Evening of Stars marks 30 years of community support for Red Cross mission

Image courtesy of the American Red Cross

NORMAL, Ill. – For 30 years, the American Red Cross of Central Illinois has been hosting an event each year titled “Evening of Stars.”

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that helps provide relief and emergency assistance during disasters nationwide. This year, the 30th anniversary event will be held at Illinois State University in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.

Executive Director for American Red Cross Serving Central Illinois, Lyn Hruska, shared her appreciation for the opportunity to use ISU’s Brown Ballroom.

“We are honored to host the event at the Brown Ballroom,” Hruska said. “It is a lovely space and it’s very warm and welcoming. Being at the Bone makes it an incredible evening for our guests.”

This event helps to raise money for mission services like relief and aid in disasters, education for emergency situations and serving military families.

Evening of Stars debuted 30 years ago when a community committee came together with the idea of bringing a celebrity to central Illinois to speak at the fundraising event. This year’s speaker is Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Fame figure skater Scott Hamilton.

The planning committee determined event sponsors, the night’s agenda, the overall program and activities including a reception, dinner, American Red Cross stories, a jewelry auction and paddle raise and a speech from the guest speaker.

“We love for the event to be a special, fun, and really beautiful party, but we keep in mind that we’re raising funds for mission services right here in Illinois, so we can continue those emergency services right here at home,” Hruska said.

Over the years, the event has raised millions of dollars to support mission services. Hruska said it’s important to honor the event’s roots while continuing to raise as much money as possible for those services.

The event’s leading sponsors are State Farm, Lexus of Illinois and the Wilber Group. They’re joined by 42 other corporate and individual sponsors, including Illinois State University and Illinois State University Athletics. Sponsors receive event seating, onstage recognition and publicity through screen displays and printed materials.

In addition to mission services, funds raised will support blood collection to maintain a safe and reliable supply, disaster relief particularly for single-family house fires in central Illinois as well as programs for veterans and community training initiatives.

“We look forward to the event not only being a fundraiser tonight, but a community gathering, and we hope everyone has a wonderful time,” Hruska said.