Lead Story
Easter Seals Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years
Easter Seals is a well-known organization in central Illinois, earning accolades for its commitment to helping people of all ages with disabilities. But one important component of the agency-and one rarely in the spotlight-is the Easter Seals Auxiliary, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
"The Easter Seals Auxiliary has served for 50 years as a special friend of the Easter Seals organization, dedicated to children and adults with disabilities in central Illinois," according to Easter Seals Auxiliary President Linda Elder. "Originally, The Peoria-Tazewell Crippled Children's Committee provided volunteers and financial assistance for the Crippled Children's Center, located in a house on Hamilton Boulevard in Peoria. It organized a women's auxiliary in 1955, and the first fashion show-Help Us Walk In the Easter Parade-was held at the Country Club of Peoria March 14, 1955. The show was sponsored by Bergner's Department Store-our partner ever since. Members met and worked in their homes, and also helped with the children at the center. Early members recount taking the children out for playtime, serving snacks, and baking cookies. The fashion show has now become a Peoria tradition."
Elder said the Auxiliary's name and activities have evolved over the years, but its mission remains the same: to provide financial support that helps fund needed services for families who cannot afford it themselves. "During our 50 years of work, the Auxiliary has raised nearly $500,000 through our annual Fashion Show, Luncheon and Boutique, and dinner-dances. Most members do double duty, creating items for the boutique as well as helping plan all aspects of the events. Bergner's has continued its generosity throughout the years by donating items and allowing the Auxiliary to sell raffle tickets-called 'opportunities'-at their stores. People comment that they remember seeing us every spring selling our 'opportunities' as greeters at the door."
Prior to joining the organization in 1999, Elder had been familiar with the Auxiliary for many years. "Because I'd been a social worker and had volunteered for other organizations in the community, I thought I knew about the services provided by the Easter Seals Service Center. It was only later that I saw firsthand the miracles that our efforts helped enable. The Auxiliary's major fundraising activities seemed like an area where I could make a contribution. Amazingly, my concern that I was too busy soon melted away. I was struck by the camaraderie among Auxiliary members. It seemed that I could volunteer my time for a worthy cause and have fun at the same time," she said.
As with many others, Elder said she volunteers because her family has received many blessings, and she believes it's important to share those blessings. "Auxiliary members come together at the Center several times a month to work on boutique items and plan our special fund-raising events. Each time we come, we see the children and families who are receiving the services and support we help provide through our work. The care and concern exhibited by staff, the delight on the children's faces, and the perseverance of the families is inspiring. I've been amazed to learn about all of the help people with disabilities can receive from Easter Seals. We meet the Ambassador families and hear stories of how much the services have meant to them and their children. This is what keeps me encouraged as a volunteer. Additionally, I'm proud to work with our other dedicated members; their commitment led me to accept the position of president."
The best part of the Easter Seals Auxiliary organization, Elder said, is the reward members feel when they hear of the services their work helped provide or meet families who benefit. "While we no longer work directly with the children, the staff does a great job keeping us connected with their progress. We've observed excellent stewardship of the funds we raise, and, under Steve Thompson's leadership, they provide much-needed services while maximizing our contributions."
The constant challenge the Auxiliary faces is finding new volunteers, she said. "This is becoming more of an issue in many organizations with so many women working outside the home, as well as more opportunities and demand for everyone's time and talents. Because most of our work is done during the day, we are traditionally-but not exclusively-a women's organization. We've been thrilled to have an influx of new members in the past two years, and this has given a new energy to the group. The approach of our 50th anniversary also might have something to do with this energy."
To help celebrate and commemorate the 50th anniversary, Elder said three major events are being planned. "'Celebrating 50 Years of Service' is the theme for our Gala Dinner Dance April 9 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. Mickey & the Memories, a talented show and dance band from Chicago, will help us celebrate with music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. An auction will take place to help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 for our 50th year. Items include gift baskets, dinner parties, $500 gift certificates from Bergner's, jewelry from Charles A. Schoenheider Jewelers, and a $7,000 mink coat. We encourage everyone to join us, have fun, and help celebrate."
The second event takes place April 29, when past and present Auxiliary volunteers gather for a reunion luncheon at the Country Club of Peoria-home to the group's fashion shows for more than 40 years. "Our theme, 'Hats Off For Your Service'-complete with decorations to help us reminisce-will provide an opportunity for old friends to reunite and also to meet our new members. This is an invitation-only event for past and present Auxiliary members," she said.
The third major event is the annual "Fall into the Holidays" Fashion Show and Boutique, Elder said. "The event, originally held in the spring, moved to the fall two years ago to meet growing demand on the part of working women, who suggested an evening event during the work week. This evolved into a Luncheon Show and Dinner Show, which are scheduled for September 22 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. Participants can shop our boutique before the lunch or dinner, begin their search for holiday gifts, and view Bergner's fashions for the coming holiday season. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us."
Generously supported by the Peoria community for the past 50 years, Elder invited continued support for the Auxiliary and the Easter Seals organization at this time. "Help further the Easter Seals mission of helping children and adults with disabilities and their families lead lives of Equality, Dignity, and Independence," she said.
