Mamer Family Named 2026 McCord Philanthropists of the Year
Heart of Illinois United Way has named the Mamer Family its 2026 McCord Philanthropists of the Year, recognizing their longstanding commitment to philanthropy, volunteer leadership, and service throughout central Illinois.
The award was presented to Matt and Heidi Mamer during the United Way’s Tocqueville Society Reception on September 22.
Each year, Heart of Illinois United Way recognizes Tocqueville Society members whose generosity, leadership, and service have made a lasting difference in our community. The award carries forward a legacy of local philanthropy that spans generations.
The Mamer family’s commitment to central Illinois is no exception. The late Jim Mamer was known for giving both his time and leadership to organizations and initiatives throughout the community. Matt Mamer has continued that tradition, including serving as Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2024 Campaign Chair and, with Heidi, chairing the United Way’s Pillars Society in 2022. His community involvement also includes leadership with the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.
Together, Matt and Heidi are longtime supporters of Heart of Illinois United Way, continuing their family’s tradition of investing in the community they call home.
The award itself also reflects a multigenerational tradition of giving. In 2018, when Katie McCord Jenkins and her husband, Tom, received the honor, Heart of Illinois United Way renamed it the McCord Philanthropists of the Year Award to recognize Katie’s parents, Mike and Kay McCord, and the McCord family’s legacy of philanthropy and community leadership.
The McCord Philanthropists of the Year Award is presented as part of Heart of Illinois United Way’s Leadership Giving program, which recognizes donors whose generosity provides significant support for the United Way’s work in education, financial stability and health throughout central Illinois.
Celebrating Community Impact, Leadership, and Partnership at Annual Meeting
The Heart of Illinois United Way welcomed community leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters on June 18 for its Annual Meeting, celebrating the collective impact made possible through collaboration across central Illinois.
The evening included the election of board members and officers, recognition of outstanding volunteer and community leadership, presentation of the Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award, and highlights from the organization’s newly completed regional Community Assessment.
Honoring Outgoing Board Members
Board Chair Sid Ruckriegel opened the meeting by recognizing four outgoing members of the Board of Directors for their dedicated service and leadership, including Kylene Anthony, Mike Bass, Mary Sparks Thompson, and Andrea Tortora.
The Heart of Illinois United Way extends its sincere appreciation to each of these individuals for their commitment to strengthening communities throughout central Illinois.
Welcoming New Board Leadership
Members in attendance elected a slate of board members and officers to guide the organization during the coming year.
Re-elected to second three-year terms were:
- Michelle Conger, OSF HealthCare
- Leon Hendricks, WEEK and HOI ABC
- Pastor Chad Manbeck, Richwoods Christian Church
- Leanne Skuse, River City Construction
- Karl Weiss, Caterpillar Retiree
The organization also welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors.
Anne Bowman, MBA
Anne Bowman serves as Director of Oncology at Carle Health Methodist Hospital, where she leads oncology services across multiple programs and disciplines. With more than 15 years of leadership experience in healthcare and the nonprofit sector, she is recognized for building high-performing teams, expanding access to care, and improving patient and community health outcomes.
A longtime supporter of the Heart of Illinois United Way, Bowman previously served as a Generation United member and most recently co-chaired both Carle Health’s United Way campaign and United Way’s Community Impact Fund.
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey is President and CEO of SQB Workforce Ecosystems and President Emerita of Illinois Central College, where she served as the institution’s first female president.
Throughout her career, Quirk-
Bailey has championed workforce development, student success, and regional economic vitality. Her leadership has helped strengthen connections among employers, educational institutions, labor organizations, and community partners while expanding opportunities for individuals and families across Illinois.
2026-2027 Executive Committee
Members also elected the following officers to serve during the 2026-2027 fiscal year:
- Chair: Tom Schlink, CBI Bank & Trust
- Past Chair: Sid Ruckriegel, SERVUS
- Vice Chair, Resource Development: Tobin Taylor, Heyl Royster
- Vice Chair, Community Investment: Anne Bowman, Carle Health
- Vice Chair, Marketing & Community Engagement: Jenna Wiesner, PNC
- Treasurer: Seth Davis, RLI
- Secretary: Pat Roesler, Vermeer Midwest
The organization also recognized members of the Nominating Committee, including Monica Hendrickson and Karl Weiss, for their work identifying and recruiting community leaders to serve on the board.
Building Long-Term Community Impact
Heart of Illinois United Way President Jennifer Zammuto shared updates on several strategic initiatives underway within the organization. Among those was the announcement of the newly established Community Resiliency Fund, designed to strengthen long-term support for the organization’s community investments and partner agency programs. The first fund established under this initiative is the Skip and Sally Snyder Community Resiliency Fund, recognizing the Snyders’ decades of commitment to the Heart of Illinois United Way and the nonprofit community.
