PEORIA, Ill. — With a little help from TV star Mike Rowe, the national spotlight is set to shine on Peoria once again.
Rowe brought his Facebook Watch show “Returning the Favor” to Peoria last September to honor Carl Cannon, founder and director of ELITE, a Peoria Park District program, with a big surprise.
ELITE’s mission is to work with youth to build future leaders.
Jan. 20 has been set as the air date for Cannon’s episode.
“Favor” producers asked WMBD News the day of taping not to reveal what, exactly, Cannon’s surprise was, which the outlet will continue to honor.
But, after the taping, Carl Cannon spoke to WMBD News about what it all meant to him.
“I’m in a state of disbelief,” said Cannon.
“They told me they were doing a documentary, and they were going to use the documentary to share in a film festival on what ELITE is doing and the significance we make in this community.
“It makes me want to double down and do more work. Peoria’s worth it.”
A watch party has been scheduled to take place at St. Paul Baptist Church, 114 W. Forrest Hill the night of the airing.
Doors open at 7, with the show to air at 8. Admission is free.
