Month: September 2017

2017 Philanthropists of the Year – Mark & Reneé Spenny

Gina Edwards
The 2017 Philanthropists of the Year award was presented to Mark and Reneé Spenny at the fall Tocqueville Society Reception. Giving back to the community is important Mark and Reneé Spenny. Together, they have given generously of their time, talents and treasure to numerous organizations in central Illinois.

Mark and Reneé Spenny

In 2007, the Heart of Illinois United Way established the Philanthropists of the Year to recognize members of the Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois. Each year, the award honors individuals or couples for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration in creating a lasting positive impact on the quality of life in our community.

The 2017 Philanthropists of the Year award was presented to Mark and Reneé Spenny at the fall Tocqueville Society Reception. Giving back to the community is important Mark and Reneé Spenny. Together, they have given generously of their time, talents and treasure to numerous organizations in central Illinois.

In 2010, Mark and Reneé chaired the Heart of Illinois United Way’s annual campaign, raising more than $8.7 million. Mark is President and CEO of CEFCU and Reneé Spenny has been employed in real estate title and loans. They have volunteered for numerous local nonprofits and most recently, Mark served as Chair of the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Board of Directors and Reneé served on the Power of the Purse steering committee. Continue reading →

The Heart of Illinois United Way funds community programs and services to promote education, financial stability and health in Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford Counties in Central Illinois.

Sally Snyder, 2017 Hoot Gibson Honoree

Gina Edwards
2017 Hoot Gibson Honoree Sally Snyder with Board Chair Tim Neuhauser

Sally Snyder with Board Chair Tim Neuhauser

Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized a volunteer who spends countless hours working without fanfare to help others. The annual Hoot Gibson award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson, who pursued his goals in a quiet, determined manner, caring little if others knew of his accomplishments. For her volunteer leadership in central Illinois and outstanding support for Heart of Illinois United Way, Sally Snyder was awarded the 2017 Hoot Gibson Award.

Sally first became involved with the Heart of Illinois United Way as a board member in the mid-1990s and just finished another term of office. As a long-time supporter of the United Way, she’s been a member of the Success By 6 steering committee and has been instrumental in our support of early childhood education. She also serves on the health and rehabilitation allocations panel and devotes countless hours each year reviewing grants and attending agency presentations. Over the years, she has also served on our Pillars Society and Strategic Planning committees.

With a passion for education, Sally Snyder has spent years on the Peoria Public Schools’ board including serving as board president. In addition, she has provided volunteer leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations including the Hult Center for Healthy Living, Peoria Riverfront Museum, WTVP, Peoria Promise, Heartland Health Services and Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois.

Congratulations to Sally!

Volunteers kick off annual United Way campaign with Day of Caring

Gina Edwards

Peoria Journal Star

Nearly 1,700 volunteers from central Illinois businesses and not-for-profits spent the day Friday lending a hand at United Way partner agencies to help kick off the annual Heart of Illinois United Way campaign. This year’s traditional Day of Caring activities contributed more than 6,600 volunteer hours at those agencies, setting the tone for the ongoing efforts to encourage people to continue to give back to the broader community. Read More at www.pjstar.com…

25 News Day of Caring Campaign on Final Day

Gina Edwards

We want to thank the overwhelming response from viewers who have participated in our Day of Caring Campaign all this week. Together with United Way and the Midwest Food Bank, we’ve been collecting your donations to help combat hunger. Some of that food is headed to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. But some of that food is also staying right here to help those in need in Central Illinois. Read More at week.com…