they fire off non-stop hits rock, pop, country, and everything in-between!

The Black and Blue Ball has raised well over one million dollars for Easterseals Central Illinois. The Black and Blue Ball continues to be unique from other traditional fundraising events – creating an atmosphere geared towards the young and young-at-heart professionals. We are ready to throw on our black tie – blue jean attire and have a ball for the kids and families of Easterseals!

Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10. Ticket prices increase on January 1, 2023, so get your tables today! Sponsorships start at $2,500.

This year we are excited to offer an upgraded VIP experience that can be added for sponsors! Learn more at Eastersealsci.com/BlackandBlue

Sponsorships are now available by contacting Danielle Easton at Deaston@eastersealsci.com or (309)687-2022. Tickets are on sale now! Stay up to date on all things Black & Blue by following is on Facebook @ESBlackBlue or visit Easterseals Central Illinois | Black & Blue Ball.

Pediatric therapy is designed to be fun. Our rooms are filled with toys, games, and sensory activities. While we do have a small budget to update our items, a majority of our resources are donated by generous families and supporters. Some of our items have been in our therapy rooms for decades. Generations of children have utilized the same toys and games to reach their milestones.

During the season of giving, we know many of you are looking for ways to make an impact. We asked our Occupational Therapy team to share some of their most needed items. If you are looking for a way to give back, and make a big impact- please consider donating items from our wish list!

Click here to view our full Amazon wishlist or check out our switch toys below.

Dylan is extraordinary. 

He has one of only 2,500 known cases of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS). This rare genetic disorder often causes speech and developmental delays, as well as autism spectrum disorder. Dylan began showing symptoms early on, walking much later than the average toddler and experiencing significant speech delays.

A few days before his first birthday, a specialist confirmed that he has autism. Three weeks later, he was diagnosed with PMS.

Dylan has low muscle tone, which slows his physical development and impacts his language and communication skills. While there is no cure, physical therapy and occupational therapy help. Dylan has a high tolerance for pain and, like others with PMS, the tendency to overheat. Coupled with his communication challenges, it can be hard to know if he is in pain and needs help. He also struggles with sleep. A sleepless Dylan means sleepless nights for mom and dad.

Raising a child with a rare disease isn’t easy. There’s stress, worry, exhaustion, but also an enduring love that helps families keep going. And thanks to donors like you, there’s Easterseals Central Illinois.

Thanks to support from generous donors like you, Dylan visits our Peoria Service Center 3 times a week where he receives speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. He is making great progress and his family is grateful for the support.