Greater Peoria’s nonprofit community is an extraordinary force for advancing the common good and making our region a better place to live, work and play. These special organizations also organize fantastic special events… with unique entertainment and fun for the whole family! Peoria Magazines is proud to spread the word about major community events and fundraisers through our online Community Impact Calendar.
March 1 Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Junior Achievement of Central Illinois | Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette – Peoria
Junior Achievement and the Central Illinois Business Hall of Fame will honor three outstanding local business leaders for their accomplishments and service to the community at its 14th annual induction ceremony. JA is proud to welcome Mike Cullinan, chairman of the board, United Contractors Midwest; Preston Jackson, artist and entrepreneur; and Andrew Rand, CEO, Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, as its 2018 laureates. The organization will also honor Nancy Nunn, retired sales tax specialist, Caterpillar Inc., as Volunteer of the Year, and Ron Shobert, principal of Peoria Christian Middle School, as Teacher of the Year. Proceeds from the event support work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs for students in grades K-12 in the region. For tickets and information, visit centralillinois.ja.org or call (309) 682-1800.
March 8 Get Fresh Chef Challenge
Gifts in the Moment Foundation | Warehouse on State – Peoria
Gifts in the Moment Foundation (GITM) will host the second annual Get Fresh Chef Challenge at 6pm. Ten of the area’s best chefs will compete for People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards by creating small plates using at least one locally-grown ingredient. The evening will feature Eugene Daniel of WMBD as emcee and live jazz by the Derel Monteith Trio. Proceeds will benefit GITM’s Good Food Recovery program, which matches surplus donations of fresh vegetables, fruit and prepared meals with hunger relief organizations and volunteer food runners. One out of every six families in central Illinois do not know where their next meal will come from—while 40 percent of food in the U.S. is thrown away. GITM is transforming the local food system through a nonprofit CSA, community gardens and a mobile fresh food van. Learn more and purchase tickets at believegitm.com.
March 24 Unseeing: Taking Photos with Attitude
Peoria Camera Club | Illinois Valley Central High School – Chillicothe
The Peoria Camera Club will host a daylong seminar featuring world-renowned photographer Ian Plant from 9am to 4pm. Plant is managing editor of Outdoor Photography Guide and author of numerous books and instructional videos. Participants will “unlearn how to see the world, undo their perception of reality and unleash their creativity.” Plant will share his insights about the use of composition, storytelling and light to make photos that grab your attention… and never let go. The seminar will cover how techniques and factors including perspective, position, composition, light and moment can be used to artistically transform photographs. Visit peoriacameraclub.com/seminar to register. a&s
Event information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to change. For our complete calendar of nonprofit fundraisers and major community events, visit peoriamagazines.com/calendar.
