The Waters family exemplifies how small change can add up and make a big difference! John and Barbara Waters brought in 3 large, make that REALLY LARGE, jars of pennies to PARC's Townline facility on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

PARC wishes to extend a special thank you to Dottie Shelton, Sheri Schorr, and Teresa Smith for helping with the "How Seeds Travel" PARC Garden Class on Wednesday, July 30, 2008.

WMBD/WYZZ reporter Lisa Miller visited PARC's Marlene Group Home to see for herself how the Heart of Illinois United Way (HOIUW) Takes Action for PARC and for Central Illinois.

Thanks to the donation of a gently used computer monitor to PARC by Busey Bank, Chelsey can "see the big picture."

The pennies keeping adding up as PARC continues it's summer long Pennies for PARC campaign at SAM's CLUB.

On Thursday, July 17, 2008 The Peoria Chiefs partnered with Easter Seals Peoria, CWTC, PARC, and Peoria Production Shop to create greater community awareness of the needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2008 PARC participants visited the Fired Up pottery studio to let their creativity flow.

PARC wishes to announce that our 2007 PARC Annual Report is now available to view or download at www.PARCway.org.

Roth Auction Service has graciously agreed to donate their services to the 2008 PARC Benefit Auction.

Saturday, July 12, 2008 PARC participants from PARC's Joan Court Group Home held a Pennies for PARC fundraiser at SAM’S CLUB in Peoria.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, Culver's Grand Prairie and University Stores Partnered with PARC and hosted a Pennies for PARC event. The Culver's of Peoria stores donated 10 percent of their sales on July 1, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to PARC!

On July 9, 2008 Greg Bogner, Grand Knight, and Randy Daly of the St. Edwards Knights of Columbus Council #8020 presented Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director, with a check for $400. PARC wishes to thank the St. Edwards Knights of Columbus for their continued support of PARC!

On Thursday July 17, 2008 the Peoria Chiefs together with EP Global Communications, publisher of Exceptional Parent Magazine, and Mass Mutual Central Illinois Agency and its Special Care Planning Division host Disability Awareness Night at O'Brien Field.

PARC is proud to announce the receipt of a $5,000 donation from the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino.

PARC invites individuals, community groups, and businesses to Partner with PARC to make a posititive difference in our community.

PARC participants and members of the Order of Alhambra Ziryab Caravan #52 enjoyed an evening out at the ballpark on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Everyone attending enjoyed the action as the Peoria Chiefs took on the Kane County Cougars at O'Brien Field.

The Knights of Columbus Council #427 presented Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director, with donations totaling $3,000.15 on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

27 PARC participants along with staff and volunteers cruised along at the 12th Annual Ron Robb Special People's Cruise on June 7, 2008.

PARC is proud to announce that we have once again been awarded a three-year term of CARF Accreditation for our Assistive Technology Services, Community Services, and Employment Services programs. CARF is an international accrediting body. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows PARC's substantial conformance to the CARF standards.

Thanks to Shutterfly.com you can visit PARC's online photo gallery.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Culver's Grand Prairie and University Stores will donate 10 percent of sales to PARC!

PARC dancers will participate in the Peoria Ballet's upcoming Showcase on Wednesday May 21, 2008 at the Eastlight Theatre in East Peoria.

Participants of PARC's Older Adults Program went "Over the Rainbow" for PARC's Senior Prom on Friday May 16, 2008. Everyone was decked out, looking so beautiful and handsome, and wearing the most stylish thing of all ~ smiles from ear to ear!

On Thursday May 15, 2008 PARC held its 51st Annual Awards Banquet.

On May 10, 2008 PARC athletes brought home the gold...and lots of it!

The employees of Clifton Gunderson shedd their business attire for jeans to raise $310.00 for PARC.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008 the men of Bradley University’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity showed their commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by building a wheelchair accessible deck and ramp at PARC's Baskin Ridge Group Home in Peoria.

PARC participants will attend the 8th Annual SPECIAL PEOPLE CRUISE on Saturday, June 7, 2008 as part of PARC Family Support Services program.