Community Assessment Highlights
The meeting also featured highlights from the organization’s newly completed 2026 Community Assessment, presented by Dr. Larry Weinzimmer, Caterpillar Inc. Professor of Leadership.
While the assessment identified many encouraging trends, it also reinforced the importance of continued collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and local government. Topics examined included educational achievement and workforce readiness, household income and financial stability, health outcomes, community violence, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The findings underscore a central theme: meaningful progress occurs when organizations work together to address complex challenges and invest in long-term solutions.
Community members can view the full Community Assessment and presentation materials on the Heart of Illinois United Way website at:
Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment – Heart of Illinois United Way
Looking Ahead
As the Heart of Illinois United Way approaches its second century of service, newly elected Board Chair Tom Schlink emphasized the enduring power of community collaboration.
Since 1921, the organization has united donors, volunteers, workplaces, nonprofit partners, and community leaders around a shared mission of improving lives and strengthening communities. While the challenges facing the region continue to evolve, the commitment of those who support the Heart of Illinois United Way remains constant.
Together, we are creating opportunities for children and families, promoting financial stability, improving health outcomes, and building a stronger future for central Illinois.
CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Receives Heart of Illinois United Way’s Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award
The Heart of Illinois United Way is proud to recognize CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit as the recipient of the 2026 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award.
Established in 2007, the Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award honors a Heart of Illinois United Way partner agency that demonstrates exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening our community. The award is named in recognition of Jim and Katie Owens, whose extraordinary volunteer leadership and longstanding dedication to the Heart of Illinois United Way helped shape the organization’s impact throughout central Illinois. Over the years, both served on the Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet, and numerous committees, exemplifying a spirit of service and community partnership.
A Heart of Illinois United Way partner agency since 2012, CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit has made a profound difference in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Through a dedicated network of trained volunteer advocates, CASA ensures that children involved in the court system have a consistent voice and a caring adult championing their best interests during some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
CASA’s commitment extends beyond advocacy. By recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, the organization empowers community members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Their work helps improve outcomes for children while strengthening the broader support systems that serve them.
In addition to advancing their mission, CASA has been a valued partner of the Heart of Illinois United Way through participation in community campaigns, volunteer initiatives, agency fairs, and collaborative efforts that benefit the region. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to service, volunteerism, and building a stronger future for children and families across central Illinois.
The award was accepted on behalf of CASA by Executive Director Pam Perrilles during the Heart of Illinois United Way Annual Meeting.
We congratulate Pam, the CASA team, and the many volunteer advocates whose dedication continues to change lives and create brighter futures for children throughout our community.
Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment
The primary focus of the 2026 Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment is to improve the organization’s effectiveness in identifying, assessing, and supporting key areas of social concern related to the education, financial stability, and health of all people in central Illinois.
- Researched and published every three years since 2005, the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment evaluates issues and trends impacting the community through primary and secondary data.
- The primary focus of the 2026 Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment is to improve the organization’s effectiveness in identifying, assessing, and supporting key areas of social concern.
- The organization’s three impact areas – education, financial stability, and health – are highly interdependent, as any one of the three ultimately impacts the other two.
- The assessment is integral to the Heart of Illinois United Way’s data-driven process for prioritizing and addressing community needs through program indicators and measurable outcomes.
- The Heart of Illinois United Way then collaborates with partner agencies and a wide variety of community partners to address critical needs.
Click here to download the 2026 Assessment
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT PREPARED BY:
- Dr. Laurence G. Weinzimmer, Caterpillar Inc. Professor of Leadership
- Gina Edwards, VP Marketing and Community Engagement, Heart of Illinois United Way
Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates 2025 Campaign Success
Community Generosity Powers Impact
Each year, the collective generosity of individuals and organizations across central Illinois fuels the work of Heart of Illinois United Way—creating an impact far greater than any one person or company could achieve alone.
That spirit of shared commitment was on full display as community members gathered to celebrate another successful campaign and recognize the many individuals and organizations who make this work possible.
April, recognized nationally as Volunteer Month, provided a fitting backdrop to honor the dedicated volunteers who help drive United Way’s mission forward. Special recognition was given to members of the Campaign Cabinet, whose leadership, time, and outreach efforts helped secure critical support from organizations throughout the region. In addition, workplace campaign champions—those who lead employee-giving efforts within their organizations—were recognized for their vital role in engaging colleagues and strengthening community investment. Their enthusiasm and leadership remain a cornerstone of United Way’s success.
Each year, hundreds of companies and organizations across central Illinois participate in this community-wide effort, helping to build a stronger, more vibrant region for all.
