Congratulations! 2025 Guiding Stars Gala Award Recipients

Watch the power of transformation as Wilhelmina Gibbs Designs, Julia Brewer, Mihesha Gibbs-Lumpkins, a host of young volunteers, Mr. Thurman, and the LRS and CDC Staff transform the empty gym room into a showcase of elegance!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_b29cc3657b0647ffb148f100f2f18f1e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Click for Full Gala Program with Details on Award Recipients

View Slideshow

2025 Gala Super Nova Recipient - Lillian Jean Jackson

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_b93b4e3d4cf74c3fabe0557e5465ac53/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Niece of Lillian Jean Jackson, Dorothy Wright accepted award on behalf of her late Aunt Jean Jackson.

2025 Gala Super Stars Recipients -

Julia Brewer, Dr. Leonard Porter, Mark and Mary Williams

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_4f0da62b4c7242c9b1502e9786d2c60a/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Dr. Leonard Porter receives his award. Julia Brewer receives award for herself and on behalf of Mark and Mary Williams.

2025 Gala Hidden Star Recipient - Tonia Jones Lafi

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_a971b9bd2b614931980e92a13747d4c9/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Tonia Jones Lafi receives her award.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_c5c92c63e67a4a02a51c48c333b93da8/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Tonia Jones Lafi's acceptance speech.

2025 Gala Galaxy Stars Recipient - Pembroke Fire Protection District and Olivet University Kingdom Builders

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0af9c7_43cf4d7ef2ce44738d82c1010eb69513/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Chief Mark Baines receives award on behalf of the Pembroke Fire District. Olivet Student receives award on behalf of the Olivet University Kingdom Builders.

Thanks to the Guiding Stars Gala participants, donors, and generous sponsors, such as the IL Department of Natural Resources, IL Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Field Museum, Country Financial, and First American Bank, we have reached our funding goals for 2025!