Read all about the PARC's In Bloom Style Show in the May-June 2008 edition of art and SOCIETY.

April 27, 2008 - May 3, 2008 is National Volunteer Week.

So you may ask yourself...What is a Mung Bean? That questions was asked by several PARC participants and answered by Peoria County Master Gardeners as part of the PARC Enabling Garden education series.

PARC invites you to get into the rhythm of the Latin beat at this year's Benefit Auction. "Partido para PARC!" as you listen to The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project perform live at the 2008 PARC Benefit Auction.

PARC is happy to announce that we received a check for $593.77 from The Bon-Ton Stores Inc., Bergner's Grand Prairie parent corporation, as part of the March 1, 2008 Bergner's Community Days event.

Peoria County Master Gardeners, joined by Tazewell County Master Gardeners, PARC staff, PARC volunteers and a member of the Central Illinois Hosta Society joined forces on Thursday April 17, 2008 to spruce up PARC's enabling garden and allow it to grow and flourish.

Diana Stimpert was recognized in the PJStar newspaper on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in an article by Phil Lucian entitled "Rivermen have lost their biggest fan" for her decades long committment to the team.

April is Sexual Assualt Awareness Month and PARC is partnering with the CENTER for PREVENTION of ABUSE on Friday April 18, 2008 to offer Internet safety training.

On April 2, 2008 the Knights of Columbus Bishop Rosati Council # 5034 presented PARC with a check for $1,894.72. PARC wishes to thank the Bishop Rosati Council for their continued support of PARC!

Spring is a time to celebrate new life and growth. PARC’s Enabling Garden does just that. Thanks to the Peoria County Master Gardeners, PARC’s Enabling Garden helps participants thrive and grow through classes and gardening projects.

Bobbie’s Bridal appeared at PARC Townline and donated not one, but 73 beautiful gowns fit for a princess for upcoming Senior Prom event.

Schnucks showed their support for PARC's Enabling Garden by donating materials to the February 29, 2008 "Spider Plants" class presented by Peoria County Master Gardener Sheri Schorr.

Participants in the Older Adults Program will be putting on their dancing shoes on Friday May, 16, 2008 for the PARC Senior Prom.

Join PARC as we participate in the 2008 March Madness Experience.

On March 1, 2008, the Peoria Pilot Club presented the 15th Annual PARC’s In Bloom Style Show. The event proceeds go to support and enhance PARC programs and services and included a style show, luncheon, raffle, and silent auction.

PARC is very pleased to announce that Laura and Tom McNeal are our Keynote Speakers for the 2008 PARC Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel ballroom.

On February 29, 2008, Jim Maloof/Realtor Mari Halliday presented a check for $3,300 to Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director.

On February 12, 2008, Brad Guidi stopped by PARC's Townline facility and donated a large selection of videos to PARC's Young Adults Learning Library.

The PARC Pirates participated in the Special Olympics Illinois District E Basketball Tournament on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at the Pekin Community High School.

The PARC Pirates will be participating in the Special Olympics Illinois District E Basketball Tournament this Sunday, January 27, 2008.

On January 16, 2008, Jim Maloof/Realtor Mari Halliday presented a check from Jim Maloof / Realtor® for $500 to Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director.

On January 15, 2008 Don Shumaker, Owner of Community Lawn Care in Peoria, presented a check for $92.20 to Sibylle LaHood, Development Director for PARC.

It wasn't a Fairy God Mother or Glinda the Good Witch of the South who made a wish come true for the participants of PARC's Young Adults program. The experience was magical none-the-less when Jennifer Kolettis appeared at PARC’s Townline facility with the Learning about Our United States educational set.

On Monday, January 7, 2008, the Peoria Academy Bulldogs Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team hosted a scrimmage match against the PARC Pirates Basketball Team.

PARC is participating in Bergner’s Community Days March 1, 2008 fundraising event.

Thank You to all those who gave so generously to PARC in 2007!

PARC is happy to announce that we received a check for $350.45 from Bergner's Grand Prairie as part of the November 10, 2007 Bergner’s Community Day fund-raising event. This money was donated by Bergner’s to PARC in addition to the funds PARC raised through selling the Bergner’s Community Day coupon booklets.

