Midwest Food Bank gets one-time $100,000 gift to fill protein gap
25News Now – November 19, 2025

More people are struggling to get food across Central Illinois, and a local food pantry said protein is one of the hardest items to keep on the shelves. Now, a one-time $100,000 gift from the Gilmore Foundation is helping fill that gap.
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Big grant helps address food insecurity in Peoria
WMBD – November 19, 2025

A grant from the Gilmore Foundation is helping families put food on the table in Central Illinois. The foundation awarded a one-time $100,000 grant to the Midwest Food Bank to help purchase and distribute ground beef to 122 nonprofit partners in Peoria County.
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Peoria Riverfront Museum gets $1M gift to offer free admission to school students across Illinois
WCBU – November 4, 2025

Aided by a $1 million gift from several philanthropic sources including the Gilmore Foundation, the museum announced the launch of an All-Illinois Student Pass as part of its America 250 celebration in 2026, ensuring every Illinois student K-12 will be able to come and see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and George Washington’s Thanksgiving proclamation.
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Peoria’s GO DAY highlights city’s creativity and community spirit
WMBD – September 9, 2025

Downtown Peoria came alive Sunday as GO DAY returned to the riverfront, this year joining forces with the Big Picture Peoria Street Festival for a celebration that organizers say is bigger and better than ever.
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Photo shows one of the newest public art murals in downtown Peoria, "Play Greater" by Bob Doucette.

Murals and more: Weekend events celebrate public art in Peoria
WCBU – September 4, 2025

A big weekend of dedications and celebrations for public art lovers and activity seekers in downtown Peoria.
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Excitement building about a month ahead of Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom on July 4th
WMBD – May 28, 2025

Choose Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom is just about a month away. Roughly 170,000 people are expected on the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts for this year’s Red, White and Boom this July 4th.
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Bank extends its lease in historic Downtown Peoria building owned by the city
Peoria Journal Star – May 21, 2025

Spearheaded by organizations such as the Peoria Civic Center, the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Choose Greater Peoria, PNC Bank announced that it would be extending its lease at its city-owned downtown branch, a deal that will also pave the way for commercial and residential development at the site.
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Kick Off Your 4th of July Weekend with Monsters of Yacht!
WCBU – May 13, 2025

Monsters of Yacht, America’s premier Yacht Rock tribute band, will take the stage as part of the Choose Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom celebration powered by I3 Broadband—the region’s biggest and boldest 4th of July tradition!
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Dinosaur exhibit to make Midwest debut at Peoria Riverfront Museum
WCBU – May 1, 2025

“The World’s Largest Dinosaurs,” presented by the Gilmore Foundation, will open at the museum on May 24. The exhibit will feature long-necked sauropods that grew more than 150 feet and a life-sized 60-foot-long Mamenchisaurus. Also featured is the beloved Brontosaurus.
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At Issue - Choose Greater Peoria
WTVP – January 9, 2025

Learn how Choose Greater Peoria is pulling out all the stops to attract talented workers.
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Choose Greater Peoria initiative sees progress, launches magazine to boost talent attraction effort
WCBU – December 18, 2024

Leaders of the initiative tasked with attracting talent to the Peoria area say the effort is producing some tangible results. “We’re happy to report that Peoria’s population has grown for the first time in years; it’s up 3.86%,” said Laura Cullinan, president of the Gilmore Foundation, one of the local organizations spearheading the Choose Greater Peoria campaign.
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​The community gathers to celebrate the 1st annual Peoria’s GO DAY 2024
WEEK – September 15, 2024

Hundreds gathered at the Peoria Riverfront Museum Sunday afternoon for the first annual GO DAY 2024. GO DAY 2024 is a free event Choose Greater Peoria, The Gilmore Foundation, and other local partners put on for the community.
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‘Live Greater’: The message behind Peoria’s newest mural
​WEEK -  September 10, 2024

Peoria’s newest mural is turning heads on Adams Street, and you may see some familiar faces on it. It’s called “Live Greater,” and it displays six faces of community members on the Niagara parking deck. The mural features the same color as Peoria’s flag: green, blue, and yellow, and spells out “Peoria.”
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Community Leaders take on the role of principal for a day
WMBD-TV - May 7, 2024

Laura Cullinan with The Gilmore Foundation shadowed Richwoods High School principal Billy Robison. She spent Tuesday morning walking around the North Peoria high school, looking in classroom, interacting with students and teachers and also learning about how things operate at Richwoods.
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Fourth of July fireworks show has new name to promote all of Greater Peoria
WEEK - February 23, 2024

