Our History | 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.