Each summer Peoria Magazines hosts an intimate reception to honor “Local Legends”—those individuals who have had a lifetime of impact on the Peoria-area community—in conjunction with our July issue.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do things a little differently this year. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding a special collaborative partnership to honor our 2020 Local Legends!
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John Bearce Companies Wayne Baum Family Foundation |
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2019 Local Legends
- G. Raymond Becker: Builder of Modern Peoria
- Dr. Patrick Elwood: The Modest Neurosurgeon
- Hon. Joe Billy McDade: The Principled Judge
- Doug & Diane Oberhelman: The Ultimate Power Couple
Check out more photos from the 2019 reception!
2018 Local Legends
- Bruce Brown: U.S. Marine & Restaurateur
- Anne Fox: Optimistic Humanitarian
- George Manias: Hard-Working and Humble
- Donald Rager: Doctor, Teacher, Visionary
- Gerry Shaheen: Executive and Board Leader
Check out more photos from the 2018 Local Legends reception...
2017 Local Legends
- Dr. Stephen & Patti Bash: Catalysts of Healthy Living
- Royal Coulter: Business Leader with Integrity
- Ken Hinton: A Caring and Compassionate Educator
- Norman V. Kelly: Patriot, Storyteller, Historian
- Joan Krupa: Public Servant & Health Advocate
Photos from the 2017 Local Legends reception...
2016 Local Legends
- Byron DeHaan: Communicator of Culture
- Jean Ann & Gordon Honegger: Sharing the Wealth
- Mike Landwirth: A Life of Development
- The Honorable David Leitch: A Tireless Workhorse
- Sally Snyder: Advocate for Health and Education
2015 Local Legends
- Wayne Baum: A Legacy of Servant Leadership
- Bob Gilmore: “Yellow-Blooded” Philanthropist
- James Polk: An Advocate for All
- Dave Ransburg: Businessman and Civic Leader
- George Shadid: The Principled Statesman
2014 Local Legends
- John Bearce: Entrepreneur and Adventurer
- Lowell "Bud" Grieves: Developer, Businessman and Conservationist
- Gene & Harriett Swager: A Partnership in Service
- Kathryn Timmes: Teacher and Counselor
- Jay Vonachen: Businessman and Community Leader
2013 Local Legends
- Glen Barton: Businessman & Visionary
- Congressman Bob Michel: Distinguished Public Servant
- Art & Judy Oakford: A Pair of Peoria Philanthropists
- Gerald D. Stephens: Entrepreneur & Businessman
- Pete Vonachen: Peoria’s Mr. Baseball
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