Kicking off with Run, Walk & Rally events in East Peoria and Bloomington on April 15^th!

For the third year in a row, Easterseals is inviting all of Central Illinois to participate in the Easterseals Community Rally, April 15^th – 21st. This week-long celebration is a chance for community members to rally in support of Easterseals Mission; to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential. The Easterseals Community Rally is made possible by CEFCU.

“The Community Rally is a celebration like no other, and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Matt Mamer, CEFCU President/CEO. “Easterseals is an amazing resource for our community, even beyond the families they serve directly. CEFCU is proud to support Easterseals’ message of inclusion and empowerment.“

There are many ways to rally for Easterseals:

• Register for Run, Walk & Rally in East Peoria & Normal on April 15^th! A family-friendly

5K run /1-mile walk that celebrates participants of all abilities! Join us for a post-race party with prizes and games. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcomed and encouraged.

• • Register for the East Peoria Race in the Levee District
  • Register for the Bloomington Race in Tipton Park

• Tune in to the week-long telethon! WMBD and Easterseals are teaming up to raise money to support therapy services for the children and families of Easterseals! Tune in to WMBD/WYZZ newscasts Monday, April 17^th – Friday. April 21^st  from 4-6 pm during Community Rally week to make your donation through the telethon.
• Rally Your Own Way! Your support helps ensure that every child Easterseals serves can reach their full potential. Last year, Easterseals Central Illinois served over 6,000 families and provided 36,792 hours of pediatric therapy services.
  • Host a Fundraiser:  Create a fundraising page, host a small gathering or workplace challenge. There are so many ways to raise money for Easterseals and celebrate our message of inclusion and empowerment.
  • Make a Donation: Find a list of upcoming fundraising events or make a direct donation now at Eastersealsci.com.
• Learn More: Interested in learning more about Easterseals Central Illinois? Consider hosting an Easterseals 101 presentation for your workplace or community group to learn about our services and opportunities to get connected.

Learn more at Eastersealsci.com/CommunityRally

Our Peoria speech department has seen a record number of referrals for children impacted by speech and language delays likely due to the challenges we have faced in the last couple years as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. 

We had the opportunity to grow our Peoria Speech team and continue to look for talented and passionate SLPs to join our team to help these children and their families. 

We needed to create additional treatment spaces to accommodate the new therapists and kids they serve.  We put together this wish list to add to and update our current therapy materials.  Thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Sincerely, the Peoria Speech Team.

Amazon wish list:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4I8I5VC0BOB9?ref_=wl_share

SuperDuper wish list:

https://www.superduperinc.com/wishlist/index/index/wishlist_id/262431/

Autism Handbook wish list:

https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/product-page/autism-handbook

https://www.mrsspeechiep.com/product-page/the-autism-handbook-for-kids

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.