A Central Illinois tradition has an updated name, and it has a new title sponsor. The Gilmore Foundation is supporting the new, “Choose Greater Peoria Red White and Boom” Fourth of July fireworks show on the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts.
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Central Illinois fireworks show is getting a new name
WMBD - February 22, 2024

One of the largest fireworks shows in Illinois will be getting a new name. According to a news release, Red White and Boom, the 4th of July fireworks show held over the Illinois River between Peoria and East Peoria, will have a new title sponsor. The show’s new name will be “Choose Greater Peoria Red White and Boom.”
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Peoria’s July 4th fireworks show gets a slight name change with a new presenting sponsor
WMBD-Radio - February 22, 2024

There’s a new presenting sponsor for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show along the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts. It’s now going to be called “Choose Greater Peoria Red, White, and Boom.”
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ENSURING CHARITABLE DONATIONS ARE WELL INVESTED WITH JENNIFER ZAMMUTO
Marketing Sweats - October 20, 2023

Jennifer shares stories of experiences throughout her career, the role of United Way and the importance of thinking about charitable donations with more than just your heart. She also shares her thoughts on the Choose Greater Peoria movement and the value of leaders taking accountability to help the community thrive.
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Engaging the Business Community with Laura Cullinan
Marketing Sweats - September 28, 2023

Laura Cullinan, President of the Gilmore Foundation is a driving force behind Choose Greater Peoria. By facilitating collaboration among community leaders, she’s carrying out Bob Gilmore’s legacy to improve the livability of Greater Peoria.
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Peoria: Uniting to transform a city’s perception
City Monitor - September 20, 2023

​Mayor Rita Ali tells all about the Choose Greater Peoria campaign, asking If you don’t believe in yourself, how can other people believe in you?
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Spotlights: Choose Greater Peoria
Peoria Magazine - September 2023

Peoria is putting out the word: Won’t you be my neighbor?
In May, Peoria business leaders launched a $1.6 million effort to recruit employees in other cities throughout the Midwest to consider the Peoria area for home and career.
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ESPN Chicago, Chicago Bears Radio Network partnering with Choose Greater Peoria
Haystack News - August 6, 2023

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Chicago Bears alum, radio hosts coming to Peoria for preseason tailgating event
WMBD-TV - August 6, 2023

Tom Waddle, Marc ‘Silvy’ Silverman, Jeff Joniak, and Tom Thayer will be making their way to Peoria Aug. 14 for the Greater Peoria Tailgater, a preseason partnership event between Choose Greater Peoria, ESPN Chicago, and the Chicago Bears Radio Network. Choose Greater Peoria said the Chicago Bears alum and voices are part of the ESPN Chicago and Chicago Bears Radio Network duo that will be broadcasting live from the Peoria Riverfront Museum from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Chicago Bears tailgate with broadcasters and ex-players coming to Peoria Riverfront Museum
Peoria Journal Star - July 21, 2023

The Chicago Bears Radio Network and ESPN Chicago have teamed up with Choose Greater Peoria. They will celebrate their new partnerships with a tailgate-style party scheduled for Aug. 14, 2023. The tailgate starts at noon and features on-air personalities and former Bears players. A live broadcast of ESPN's Waddle and Silvy show, with guests Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer, will broadcast from the tailgate party from 2-6 p.m.
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Chicago Bears tailgate with broadcasters and ex-players coming to Peoria Riverfront Museum
Yahoo Sports - July 21, 2023

​The Chicago Bears Radio Network and ESPN Chicago have teamed up with Choose Greater Peoria, an organization with a mission to attract and retain talent for the Peoria region.
They will celebrate their new partnerships with a tailgate-style party scheduled for Aug. 14, 2023 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
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​A New Era for Peoria: Choose Greater Peoria Campaign Makes Huge Announcement
WMBD-Radio: Greg and Dan Inverviews - July 6, 2023

Laura Cullinan of The Gilmore Foundation, Misty Dykema of Simantel Group Ltd, and State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth join The Greg and Dan Show for an exciting announcement of the partnership between the Choose Greater Peoria movement, ESPN Chicago and the Chicago Bears Radio Network.
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“Choose Greater Peoria” campaign gaining traction
​WMBD - June 2, 2023