Celebrate Boxing Day and be a champion for PARC by purchasing something for PARC from our PARC Wish List, giving a PARC Presence, volunteering with PARC, or donating your unwanted gift items.

Here at PARC the spirit of Christmas has made believers out of all of us.

The Knights of Columbus St. Clement Council presented PARC with a $1,007.50 check.

Become a part of PARADE Magazine’s America’s Giving Challenge in partnership with the Case Foundation.

Learn how you can give a gift that gives twice with iGive.com.

PARC receives $1,000 from SAM's CLUB.

Are you strapped for time with all the holiday festivities? Making a donation to PARC is so easy, simply visit www.PARCway.org or contact Sibylle LaHood at (309) 689-3608. There are many ways you can give to PARC and make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season.

This Holiday Season, you can make your presence felt at PARC by making a donation in someone’s name to support our mission. A PARC Presence is the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list, especially that “hard to buy for” person! By giving a PARC Presence, you make a positive difference in our community by supporting PARC’s mission to provide choices for a quality life to individuals with developmental disabilities.

MARK your calendars for December 11, 2007 to support PARC just by searching the Internet! PARC is honored to be selected by GoodSearch as their Charity of the Day for December 11, 2007.

Do your part to make this Holiday Season even brighter and earn double Membership Rewards points when you give to PARC with your American Express Card.

Each time you buys goods online from participating retailers via the PARC website, a portion of that purchase will be donated to PARC.

We've practiced, we've anticipated, and now the moment we have all been waiting for has arrrived (drum roll please)... the 2007 PARC Pirates Basketball schedule has been announced!

The main benefit of selling appreciated stock is that the donor has the opportunity to save 15 percent in capital-gains tax on the amount by which their stock appreciated. This savings is on top of the deduction they receive for the actual donation of stock or cash.

Participation in Special Olympics events empowers athletes to improve their physical fitness and motor skills. They grow mentally, socially, and spiritually through the sports training and competition.

Congratulations go out to Stephanie for her most recent achievement, becoming an Area 6 Special Olympics Illinois Advanced Global Messenger.

PARC wishes to thank the Chillicothe Township United Way for designating PARC as the recipient of $500.00.

As you celebrate the autumn season and give thanks this holiday, you can send a greeting to loved ones and show support of PARC.

You have all heard the saying that to empathize with someone you need to take a walk in their shoes. This October, many ambulatory individuals spurred to action by National Disability Month , did just that.

Spread some holiday cheer by purchasing a gift for a child or adult served by PARC.

On November 9, 2007 Linda Davis, Community Involvement Coordinator for Wal-Mart Supercenter on Allen Road, presented a check for $1,500 to Tammy Bart of PARC.

On Saturday, November 3, 2007 the men of Bradley University’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity showed their continued commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by building a wheelchair accessible deck and ramp at PARC’s Laramie Group Home in Peoria.

The staff at PARC’s Townline facility was treated to parade of super heroes, cuddly creatures, clowns, and spooky characters as the participants of PARC’s EI (Early Intervention) program and their families celebrated Halloween.

During two outings in October, PARC participants visited the Apple Blossom Farm on Route 91, just north of Grand Prairie Mall in Peoria. As part of PARC’s Day Program activities, participants had the opportunity to sample treats from the Blossom Bakery, visit the Petting Zoo and Goat Skywalk, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Thanks to the volunteers, PARC staff, and support organizations that gave so generously of their time, energy, and resources, the 2007 Arts in the PARC Benefit Auction was a great success!

Twice a year, Bergner's hosts a Community Day event on Saturday, November 10, 2007 to raise money for organizations like PARC. It's a day of shopping and fun, and a great opportunity for PARC to raise much-needed funds!

This year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme is "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team." PARC’s Employment Services program has served the training and employment needs of individuals with developmental disabilities in the Peoria area for over 20 years by providing prescreened, skilled and highly motivated employees who become valuable members in the workplace.

