LOCAL SPONSORS MAKE THE WSOY COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE POSSIBLE

Behind every pound of food collected, every dollar donated, and every family helped by the WSOY Community Food Drive is an incredible network of sponsors whose support makes it all possible.

The drive’s success depends on a powerful coalition of community-minded organizations. Leading the charge are our presenting sponsors WSOY, NowDecatur, United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, ADM, Kroger, the Decatur Park District, and new this year, The Andreas Foundation—pillars of the effort that have helped grow the Food Drive into the largest fundraiser of its kind in Macon County.

“These sponsors aren’t just putting their names on a banner,” said co-founder Brian Byers. “They’re putting their values into action. They donate time, talent, resources, and heart—because they believe no one in our community should go hungry.”

In addition to the presenting partners, a wide network of dedicated businesses and organizations lend critical support, including: Buds and Blooms, Central Illinois Media Group, Colee’s Corner Drug, Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy, Decatur Back and Neck, Dynagraphics, First Mid Bank and Insurance Group, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Hickory Point Bank, Investment Planners Inc., Jones and Thomas/JT Net, McDonald’s Decatur, McLeod Trucking, Skeff Distributing, Speed Lube, and WAND-TV.

These sponsors make it possible to provide the prizes given to the schools that raise the most food and monetary donations for the drive. Thanks to a generous donation from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, those prizes have been doubled for this year. First place $5000; second place $3000; third place $2000; fourth place $1500; fifth place $1000.

“The Food Drive wouldn’t exist at this scale without our sponsors,” said Lindsay Romano, event coordinator. “Every single partnership strengthens our ability to serve more families and keep our pantries full.”

In addition to the drive's presenting sponsors and community partners, there are "Placesetter Sponsors," setting the pace of giving with early significant donations to the drive to make sure everyone has a place at the table.

"“Our Placesetter Sponsors lead by example,” said Kevin Breheny, co-founder of the WSOY Community Food Drive. “Their early, significant donations help set the pace for the entire drive—and give our food pantries a strong start at a time when the need is growing and resources are stretched thinner than ever.”

Placesetters, as of today, include generous contributions from David and Karen Martin, Kevin and Sue Breheny, Millikin University, Michael and Kristin Breheny, Matt and Megan Bennett, Mark Denzler, Consociate, Air King, Brian Byers and Lindsay Romano, Romano Co, Steve and Carole Huss, Craig and Melinda Huss, Jeff and Cindy Black, Blue Rock Event Solutions, Bob and Kathy Wiesmann, Bob Brady Auto Mall, Peerless Cleaners, Matt and Natalie Beck, Decatur Memorial Hospital Foundation, John and Judy Rice, Kim and Lori Ekena, O'Shea Builders, Jack and Laura Bodine, nicksmithdesign, Lucy and Bob Smith, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, Dave and Wegi Stewart, Shirley Tyrolt, Pat and Ann Dawson, Dunn Company, The Brass Horn, Bruce and Kay Nims, Mark Allen, Brinkoetter Realtors, Knights of Columbus, The Ballance Foundation, Busey Bank, Doug and Peggy Schmaltz.

To learn how to become a placesetter sponsor or how to give, visit www.WSOYFoodDrive.com. Make sure to join us October 2nd at the Kroger on Rt. 36 from 6am to 6pm!