Philanthropists of the Year

David Bentlin

David Bentlin of Normal, well known for his LGBTQIA+ advocacy in our community, has been named a 2025 Philanthropist of the Year by IPCF.

“His leadership skills allow him to draw in individuals from a variety of backgrounds, economies and viewpoints to work cohesively toward a common goal,” said his nominator for the award, “all the while making each and every individual feel heard, valued and appreciated for their contributions.”

Dave has served in leadership positions with Prairie Pride Coalition, which serves the LGBTQIA+ community, for three decades, including as board president for the past 14 years. Projects that he helped create and currently helps administer include the Gender Expansive Resource Center and the B/N Area LGBTQIA+ Business and Resource Directory. Dave also represents Prairie Pride on the organizing committee for the Bloomington/Normal Pridefest, the community’s largest LGBTQIA+ event.

In addition, Dave serves on local and statewide LGBTQIA+ councils. He currently sits on the Carle BroMenn LGBTQIA+ Community Advisory Council, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and the Equality Illinois Statewide Advocacy Network.

Dave is co-curator on a project, managed by the McLean County Museum of History, to mount an exhibit in 2028 on the history of the McLean County LGBTQIA+ community. He sits on the steering committee of the Central Illinois chapter of ACLU and is a past member of the Bloomington Human Relations Commission.

Prior to retirement, Dave served as a staff member for various Illinois State University administrators. During this time, he was part of an effort that created two services for LGBTQIA+ students: The LGBTQIA+ Student Support Fund, which is available to students in need of emotional and financial support, and ISU’s Lavender Graduation ceremony for LGBTQIA+ students, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

“Dave Bentlin is not one of those people who writes a ‘big check’ and walks away,” said his nominator. “He does write the check, but he also gets in the trenches and works to improve life for individuals and through supporting causes that have a positive effect on a portion of our community at large that is often shunned or forgotten.”

Dave is a donor to his alma mater, Illinois State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in History and Social Services, and a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications Journalism. He has endowed a scholarship fund within the ISU School of Social Work, and donates to the ISU LGBTQIA+ Student Support Fund and WGLT. In the community, he is a donor to Heartland Theatre Company, McLean County Museum of History and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dave’s family has informed his work. When he was a child, his grandmothers especially demonstrated selfless compassion for others, and today his life is enriched by his daughter, Raylene, and sister, Mary Ellen. His chosen family of close friends and fellow social justice warriors also hold a deep spot in his heart.

 

 

Carolyn Yockey

Carolyn Yockey of Normal, a dedicated volunteer, successful leader and generous donor to the community, has been named a 2025 Philanthropist of the Year by IPCF.

Carolyn is an “open-minded, visionary leader who is willing to take risks” who embodies the vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously,” said one of her nominators for the award.

Her engagement spans from the arts to children’s programs and her church.

As a current Illinois Symphony Orchestra board member and past president, Carolyn appreciates the value of “friend raising” and relationship building, and to this day, sends personal handwritten letters to symphony donors. She continues in her fifth year to chair the symphony’s Gala.

As a member of the McLean County Museum of History board, Carolyn was charged in 2012 with making the History Makers event a reality, setting the tone for the annual fundraiser, and continues in that role to this day. As one of four capital campaign co-chairs, Carolyn helped the museum meet and surpass a $3 million goal in the 2010s.

Carolyn was co-chair of the first six Baby Fold Festival of Trees events, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. She helped lead the Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana’s first Festival of Quilts and the subsequent three Festivals, events that have raised more than $1 million for Cunningham’s programs serving children and families.

While raising three young children, Carolyn served several years as both Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, representative to area Scout Councils and in other Scout Council organizational and leadership positions.

Carolyn has served in multiple capacities with the United Methodist Church, becoming known as an engaged leader dedicated to social justice and equality missions worldwide. She was recognized by the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries as the Volunteer of the Year, a nationwide honor. She also has been named Volunteer of the Year by The Baby Fold, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and United Methodist Women.

Carolyn has deep roots in McLean County, dating back to county settlers. Her family is credited with naming Blooming Grove, a name which preceded the establishment of the City of Bloomington.

Carolyn has three children (Laura, Brett and Marcia) and 6 grandchildren.