History Maker's Gala
2023 Honorees are Dotti Bushnell, Hank & Mary Campbell, Guy Fraker, and Charles & Willie Halbert
Each year, the History Makers Gala recognizes long-standing residents whose outstanding, life-long contributions of time and talents have helped to make McLean County a better place to live. The Gala dinner will feature live entertainment that celebrates the honorees and their service to the community. The 2023 History Makers Gala and the Annual Meeting of the McLean County Historical Society will take place on the evening of June 21st at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets for the 2023 History Makers Gala are now on sale! Reservations can be made through June 9 by clicking the button below, at the Museum in downtown Bloomington, or by calling (309) 827-0428.
Tickets are $100 for the general public and $75 for Museum members. Proceeds support the Museum’s free educational programs in the community.
If you can't attend, consider making a donation in honor of the History Makers.
Dinner Menu
Our menu will feature a gluten friendly buffet dinner of spinach salad, rolls, Heartland Pot Roast, Mediterranean Polenta Ragout (vegan), mashed potatoes, green beans, a choice of assorted desserts, coffee, iced tea, water, and a complimentary glass of wine. Questions? Contact the development office.
Program
In conjunction with the Museum’s annual meeting, the Gala dinner will feature live dramatizations celebrating the lives and legacies of the History Makers. This year we are honoring Dotti Bushnell, Hank & Mary Campbell, Charles & Willie Halbert, Guy Fraker.
Become a Sponsor
Promote your business or organization’s brand during this high-profile event. You will reach an engaged audience that is educated, affluent, and deeply involved in making our local area a better place to live and work -- (Gala Sponsorship Package). The Gala is a great way to connect with our audience while demonstrating your commitment to the community. Contact Norris Porter, Director of Development, to learn more about our Corporate Alliance Program and how you can partner with the Museum throughout the year.
$5,000 Dome Sponsor: 2-tables (16 guests), full page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, social media recognition, and free rental of the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom for an event.
$2,500 Rotunda Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), half-page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, and social media recognition.
$1,500 Gallery Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), logo recognition in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
$750 Exhibit Sponsor: ½ table (4 guests), name recognition in Gala program, name displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
Nominate a History Maker
McLean County has no shortage of people who have dedicated their lives to making our community a better place to live.
History Maker nominees do not have to be wealthy, prominent or easily recognized. They do need to have a significant story to tell: perhaps it is one of service to their country and community; maybe it is a successful career, whether in a trade, business, profession or social service; or maybe their family together has left a lasting legacy for McLean County.