Thrive Community Services Welcomes New Leadership and Prepares for Annual Fundraiser
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Thrive Community Services has announced changes to its leadership and board of directors, continuing it's commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the recent October board meeting, Luan Statham, a retired School District 205 board director, was appointed as the new board president. She replaces Trent Cox, Vice President at F&M Bank. Randy Conlon from Office Specialists, an ABS company, has been named Vice President, while Doug Gibb from Compassus steps into the role of board secretary.
In addition to these leadership changes, the board welcomed three new members: Jodi Scott, Regional Superintendent of Schools; Autumn Scott, Vice President of Student Development at Carl Sandburg College; and Katie Smith from the Department of Corrections. The current board members—Trent Cox, Adam Benedict, Pat Egan, Cal Palmer, and Amber Wold—will continue to serve in their respective roles.
Former board president, Trent Cox, acknowledged the contributions of outgoing members, Diane Kroll and Yolanda Stigner, expressing gratitude for their service. "We are grateful for the time and dedication by our members who have recently concluded their time on the board."
According to Dylana Larson, Thrive's Director of Development, the recent leadership transition was prompted by the organization's term limits, which create regular opportunities for board renewal. The transition helps to bring in fresh perspectives and experience to the board, with the new members coming in with strong leadership backgrounds, and one even having direct experience in the field of developmental disabilities.
Larson expresses her confidence in the new board and their commitment to both Thrive and the community, saying: "Thrive's future plans is to ensure that Thrive Community Services lives on into the future for years to come. With the leadership of Luan, who has been a champion for special education in our community for years, we will be able to keep a pulse on the needs of our community and developmental disabilities. Randy has served on our board twice now and comes to the role with great experience. Doug serves on many boards in the community and has been a supporter of Thrive for many years."
As the board looks to the future, Thrive Community Services is also preparing for its annual fundraiser, Howl at the Moon, which will take place on Friday, November 8. This energetic live music event will feature professional musicians from Chicago's popular nightlife venue, Howl at the Moon. Last year's show raised over $12,000 for the organization, and this year's event is expected to generate even more support for an outdoor recreation space for Thrive's clients.
Tickets for the event are now available at $35 each, or $315 for a table of ten. The show will be held at Reserve Artisan Ales in Galesburg, with doors opening at 6:00pm and the performance starting at 7:00pm. In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy light snacks and drink specials, with many sponsorships from local businesses. This year's fundraiser is a great opportunity to support the community while enjoying a wonderful night of live music and friends.
With new leadership at the helm and a growing community of supporters, Thrive Community Services is poised to continue its mission of advocacy and empowerment well into the future.