​The “Choose Greater Peoria” initiative has brought several businesses and organizations together to attract and retain talent in Peoria. In order for that to happen, leaders of the initiative are highlighting the positive aspects of Peoria and Central Illinois. They also want more people to be aware of the campaign.
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At Issue - Choose Greater Peoria: A call for Business Execs
PBS - May 25, 2023

While past efforts to retain or attract business executives to greater Peoria have had minimal success, business leaders believe a new three-year, $1.6-million campaign will provide different results. The focus is on talent attraction, developing a fresh brand to market to outsiders and engaging residents with a positive feel of greater Peoria. It’s funded by businesses and the Gilmore Foundation.
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Peoria launches new talent attraction effort. Here's why leaders say this one is different
Peoria Journal Star - April 21, 2023

Dozens of Peoria's civic leaders, politicians and business leaders packed an auditorium at the Riverfront Museum on Thursday to announce what they are calling Peoria's most ambitious, collaborative and sweeping rebranding of the city ever. It is not the first effort of its kind in Peoria, yet it is one stakeholders and civic leaders believe will work to change Peoria's public image.
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New initiative aims to fill openings in Peoria area with new talent
WMBD-Radio -  April 20, 2023

A new initiative launching next month aims to bring in new talent to the Peoria-area. “Choose Greater Peoria” will debut on May 1st. Its focus will be on attracting talent to the region, branding to promote the area, and positive messaging help local residents think more highly of their home. The initiative is led by The Gilmore Foundation. Executive Director Laura Cullinan says there are plenty of opportunities in Peoria for those that want them.
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Business leaders lay out plan for how they will entice professionals to 'Choose Greater Peoria'
WCBU -  April 20, 2023

The new business-backed talent attraction and branding initiative for the Greater Peoria area formally launched Thursday ahead of a broader marketing blitz. It's spearheaded by the Greater Peoria Leadership Council, a consortium of the CEOs of the region's largest employers; and the Gilmore Foundation that was founded by the late Caterpillar president and CEO Bob Gilmore. Marketing firm Simantel is working on the campaign's execution.
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Former Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman touts plan to fix what ails Peoria by attracting more executive talent
WCBU - March 29, 2023

Former Caterpillar CEO and chairman Doug Oberhelman wants to attract more business executives to the Peoria area. The new "Choose Greater Peoria" talent attraction strategy is helmed by the Gilmore Foundation and Greater Peoria Leadership Council, in collaboration with marketing firm Simantel.
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Peoria Riverfront Museum gets $1M commitment, amethyst geode as 10th anniversary gifts
​WCBU - October 27, 2022

Two major gifts made for a memorable 10th anniversary celebration Thursday morning at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Along with the announcement of a $1 million commitment from the Gilmore Foundation, the museum unveiled the latest acquisition for its permanent collection: A 10-foot amethyst geode from Uruguay.
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South Side Mission receives $250K donation to expand youth ministry
WCBU - August 24, 2022

South Side Mission is several steps closer to expanding its youth ministry outreach, thanks to a sizeable grant from a late Caterpillar CEO's charitable foundation. The Gilmore Foundation will donate $250,000 to the South Side Mission for it's Vision Possible expansion of youth programming, including the Greater Academic Progress tutoring program.
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South Side Mission gets $250,000 donation for youth expansion program
WMBD-TV - August 24, 2022

Peoria’s South Side Mission is making strides in its effort to help develop the skill set of one of the city’s most at-risk populations. On Wednesday, the organization received a $250,000 donation from the Gilmore Foundation to support South Side Mission’s Vision Possible Youth Ministry expansion.
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South Side Mission gets $250k donation for youth programs
​WEEK-TV - ​August 24, 2022

Known for giving others a helping hand, Wednesday Peoria’s South Side Mission received a helping hand themselves. The Gilmore Foundation presented a $250,000 check to the organization to fund youth outreach programming, recreation rooms and classes. It will also fund a new youth worship center.
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GILMORE FOUNDATION AWARDS $90,000 TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERs
HEART OF ILLINOIS Big Brothers Big Sisters: Press Release - February 02, 2022

Gilmore Foundation begins new partnership with Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters by providing $90,000 in funding to be used over a 3-year period starting in 2022. This award will fund a new case management staff position that will allow the agency to expand their Youth Mentoring Program by more than 30%.
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​Gilmore Foundation gives $1 million to Peoria-area non-profits
WMBD-TV - June 24, 2021

​Former Caterpillar President Bob Gilmore is celebrating his 100th birthday by giving $1 million to five Peoria-area non-profits.
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​More than $400,000 pledge to ICC ‘Workforce Equity Initiative’
WEEK - June 9, 2021

