Peoria Jaycees: 1980's
The decade of the 80's saw the Jaycees participate
in numerous community projects: "Muscular Dystrophy Association Bowling
Tournament," "Wilderness Camp," "Channel 47 Auction,"
"Peoria County Jail Referendum," "Magic Time," "Jr.
Miss Pageant," "Riverfront Improvement." Many of the proceeds
sent handicapped children to Camp New Hope in Mattoon, IL. Additional projects
included: "Rose Day," "Dynamics," "Home Energy
Awareness," "Jaycee Bosses Night," "Festival Week" and
"Flags Around the Courthouse Square."
In 1980, the idea for "Riverfront Fireworks" was conceived by
witnessing the fireworks at Glen Oak Park. This project was conducted for eight
straight years, involved numerous organizations, and was claimed to annually
entertain over 100,000 people at no charge!
At the State Convention in May 1981, the chapter won the Giessenbier Award! Our
Americanism entry, "Fireworks '80" went on to win first place in our
population division at the National Convention.
At the State Convention in 1982, Peoria once again finished as the number one
chapter in Illinois, out of 420 chapters. Membership was at 166 with an overall
retention rate of 72 percent. The chapter made a clean sweep finishing number
one in Chapter Management, Community Development, and Individual Development.
The 80's saw numerous Peoria Jaycee leaders continue on with the regional,
state, and national Jaycees organizations.
The years 1982-84 saw the continuation of a strong presence of the Jaycees in
the Peoria community. Events like, "Candidates Speak Night,"
"Sweetheart Appreciation Day," "Smiley Living Center,"
"Country Supper and Jamboree," "Fireworks," "Easter Egg
Hunts," "Oktoberfest," "Springfest,"
"International Battle of the Bands," "Pride of Peoria Week,"
"and the "House of Terror" were just a few of the many projects.
In 1984-1985, the chapter grew by 102 members. More board positions were created
to accommodate the influx of new Jaycees. The year ended strong with 233
members.
In 1985, the chapter also hosted the State Convention that year using the
revamped Pere Marquette and the Civic Center using the theme "Puttin' On
the Ritz".
The "Firecracker 5000 Foot Race," was off an running in the 80's. As
the chapter entered the 90's, it continues to gain more participants each year.
It is currently the third largest race in the area.
Previous years, the Haunted House was used as a community development
fundraiser, grossing several thousand dollars each year. By 1988, it achieved
results beyond expectations, grossed over $20,000, and has continued to be a
huge financial success terrorizing the community each year.
The “Adopt-A-School” program is one service the chapter supports with pride.
The first recipient, Blaine-Sumner Middle School was adopted in the early 80's.
The Jaycees work with the school and give monthly recognition to student leaders
and incentives for attaining scholastic excellence. The offer of free passes to
the Haunted House motivated over half the school to make the honor roll during
1989.
Through an internal fund raising effort, members donated $1,000 toward
establishing Constitution Gardens.
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