More than $1 million raised for Easterseals at tribute dinner

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Friday night, Easterseals of Central Illinois held its 33rd annual tribute dinner at the Peoria Civic Center.

This year, Mark and Jodi Scott were honored for their outstanding service and commitment to the nonprofit organization.

"If you opened up the dictionary and wanted a definition of a volunteer, there'd be a picture of Mark and Jodi," said John Bearce, an Easterseals volunteer himself.

Mark's ties with Easterseals of Central Illinois span more than 40 years, including chairing the board of directors. The pair work tirelessly to help Easterseals fulfill its mission of ensuring every child with developmental disabilities and delays can reach their full potential.

"There's many, many people within the community that are worthy of this," said tribute honoree Mark Scott. "And we're just a piece of the team, but we're just here and happy to support the kids."

Easterseals 33rd Tribute Dinner honoring Scott family

One project the Scott family supports is the fundraising efforts of Limestone High School.

"In the last 48 years, they've raised $1,387,123.47," Scott beamed.

Over $1.2 million was raised at tonight's event alone. All proceeds stay within Easterseals, who serve over 5,000 children with disabilities in central Illinois.