Since launching its first campaign in 1922, which raised $87,000, Heart of Illinois United Way has grown alongside the community it serves. Over the past century, that generosity has resulted in more than $370 million raised to support local programs and services. In 2025, the community came together to raise more than $8.5 million—funds that directly support United Way’s Community Impact Fund. This fund provides critical, reliable investments in programs that strengthen education, financial stability, and health across central Illinois.
Through this work, United Way ensures that every dollar is used effectively and responsibly — supporting programs that deliver measurable outcomes and help individuals and families build better futures.
Because of this ongoing support, thousands of lives will be changed—strengthening the community not only today, but for generations to come.
Recognizing Campaign Excellence
As part of the celebration, Heart of Illinois United Way honored organizations demonstrating outstanding commitment to employee giving and community impact.
The 2025 Campaign Achievement Award was presented to Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C., recognizing the firm’s nearly 35 percent increase in employee participation over the previous year. Peoria Office Manager, John Heil, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. During the presentation, it was also announced that Taylor will serve as the 2026 United Way Campaign Chair.
The Best-in-Class Award was awarded to CBI Bank & Trust for its continued excellence in campaign performance, including strong employee participation, increased giving, and generous corporate support. Senior Vice President Thomas Schlink accepted the award, representing the organization’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the community through philanthropy.
For a complete list of past campaign award winners, visit:
Heart of Illinois United Way extends its congratulations and gratitude to both organizations—and to all who contribute to the success of the annual campaign.
Nathan Thomas Named 2026 Hoot Gibson Award Recipient
Heart of Illinois United Way Honors Decades of Quiet Leadership and Community Impact
PEORIA, IL — Heart of Illinois United Way is proud to announce Nathan Thomas as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Hoot Gibson Award, recognizing his decades of dedicated service and lasting impact on the central Illinois community.
Since 1985, this award has honored volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lives of others—often without recognition or fanfare. Named in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson, Jr., the award celebrates individuals who pursue their goals with quiet determination and a deep commitment to service.
Nathan Thomas exemplifies that spirit through both his professional career and extensive volunteer leadership. For more than two decades, he has been a steadfast supporter of Heart of Illinois United Way’s mission, helping ensure critical resources reach local programs that strengthen education, financial stability, and health.
Thomas joined the United Way Campaign Cabinet in 2002 and has played a key role in advancing fundraising efforts year after year. As the founding chair of GENeration United, he helped build a pipeline of young professionals committed to giving back—growing the initiative into a successful program that expanded both awareness and support for United Way’s work. His leadership also extended to the organization’s Board of Directors, where he helped guide strategy and deepen community impact.
In addition to his fundraising and governance contributions, Thomas has served as an allocation volunteer, helping review and direct funding to local nonprofit partners. His thoughtful approach has helped ensure that community investments are made where they can have the greatest impact.
Professionally, Thomas has served Bradley University since 2000 and currently holds the role of Vice President for Student Affairs. In this position, he and his team support all aspects of student life outside the classroom—helping students grow, connect, and thrive.
Under his leadership, Bradley became Heart of Illinois United Way’s first campus partner in community-based volunteering, connecting thousands of students each year with local nonprofit opportunities and helping establish a strong foundation for volunteer engagement in the region.
His commitment to service extends well beyond United Way. Thomas has been recognized with honors, including the Francis C. Mergen Award for Public Service and as a 40 Under 40 leader, and he has contributed his time and expertise to numerous boards and community organizations.
Across every role—professional and volunteer—Nathan Thomas has demonstrated a consistent dedication to helping others succeed.
Heart of Illinois United Way is honored to recognize Nathan Thomas as the 2026 Hoot Gibson Award recipient and celebrate his enduring impact on our community.
Read more about Nathan, visit:
https://www.bradley.edu/faculty-staff/nathan-thomas/.
For a complete list of previous Hoot Gibson Honorees, visit:
https://www.hoiunitedway.org/engage/hoot-gibson-award/
Thank You to Our 2025 Campaign Cabinet and Pacesetters
Thank you to everyone who joined us on September 10 to kick off the 2025 Campaign.
Helping us lead the way in 2025 is our great team of campaign cabinet members who reach out to organizations throughout central Illinois to secure their support of United Way. A special thanks to Michelle Conger, President and CEO of OSF HealthCare, for chairing this year’s campaign. Click here to see all of our dedicated cabinet volunteers.
We would also like to thank our 2025 Pacesetter campaigns, including:
Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Heart of Illinois
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Inc.
Carle Health
CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit
CEFCU
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Center for Youth & Family Solutions
Children’s Home Association of Illinois
Commerce Bank
Community Workshop & Training Center, Inc.
Crittenton Centers
EP!C
Freedom House
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Habitat for Humanity – Greater Peoria Area
Heart of Illinois United Way
Hult Center for Healthy Living
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
METEC Resource Center
Midwest Food Bank
Neighborhood House Association
Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
Quinn Johnston
River City Construction, LLC
RLI
Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc.
