History Maker's Gala
2024 Honorees are Julie & Bob Dobski, Barb & Bob Hathway, Jan Lancaster, and John Penn.
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 features live entertainment that celebrates the honorees and their service to the community. The 2024 History Makers Gala and the Annual Meeting of the McLean County Historical Society will take place on the evening of June 18th at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University.
Tickets
Tickets for the 2024 History Makers Gala are now on sale! Reservations can be made through June 2nd 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 and subsidized educational programs in the community.
If you can't attend, consider making a donation in honor of the History Makers. You can leave a memory for an honoree by sending a message to Norris Porter.
Dinner Menu
Our menu will feature a gluten friendly buffet dinner including mixed green salad, green beans, herb roasted potatoes, Mediterranean Polenta Ragout, Beef Brisket, and 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 Julie & Bob Dobski, Barb & Bob Hathway, Jan Lancaster, and John Penn.
Biographies
Click the links below to read their full biographies.
Julie and Bob Dobski -- 2024 History Makers
Is a business all about profit? Not to Bob and Julie Dobski, who built their businesses with a family atmosphere, concern about their workers, and nurturing people to grow together...
Barb & Bob Hathway -- 2024 History Makers
Barb and Bob Hathway’s kind and giving spirits enrich our community through social justice activism, religious faith, educational uplift, and musical talent...
Jan Lancaster -- 2024 History Maker
She is “Momma” to many searching souls, looking for a safe haven. Jan Lancaster has operated the Bistro, Bloomington LGBTQ+ friendly bar, since 1993. Those who needed a ready ear, support, and kindness found in a bar more than a business; it has been a community outpost that welcomes all in a supportive environment...
John Penn -- 2024 History Maker
Humble service to his community marks John Penn’s commitment to his union, his community, and his nation. If there are two words that define John Penn, they are family and community, and to him, they are interchangeable...
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. 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. For more information about our Gala Sponsorship Package, click here.
$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.