Illinois Central College announced Wednesday they're intention to provide 120 individuals, mostly African-American and low income, education, training, and good paying jobs.
​
"The Gilmore Foundation recently contributed a generous $435,000 grant to implement the initiative. One third of the amount will be received in the form of matching funds," ICC wrote in a press release.
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​​Gilmore Foundation Grant Gives Boost To Peoria Manufacturing Job Training Effort
WCBU - June 9, 2021

The Gilmore Foundation is supporting Illinois Central College's efforts to train the next wave of manufacturing workers with a $435,000 grant.
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Bradley students to help small businesses improve online presence
WEEK - ​February 1, 2021

Students at Bradley University's Turner Center for Entrepreneurship could help more than 300 small businesses improve their online presence. The university's Small Business Development Center received funds through the Federal CARES Act. In addition, Peoria's Gilmore Foundation awarded the program an extra $10,000 in support. They'll use the money to help restaurants and retail businesses around town increase sales through e-commerce.
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​The Future Is Now
Peoria Magazine - ​February 2021

The Gilmore Foundation, established by the late Bob Gilmore, is leading the way in supporting Peoria Public School students through the PPS Foundation. This past fall, it earmarked an impactful gift to support the district’s COVID-19 response. This gift of $50,000 was an investment to alleviate the pressures faced by students and their families, many of whom have technology challenges, who were forced to take on at-home learning.
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​Peoria Promise Foundation Receives Gift from Gilmore Foundation
Peoria Promise: Press RElease - December 23, 2020

Peoria, Ill – December 23, 2020– Peoria Promise is pleased to have been selected by the Gilmore Foundation to receive investment of $25,000 for their Tuition program. “The Gilmore Foundation is proud to support Peoria Promise - a program where 100% of our investment stays in the Peoria area.
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Remembering Bob Gilmore
Peoria Magazines - November 2020

The Peoria area lost a great friend in September, but Robert “Bob” Gilmore’s legacy will continue through his family, friends, those who loved him, and the foundation he set up in 2009. Bob’s storied career is fascinating, his life is remarkable, and his humble manner and generosity speak volumes. He quietly touched thousands of lives in the area, donating $1 million to the Peoria Riverfront Museum and hundreds of thousands to other groups including Easterseals, Wheels O’ Time Museum, Children’s Home, Dream Center, Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Peoria Public Schools, Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Midwest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, ART Inc. and Neighborhood House, among many others. 
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Posthumous donation puts Peoria students back in the classroom sooner than planned​
​PEORIA JOURNAL STAR - ​October 10, 2020

Peoria Public Schools middle and high school students will return to the classroom sooner than planned, thanks to a donation from Robert Gilmore, the former Caterpillar, Inc. president who died Sept. 22 at age 100.
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Robert E. Gilmore: MAY 4, 1920 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
​PEORIA JOURNAL STAR - ​September 24, 2020

Robert E. Gilmore passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020. Bob, though quiet and unassuming, was a powerful and positive force in Peoria's community development for nearly fifty years. ​His thoughtful leadership, perseverance and generosity were without peer and will be sorely missed.​
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Peoria’s North Valley gets resident officer:
Officer Keith Burwell’s home officially christened this week
​PEORIA JOURNAL STAR - ​JUly 30, 2020

​The city's newest home for a resident officer was officially christened Wednesday morning, a few months after Officer Keith Burwell officially took up his post there.
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Ex-Caterpillar chief Bob Gilmore giving $1 million to Peoria-area COVID relief
​PEORIA JOURNAL STAR - ​JUNE 23, 2020

Former Caterpillar Inc. executive Bob Gilmore and his foundation will donate $1 million for COVID-19 relief in the Peoria area over the next several months.
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Bob Gilmore “Yellow-Blooded” Philanthropist
​Peoria Magazines - july 2015

The man who nimbly scales the steps of this renovated caboose cabin cannot be 95. As he drives us around Scott’s Prairie—70 private acres of land in Hanna City he gifted to the Children’s Home—he defies age with a detailed recall of decades-old memories. Born in 1920, Bob Gilmore grew up in Peoria during the Great Depression. He graduated from high school in 1938, landed an apprenticeship at Caterpillar, and worked in the shop before enlisting and serving 30 missions as a B-17 Air Force navigator in Europe. Returning to Caterpillar in 1946, he quickly ascended the management ranks.
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