Thanks to recent donations by Dynavox Technologies, OSF St. Francis Hospital, Pilot Club of Peoria, Push America, and Retro-Tech Electronics, PATS (PARC Assistive Technology Services) is able to positively impact the quality of life of PARC participants.

An interview with Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director, aired on WMBD31 at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2007

The 2007 Heart of Illinois United Way Simulcast aired on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

As a HOIUW member agency, PARC was able to benefit from this Day of Caring. We are grateful to the many volunteers from the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Allen Road and Townline who donated their time and energy to paint classrooms at PARC's Townline facility.

Be sure to read the September/October issue of art and Society magazine. You will find a wonderful full page spread on PARC's 2007 Awards Banquet on page 54.

The PARC Foundation Board is proud to announce that Elizabeth Smarjesse was elected Board Chair on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at the Annual Meeting. Jeannine McAllister was elected Secretary/Treasurer. PARC is grateful to these caring individuals for their dedication and service to PARC.

The 2007 Heart of Illinois United Way Simulcast is set to broadcast on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PARC athletes participated in bowling for Special Olympics Illinois Heartland Area Games held at Landmark Bowling Center on Saturday, August 25, 2007.

Yes, wishes really do come true. PARC received a picture perfect donation from Ken Pflederer.

Visit www.PARCway.org to view our new rotating listing of our annual sponsors and event support sponsors.

The Klaus Companies and Logitech have made a wish come true for PARC with the donation of a Logitech 2.4 GHz Cordless Presenter

The rain stopped and the sun shone through just long enough so that PARC participants and members of the Order of Alhambra Ziryab Caravan #52 could enjoy a day at the ballpark.

Residents at PARC's Marlene Group home feels a bit like paradise with new furnishings courtesy Par-A-Dice Hotel.

A Big Thank You to all those who made “deposits” to Pennies for PARC!Sunday, July 29, 2007 PARC participants from Laramie Group Home and Millbrook Group Home held a Pennies for PARC fundraiser at SAM’S CLUB in Peoria.

PARC's Parties for PARC program is in answer to this growing trend of directing loved ones to donate to a cause instead of adding to clutter.

On Tuesday, July 24, 2007 PARC participants found an outlet for their creativity when they visited Fired Up pottery studio.

On Monday, July 16, 2007, Leslie Schultz presented checks totalling $513.00 to PARC.

A volunteer recognition brunch sponsored by the Peoria Master Gardeners was held on Friday, June 22, 2007.

On June 7th, PARC (Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.) held its 50th Annual Awards Banquet. The celebration gave PARC an opportunity to recognize and honor the many members of the community whose dedication and hard work enable PARC to offer choices for a quality life to individuals with developmental disabilities.

A new twist on a Party for PARC!

PARC is very pleased to announce that Greg DePauw is our Keynote Speaker for the 2007 PARC Annual Awards Banquet.

On Saturday, March 31, 2007 the men of Bradley University’s Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity showed their commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by building a wheelchair accessible deck and ramp at PARC’s Vonachen Group Home in East Peoria.

The radio station is donating air time to promote awareness for the event and for PARC and our mission to offer choices for a quality life to individuals with developmental disabilities.

It's no blarney, fun was had by all who attended the SPEC St. Patricks celebration.

The Dunlap Special Education Parent Support Group invites all parents of special needs children to a community information fair.

On March 14, 2007 Jim Moroz, Grand Knight, and Greg Bogner, Deputy Grand Knight, of the St. Edwards Knights of Columbus Council #8020 presented Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director, with a check for $350.00.

The "Weekend Of Giving" has now been extended throughout the entire theatrical release of The Ultimate Gift.

On Thursday, April 19, 2007 form 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PARC participants will get active and get involved in a spring cleanup project.

PARC is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dance, sponsored by SPEC (Special Persons Encounter Christ) on March 15, 2007.

Everyone is invited to take part in the Take Me Out To The BallPARC event to benefit PARC.

The PARC Pirates have been invited to play basketball at the "March Madness Access Experience." The event, designed to make basketball accessible to everyone.

