Bloomington, Pontiac Residents Names 2023 Philanthropists of the Year
To Be Honored at Philanthropy Day Celebration Nov. 9
BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington residents Alan and Kathie Chapman and Tony Jones, along with Marlon Eilts of Pontiac, have given generously of their time and talents to many local organizations, leading to them being named the 2023 Philanthropists of the Year by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF). The award winners will be honored during the Philanthropy Lunch at noon Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington.
This year, Illinois Prairie Community Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary by awarding three Philanthropist awards – two for Bloomington-Normal and a third for outside the Twin Cities (other parts of McLean County, plus DeWitt, Logan and Livingston counties).
The criteria for the award are: outstanding civic responsibility through philanthropic efforts; serving in leadership roles, providing vision and the ability to involve others in philanthropic activity; and voluntary commitment of time and contributions of financial resources. Current IPCF board members and staff are not eligible to be nominated.
Alan and Kathie Chapman
Alan and Kathie Chapman of Bloomington exemplify the spirt of philanthropy through understanding of the importance of community, philanthropy and service focusing on education in the community. They will receive a 2023 IPCF Philanthropists of the Year – Bloomington-Normal award.
Alan and Kathie Chapman
Kathie was a longtime elementary school teacher in Normal, while Alan began his career as a teacher, but rose to become superintendent of McLean County Unit District No. 5. They have been involved in various boards and committees at Illinois State University’s Alumni Association and Athletics, First Christian Church of Bloomington, Normal Rotary Club (Alan) and Bloomington-Normal Junior Woman’s Club (Kathie).
Their grandson, Max, has a rare genetic disorder (Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorder) and Alan and Kathie founded Tee It Up for the GFPD (Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders ) along with Max’s parents, Todd and Corin Chapman. The golf outing has raised more than $1.2 million in just eight years. They also supported the Harmony Park Project, which helped create the inclusive park in Bloomington.
Read more about Alan and Kathie Chapman
Tony Jones
Tony Jones of Bloomington exemplifies the spirt of philanthropy through his leadership and organization of community celebrations of cultural difference. He will also receive a 2023 IPCF Philanthropist of the Year – Bloomington-Normal award.
Tony Jones
Tony has served as key organizer for several community events such as Bloomington-Normal’s Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet, the annual Juneteenth Celebration and Bloomington-Normal Cultural Fest, which showcases a variety of cultures, entertainment and community resources.
Tony has created numerous public forums that highlight minority-owned businesses and community events in Central Illinois. In addition, he co-founded the Mentoring and Providing Scholarships program (MAPS), which provides high school seniors with information they need to be successful in college, plus scholarships to help students pursue a college education. After a 36-year career in the computer science industry, Tony recently left retirement to work as a manager at Heartland Community College’s Workforce Equity Initiative.
Marlon Eilts
Marlon Eilts of Pontiac exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through his leadership and efforts to give back to his hometown. He will receive the 2023 IPCF Philanthropist of the Year – Outside the Twin Cities award.
Marlon Eilts
Marlon became a COUNTRY Financial agent in 2005 and immediately began using his personal and agency resources for good in the Pontiac community. He has sponsored numerous community events including the Pontiac Threshermen’s Parade, and founded the City of Pontiac Family Fun Days. As a member of the Pontiac Rotary Club, he has served on and chaired various club committees and volunteers at countless local Rotary events. He and his wife, Stacy, have sponsored and hosted three foreign exchange students at Pontiac High School through the Rotary.
Marlon founded Happy Hedgehog Business Incubator, a micro-kickstart company to encourage local entrepreneurs. Currently, Happy Hedgehog is home to Phantoms traveling baseball team, the Break Room, and Lola’s Filipino Cooking.
Philanthropy Day
The Celebrating Local Philanthropy events will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington. Cost of the Philanthropy Luncheon is $40 per person.
A morning workshop for staff, board members and volunteers of nonprofits entitled “Preserve and Persevere: Celebrating Our History” will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 9 at the hotel. Cost of the workshop is $30 per person; two people from the same nonprofit organization may attend for the price of one.
For more information and a registration link to either event, click here. Registration may be made online. Registration deadline is Nov. 3.
About Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, now in its 25th year, encourages and facilitates philanthropy in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties by connecting donors who care with causes that matter to them. The Foundation manages funds including endowments and donor advised, fiscal sponsorship and scholarship funds.
Community Partners for Illinois Prairie Community Foundation are: Drake Zimmerman’s First Allied Securities, Brandt Group of Companies, Illinois Farm Bureau, Cox & Fulk, Donald Heinold CPA, Fox & Hounds Salon & Spa, Fox Pest Control, Heartland Bank & Trust, Little Jewels Learning Center, Northern Trust, PIP, Renaissance Wealth Management BN, Shirk Family Foundation, Striegel Knobloch & Co., Tarvin Culligan, Westminster Village and WGLT.
Contact
Michele Evans, Director of Grants & Communications | 309-662-4477 | Photos of Alan & Kathie Chapman, Tony Jones and Marlon Eilts available by emailing Michele