Trillium Place Human Service Center
Trillium Place Tazwood Center for Wellness
Vonachen Group
Year after year, your combined personal and corporate investments in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s work make a greater impact than what any one individual donor can accomplish on their own. Your support ensures everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make a greater impact than what any one individual donor can accomplish on their own.
Sid and Flo Banwart, 2025 McCord Philanthropists of the Year
Established in 2007, the Philanthropists of the Year award recognizes members of the United Way’s Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois. The award honors individuals or couples for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration – thereby creating a lasting impact on the quality of life in our community.
In honor of the McCord family’s long-standing support of central Illinois, this annual United Way award was named the McCord Philanthropists of the Year in 2018 to recognize the legacy of Michels and Kay McCord. At the heart of their work, rooted in love, was a constant commitment to the community. Those honored with this award emulate the McCords’ values.
Sid and Flo Banwart, our 2025 McCord Philanthropists of the Year, are often described as modest, giving, and hard-working. Known for their philanthropy and leadership, they have positively impacted our community and inspired others to do the same. Together, they have helped so many nonprofits in central Illinois further their missions by serving on boards, committees, and much more.
Over the years, the Sid and Flow have supported bringing the Caterpillar Visitors Center and Peoria Riverfront Museum to the community, supported local arts through the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, encouraged young leaders through Junior Achievement, supported children and families through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Center for Prevention of Abuse, and so many more.
A little-known fact is that Sid and Flo met volunteering for a college fundraiser to support the United Way, and they’ve supported their local United Way ever since. In 2008, they chaired the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Tocqueville Society, and they previously supported our Pillars Society Committee.
Through partnerships and collaborations, Sid and Flo’s leadership has enriched so many lives in central Illinois.
Click here for more information about our Tocqueville Society and previous honorees.
2025 Annual Meeting
The Heart of Illinois United Way hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 26, to recognize our outgoing board members, nominate new board members and a slate of officers, and honor community leaders through our annual awards.
Thank you to our outgoing board members:
- Lindsey Birkel, Caterpillar
- Tim Dunton, CEFCU
- Brent Eichelberger, Commerce Bank
- Robert Gates, Heyl Royster
- Ron Givens, GIVSCO
- Monica Hendrickson, Peoria City/County Health Department
- Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Peoria Public Schools
- Nikki Romain, ART Inc.
- Nathan Thomas, Bradley University
Our reelected board members include:
- Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer, University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Mike Bass, RSM
- Jimmy Dillon, West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council
- Andrea Tortora, Turtledove Communications
Welcome to our new board members:
- Beth Crider, Peoria ROE (retired)
- Lisa Gates, RLI
- Aaron Kilgore, State Farm
- Chad Kirkenmeier, Commerce Trust
- Robert Strong, Caterpillar
- Tobin Taylor, Heyl Royster
- Jeff Thomas, CEFCU
- Marc Van Camp, Maui Jim
Our 2025-2026 Executive Committee includes:
- Board Chair – Sid Ruckriegel, SERVUS
- Chair-elect – Tom Schlink, F&M Bank
- Vice-Chair, Resource Development – Michelle Conger, OSF
- Vice Chair, Community Investment – Kylene Anthony, Caterpillar
- Vice Chair, Marketing & Community Engagement – Jenna Wiesner, PNC
- Treasurer – Seth Davis, RLI
- Secretary – Pat Roesler, Vermeer Midwest
Click here for the full list of our 2025-2026 Board Members.
Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award
We also presented our annual Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award. Created in 2007, the award recognizes one of our partner agencies for their outstanding leadership, collaboration, and engagement with the Heart of Illinois United Way. The award is named in honor of Jim and Katie Owens for their outstanding volunteer leadership to our United Way and partner agencies. They served on our campaign cabinet, board of directors, and several committees.
The recipient of this year’s Partner Award is Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. A partner agency since 1962, Goodwill helps communities prosper by transforming donations into life skills training and employment services. Through employment services, veterans’ support services, and a youth mentoring program, they are changing lives in central Illinois every day.
Congratulations to CWTC and Raymond James & Associates
Since United Way began workplace campaigns in the 1950s, we have had various awards programs to recognize best practices in employee giving. In 2012, we began presenting our Campaign Achievement and Best-in-Class awards to recognize stellar fundraising efforts.
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Campaign Achievement Award recognizes a campaign that has significantly increased employee participation compared to its previous campaign. This year’s Campaign Achievement Award goes to Community Workshop and Training Center for increasing employee participation by more than 82 percent.
Our Best-in-Class Award recognizes a local organization that continuously demonstrates campaign excellence, including increased giving, participation, and per capita gifts. This year, Raymond James & Associates was honored for their support from leadership donors. These donors credit the company’s generous match for their continued increases in philanthropic investments in United Way.
Click here for a list of previous award recipients.