PARC extends our heartfelt thanks to all those who participated in the “Bowling Party for PARC” held on Saturday, March 3, 2007.

Throught the March 9th "Weekend of Giving," $1.00 of every ticket purchased for The Ultimate Gift will be donated to PARC thanks to a partnership with the Fox Film Fund.

Several PARC employees celebrated 17 or more years of service to our agency in the months of January through March 2007. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff!

Community Lawn Care is a locally owned professional lawn care service whose owners have over 100 years combined experience. They provide lawn care services that are custom-designed for turf grasses in the Peoria area. 10% of every dollar you spend with Community Lawn Care goes to PARC!

On February 7, 2007 The Caterpillar Excellence Achievement Banner for 2006 was presented to PARCWorks. This is a coveted award that is based on excellence in performance.

The 2006 PARC ‘N’ PLAY Super Cruise-In was held on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Allen Road. The event was held to provide activities funding for PARC programs. Wal-Mart Supercenter on Allen Road in Peoria and the Midwest Car Cruisers Club wer cosponsors of the event.

Mari Halliday presented a check for $500 to Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director, on January 5, 2007.

Jim Maloof/Realtor donates $500 to PARC.

PARC (Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.) 1913 W. Townline Road, Peoria is hosting the seminar "Promoting Healthy Sexuality in Persons with Developmental Disabilities" on Saturday, February 24, 2007.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thank you to all who participated in the 2006 Arts in the Parc auction benefit and made it an astounding success! The support for Parc expressed through this act of giving is greatly appreciated.

Like everyone, I look forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday seasons. Spending time with family and friends this time of year is something we all enjoy.

This time of year brings to mind an age old question: Is He Real? Well, this year I decided to do some Internet research to find out the truth about Santa. I discovered that the United States Government tracks Santa’s movements with NORAD (the United State’s North American Air Defense) radar.

On Thursday, December 21, 2006 Roy Ricketts, President/CEO of PARC, was presented with a check for $2,000 from the Spalding Council #427 of the Knights of Columbus.

On Friday, December 15, 2006 a memorial was held in honor of Walter Waite.

PARC’s Respite held their annual Holiday Party on December 12, 2006.

On December 12, 2006, Mike Motyl of the St. Clement Council #12407 of the Knights of Columbus presented a $1,251.62 check for PARC’s Early Intervention program to Sibylle LaHood, PARC Development Director.

On September 8, 2006 at the Illinois Master Gardeners annual convention in Moline, Illinois, Parc staff and volunteers were presented with the 2006 Illinois Master Gardener Teamwork Award for their achievements in the Parc Enabling Garden program.

Parc wishes to thank the Chillicothe Township United Way for designating Parc as the recipient of $1,500.00. These United Way dollars enable us to enhance and strengthen our programs and services.

The Heart of Illinois United Way held its 2006 Day of Caring on Friday, September 8th. The Day of Caring brings together volunteers from area businesses to perform a variety of task for HOIUW member agencies in need of assistance.

Thank you to members of the Ivy Club for their contribution of dredged soil from the Illinois River for use in Parc’s Enabling Garden.

Ken Hall, PARC Works participant and resident in PARC's Community Living services, was recognized for his 13 years of employment at Taco Bell in Peoria.

On Wednesday, July 26, 2006, the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino hosted the Women’s Professional Billiards Association (WBPA) Pro-Am benefiting PARC. Local businesspeople faced off beside the top women’s professional billiards players in the world.

The Peoria Ballet dance therapy class has been making Parc participants feel light on their feet since 2002.

The Heart of Illinois United Way has shown continued support to PARC. PARC received $73,900 from the Heart of Illinois United Way for two of its programs, Early Intervention Services for strengthening families and Community Living Services for building self-reliance.

Kathy Trowbridge, Executive Director of VSA Arts of Illinois, has been volunteering at PARC for almost as long as she can remember.

Parc is pleased to have accepted the "Making a Difference" training award presented by the American Red Corss Central Illinois Chapter on Friday, March 3, 2006 at the Life-Savers Luncheon.