For tickets to these events or to become a member, call 686-1177. TPW
"The Easter Seals Auxiliary has served for 50 years as a special friend of the Easter Seals organization, dedicated to children and adults with disabilities in central Illinois," according to Easter Seals Auxiliary President Linda Elder. "Originally, The Peoria-Tazewell Crippled Children's Committee provided volunteers and financial assistance for the Crippled Children's Center, located in a house on Hamilton Boulevard in Peoria. It organized a women's auxiliary in 1955, and the first fashion show-Help Us Walk In the Easter Parade-was held at the Country Club of Peoria March 14, 1955. The show was sponsored by Bergner's Department Store-our partner ever since. Members met and worked in their homes, and also helped with the children at the center. Early members recount taking the children out for playtime, serving snacks, and baking cookies. The fashion show has now become a Peoria tradition."
Elder said the Auxiliary's name and activities have evolved over the years, but its mission remains the same: to provide financial support that helps fund needed services for families who cannot afford it themselves. "During our 50 years of work, the Auxiliary has raised nearly $500,000 through our annual Fashion Show, Luncheon and Boutique, and dinner-dances. Most members do double duty, creating items for the boutique as well as helping plan all aspects of the events. Bergner's has continued its generosity throughout the years by donating items and allowing the Auxiliary to sell raffle tickets-called 'opportunities'-at their stores. People comment that they remember seeing us every spring selling our 'opportunities' as greeters at the door."
Prior to joining the organization in 1999, Elder had been familiar with the Auxiliary for many years. "Because I'd been a social worker and had volunteered for other organizations in the community, I thought I knew about the services provided by the Easter Seals Service Center. It was only later that I saw firsthand the miracles that our efforts helped enable. The Auxiliary's major fundraising activities seemed like an area where I could make a contribution. Amazingly, my concern that I was too busy soon melted away. I was struck by the camaraderie among Auxiliary members. It seemed that I could volunteer my time for a worthy cause and have fun at the same time," she said.
As with many others, Elder said she volunteers because her family has received many blessings, and she believes it's important to share those blessings. "Auxiliary members come together at the Center several times a month to work on boutique items and plan our special fund-raising events. Each time we come, we see the children and families who are receiving the services and support we help provide through our work. The care and concern exhibited by staff, the delight on the children's faces, and the perseverance of the families is inspiring. I've been amazed to learn about all of the help people with disabilities can receive from Easter Seals. We meet the Ambassador families and hear stories of how much the services have meant to them and their children. This is what keeps me encouraged as a volunteer. Additionally, I'm proud to work with our other dedicated members; their commitment led me to accept the position of president."
The best part of the Easter Seals Auxiliary organization, Elder said, is the reward members feel when they hear of the services their work helped provide or meet families who benefit. "While we no longer work directly with the children, the staff does a great job keeping us connected with their progress. We've observed excellent stewardship of the funds we raise, and, under Steve Thompson's leadership, they provide much-needed services while maximizing our contributions."
The constant challenge the Auxiliary faces is finding new volunteers, she said. "This is becoming more of an issue in many organizations with so many women working outside the home, as well as more opportunities and demand for everyone's time and talents. Because most of our work is done during the day, we are traditionally-but not exclusively-a women's organization. We've been thrilled to have an influx of new members in the past two years, and this has given a new energy to the group. The approach of our 50th anniversary also might have something to do with this energy."
To help celebrate and commemorate the 50th anniversary, Elder said three major events are being planned. "'Celebrating 50 Years of Service' is the theme for our Gala Dinner Dance April 9 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. Mickey & the Memories, a talented show and dance band from Chicago, will help us celebrate with music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. An auction will take place to help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 for our 50th year. Items include gift baskets, dinner parties, $500 gift certificates from Bergner's, jewelry from Charles A. Schoenheider Jewelers, and a $7,000 mink coat. We encourage everyone to join us, have fun, and help celebrate."
The second event takes place April 29, when past and present Auxiliary volunteers gather for a reunion luncheon at the Country Club of Peoria-home to the group's fashion shows for more than 40 years. "Our theme, 'Hats Off For Your Service'-complete with decorations to help us reminisce-will provide an opportunity for old friends to reunite and also to meet our new members. This is an invitation-only event for past and present Auxiliary members," she said.
The third major event is the annual "Fall into the Holidays" Fashion Show and Boutique, Elder said. "The event, originally held in the spring, moved to the fall two years ago to meet growing demand on the part of working women, who suggested an evening event during the work week. This evolved into a Luncheon Show and Dinner Show, which are scheduled for September 22 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. Participants can shop our boutique before the lunch or dinner, begin their search for holiday gifts, and view Bergner's fashions for the coming holiday season. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us."
Generously supported by the Peoria community for the past 50 years, Elder invited continued support for the Auxiliary and the Easter Seals organization at this time. "Help further the Easter Seals mission of helping children and adults with disabilities and their families lead lives of Equality, Dignity, and Independence," she said.
For tickets to these events or to become a member, call 686-1177. TPW