Hoyleton’s ‘Be the Light’ Honors Volunteers, Raises $94,000 for Programming

Hoyleton (Ill.) Youth and Family Services lit up the room Feb. 28 during its 42nd Annual Hoyleton Honors celebration. With the theme of “Be the Light,” Hoyleton highlighted the numerous ways the organization helps its clients and families transition from challenging times to brighter futures. 

The annual fundraising event took place at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Ill., and provided Hoyleton an opportunity to acknowledge individuals and partner organizations that have significantly influenced the mission over the past year. 

Among this year’s honorees was St. Paul UCC in Floraville, Ill., awarded the Mission Companion title for its generous donations and efforts to secure special sensory playground equipment for the residential program in Salem, Ill. This program is home to nine foster youth who have experienced trauma and also live with severe developmental and intellectual challenges. 

Illuminative Strategies, a consulting firm based in Springfield, Ill., received the Community Connection Award for their expertise and guidance in helping Hoyleton update processes after experiencing rapid growth in recent years.

Roger and Julie Harris, members of St. Paul UCC in Belleville, Ill., were honored with the Hoyleton Enthusiast recognition for their continuous volunteer efforts and dedication to Hoyleton. Roger not only serves on the board but is also an active member of the Neighbors for Renewal construction team. This group, operating under the Hoyleton umbrella, renovates and repairs many of Hoyleton’s properties as well as other homes in the community. 

The 2024 Empowerment Champion accolade was awarded to Jill Weier, a Health Education Teacher in the Dupo (Ill.) School District, for her unwavering dedication to her students. Jill collaborates with the Hoyleton Prevention team each school year to provide essential education on substance abuse, violence prevention, and other critical health issues affecting middle and high school students. 

A key fundraising moment of the evening was the auctioning off of a cabinet, built by a Hoyleton staff member using materials repurposed from the original Hoyleton Children’s Home that was built in 1915.  

This 110-year-old building on the Hoyleton campus was demolished at the end of the week. It is no longer needed and has been replaced with 6 six-bedroom family style cottages and an administration building with therapy rooms, visitation rooms and a large training center. The new therapeutic campus in Hoyleton features appropriate sensory spaces and lighting plus, more privacy for youth in care. This is just one example of how financial support from private and corporate donors, state and federal funding, and an organization committed to its mission can make an impact. 

Hoyleton exceeded their fundraising target at this year’s event, raising $94,000 for Hoyleton programming, and is immensely thankful for the community’s support. 

“We cannot carry out our daily work without the generous backing of our private and corporate donors,” said Chris L. Cox, Hoyleton Youth and Family Services president and CEO. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported our mission in some capacity this year.” 

The night was not only a celebration of achievements but also a testament to the collective effort that drives Hoyleton’s mission forward, illuminating paths for those they serve.