November/December Events Preview

Photo by Jeff McSweeney

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.

 

November 8  Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Illinois Chapter, Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino – East Peoria

This annual luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) celebrates National Philanthropy Day—a day when communities come together to put philanthropy into action and recognize the change fostered by charitable engagement. First proclaimed by President Reagan in 1986, National Philanthropy Day has since evolved into a movement to increase public interest and awareness of effective practices of giving and volunteering. The AFP luncheon acknowledges central Illinois donors, volunteers and nonprofit leaders for their outstanding impact on the community. This year’s honorees include the ICC Women’s Basketball Team, the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Mark and Jeannette Kleine, Davis & Campbell LLC, Pat Seibert, Entre Nous and Rich Draeger.

 

November 16  Jingle & Mingle
Crittenton Centers, First Federated Church Life Together Center – Peoria

This cocktail party/fundraising event for Crittenton Centers offers an exclusive first look at the organization’s annual Festival of Trees, which will be on display to the public that weekend. Kick off your holiday season right and enjoy an exciting night of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a stunning display of professionally decorated trees. The silent auction gives guests the opportunity to bid on these beautifully designed trees (featuring a variety of sizes and themes) and take home a piece of the holiday magic. All proceeds benefit the Centers’ programs—including the Crisis Nursery, Child Development Center and Family Services—to protect children and build a safer community.

 

November 25 - 26; December 9 - 10  Kristkindlmarkt
Peoria German-American Society, The Lindenhof – Peoria

Join the Harmonie-Concordia Singers of the Peoria German-American Society for a traditional German Christmas market! Originating in 15th-century Europe, these outdoor markets were a way to bring people together to share homemade holiday crafts. The event features traditional food and drink (wienerschnitzel, anyone?), live music and vendors (both indoors and outdoors) with an array of arts and crafts perfect for gift-giving—including items imported from Germany and Austria. Bring the kids to meet Santa and Kristkindl, and revel in a unique holiday shopping experience. Admission is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to donate to a local food pantry. 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.