History Maker's Gala
2025 Honorees are Rob Fazzini, Father Doug Hennessy, and Sally Rudolph.
Each year, the History Makers Gala recognizes long-standing residents whose outstanding, life-long contributions of time and talents have helped to make McLean County a better place to live. The Gala dinner features live entertainment that celebrates the honorees and their service to the community. The 2025 History Makers Gala and the Annual Meeting of the McLean County Historical Society will take place on the evening of Wednesday, June18th at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program & dinner begins at 6:15 p.m.
Dinner Menu
Our menu will feature a gluten friendly buffet dinner including mixed green salad, green beans, herb roasted potatoes, Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Seared Chicken Breast with Lemon Caper Sauce, choice of assorted pies and cheesecake, coffee, iced tea, water, and a complimentary glass of wine. Questions? Contact the development office.
Program
In conjunction with the Museum’s annual meeting, the Gala dinner will feature video tributes celebrating the lives and legacies of the History Makers. This year we are honoring Rob Fazzini, Fr. Doug Hennessy, and Sally Rudolph.
Biographies
Click the links below to read their brief biographies.
Rob Fazzini
Making friends to build a community is both the business and civic mission for History Maker Rob Fazzini.
Father Doug Hennessy
Born and raised in Bloomington, Fr. Doug’s last pastoral assignment was his childhood parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church from 2004 until his retirement in 2013.
Sally Rudolph
Sally was raised in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and was her high school class valedictorian, always scientifically oriented.
Become a Sponsor
Promote your business or organization’s brand during this high-profile event. You will reach an engaged audience that is educated, affluent, and deeply involved in making our local area a better place to live and work. The Gala is a great way to connect with our audience while demonstrating your commitment to the community. Contact Norris Porter, Director of Development, to learn more about our Business & Corporate Alliance Program and how you can partner with the Museum throughout the year. For more information about our Gala Sponsorship Package, click here.
$5,000 Dome Sponsor: 2-tables (16 guests), full page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, social media recognition, and free rental of the Museum’s Governor Fifer Courtroom for an event.
$2,500 Rotunda Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), half-page ad in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, recognition in Museum magazine, logo in email blasts promoting the Gala, logo on Gala webpage, and social media recognition.
$1,500 Gallery Sponsor: 1 table (8 guests), logo recognition in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
$750 Exhibit Sponsor: ½ table (4 guests), name recognition in Gala program, logo displayed on Gala video screens, and social media recognition.
$200 Video Screen Message: Congratulate honoree(s) with a message displayed on the Gala Video Screens. Contact Norris Porter for details.
Nominate a History Maker for our 2026 Gala
McLean County has no shortage of people who have dedicated their lives to making our community a better place to live.
History Maker nominees do not have to be wealthy, prominent or easily recognized. They do need to be at least 70 years old and have a significant story to tell: perhaps it is one of service to their country and community; maybe it is a successful career, whether in a trade, business, profession or social service; or maybe their family together has left a lasting legacy for McLean County.
The deadline to submit nomination forms for the 2026 Class of History Makers is October 3, 2025.