Kankakee, IL – United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties will host its 2025 Annual Celebration on Thursday, September 18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Deer Ridge Barn in Kankakee.
The event recognizes the ongoing efforts of nearly 900 donors, 314 volunteers, and 57 companies who collectively propelled United Way’s mission over the past year. Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, dinner from The Country Table, a cash bar, and first-hand stories from community members impacted by United Way’s initiatives.
According to United Way, the 2025 celebration marks a year of major milestones. The organization invested over $301,000 in grants to 26 programs across 20 nonprofit agencies throughout Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. These efforts targeted critical needs including food security, stable housing, behavioral health, and early childhood development.
Additional highlights from the fiscal year include a $45,000 contract from Birth to Five Illinois supporting early childhood programs, and $62,281 administered for food and shelter services in Iroquois County through EFSP grant funds. Community-driven fundraising, such as the Empty Bowls initiative, contributed an additional $8,000 to local causes.
The celebration also spotlights initiatives like the Imagination Library, which now mails free books monthly to over 400 children in Iroquois County, and the Success By 6 Connect & Play program that supported over 30 families.
Tickets to the event are $45 per person and can be purchased at myunitedway.org/annualcelebration. Proceeds will benefit ongoing United Way programs in health, education, and financial stability.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Executive Director Mariah Vail at mariah@myunitedway.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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