PEORIA, Ill. — Retired President and CEO of Easter Seals Central Illinois, Steve Thompson, spent 42 years asking the community to open their hearts and pocket books to help kids.
He tells WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, it was all worth it.
“Part of philanthropy is really telling someone how they can make a difference in the life of someone else. And, really giving them an opportunity to have exhilarating joy,” Thompson says.
Easter Seals of Central Illinois helps 5,000 Central Illinois children a year, at six locations. And, a large part of their programming addresses the needs of kids with Autism.
“There’s some things about the job that I won’t miss, but, seeing children reaching milestones, that never gets old,” Thompson says.
Easter Seals of Central Illinois is holding its 32nd Tribute Dinner next month at the Peoria Civic Center Ballroom. Thompson and his wife Maureen will be the guests of honor.
Something you may not know, the Thompsons raised 18 children in their home over the years, so the dinner table was always packed.
“At Tribute, we’re going to serve the Thompson family meal. So, come Friday night, November 4th, you can have Mo’s meatloaf, Granny’s Green Beans, Sister-in-Law salad. You’re gonna be at the Thompson dinner table,” Thompson says.
Thompson says the Easter Seals Tribute Dinner will have a special focus on their adoption program.
To get tickets for the event, or to find out more about Easter Seals of Central Illinois, click HERE.
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