Saturday, February 2, 2015 was a monumental step in community building for Peoria. Renaissance Park Community Association (RPCA) hosted it’s first fundraising event as a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. A Mid-Winter Night’s Dream Gala included a night full of festivities all in the spirit of community and education about the community.
The event started at 6:30 p.m. at the Packard House. The first hour hosted a silent auction for guest while they enjoyed a festive cocktail hour. The auction was loaded with local Peoria area businesses who had donated packages or items to be bid on. Local favorites included 3030 Coffee, Fieldhouse Peoria, Blue, Thahn Lihn, The Art Garage Studio and Gallery, Two25, Wheel Art Pottery Studios, Peoria Park District Golf, Restorations and many more Peoria native businesses.
“There was an array of local artwork that caught my eye,” said Kelly O’Brien, a Sr. Bradley University student. “I have a great appreciation for people who can channel their creativity into painting and drawings. Wheel Art Pottery Studios had some beautiful pieces, and the fact that they were crafted right here in Peoria just made them even more appealing.”
O’Brien was just one of nearly 100 individuals to attend the first ever dinner gala. The night continued on with a guest speaker and dinner. Greg Lynn local designer and developer spoke to the crowd about a pickle. Yes, a pickle.
“Lynn was great and incredibly original,” said O’Brien. “He pointed out that the RPCA is kind of like the flavoring agent and preservative to the pickle that is Peoria.”
Following Lynn, several others spoke about upcoming events in the community including last years popular community garden and the possible addition of six new green spaces along Main street. President of RPCA Jessica McGhee spoke to the guest as well.
“It was a mix between fundraiser and celebration,” said McGhee. “We worked hard to get the 501(c)3 status.”
The night featured a Peoria local favorite in Left Hand Brewing Company. While Left Hand is not from the area, based in Longmont, CO., it has been a heavy supporter of Peoria bars such as Blue, Pitch and Rhythm Kitchen. Besides a bar, guest enjoyed a dinner plate, silent auction, speaker and DJ to dance through the night with a purchase of a $75 dollar ticket. Other purchases and donations included the purchase of tables and donation of items to the silent auction as well as one dollar donations for the hearts club which gives a sticker heart from one of 18 different businesses located within the RPCA district.
“My favorite part was interacting with people from all over the community that I never would have come into contact with previously,” said O’Brien. “The RPCA brings people together in a way I’ve never experienced before. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and tirelessly focused on bettering their neighborhood.”
The event lasted till nearly midnight as guest danced and enjoyed the company of their neighbors.
The next RPCA event will be their monthly meet up on the first Sunday of every month.