For seven decades, Lifelong Access has been a steadfast force, dedicated to removing barriers and championing independence for individuals of all abilities in our community. From our humble beginnings in Bloomington to the comprehensive services we offer today in multiple counties, our journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of accessibility.
To honor this incredible milestone, we’ve launched “70 for 70,” a yearlong celebration of our history, our people, and our purpose. This initiative not only marks 70 years of service but also showcases 70 inspiring stories from individuals, families, staff, and partners whose lives have been transformed through Lifelong Access. Each story is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and connection; reminding us that inclusion is not just an ideal, but a lifelong commitment.
Our "70 for 70" celebration is heating the winter! Join us as we celebrate all season long! Each event offers a unique way to connect, give back, and be part of the legacy that makes Lifelong Access so special. We invite you to be part of the magic by attending, donating, and volunteering at the events listed below. Your participation ensures our mission continues for the next 70 years:
- February 1–28: Lifelong Access G.E.M. Campaign: Giving Every Month. Learn how you can become a recurring donor and sustain our mission year-round. Learn More
- February 2–13: O’Brien Mitsubishi Test Drive-A-Thon: Take a new car for a spin—your test drive generates a donation for Lifelong Access! Learn More
- February 13: Casper Brewing Celebrity Bartender Night: Toast to 70 years with another fun night of local flavor and community spirit. Learn More
- February 17: Acts of Kindness Day: Our staff and supporters spread kindness throughout Central Illinois. Learn More
- February 22: Bowl-A-Thon at Pheasant Lanes: Lace up your bowling shoes! A fun, competitive event for teams and individuals. Learn More
- February 28: Peoria Rivermen Hockey Game: Cheer on the Rivermen and Lifelong Access during an unforgettable night of fun and awareness! Learn More
As the season changes, our celebration is only getting started! Join us this spring for a series of events designed to grow awareness, celebrate inclusion, and bring our community closer together. Whether you're dining out, cheering in the stands, or volunteering your time, every moment you spend with us helps fuel the next 70 years of breaking barriers.
March: Community Roots & Local Flavor
- March 6, 13, 20, 27: Donny B’s Popcorn Dine-to-Donate: Snack for a cause! Every Friday in March, grab your favorite local popcorn and a portion of your purchase supports our mission. Learn More
- March 12: Blono Pizza Dine-to-Donate: Enjoy a slice of the community while giving back to our local programs. Learn More
- March 19: Keg Grove Dine-to-Donate: Raise a glass to inclusion at one of Bloomington's favorite local spots. Learn More
- March 21: Nothing Bundt Cakes 5K: Celebrate 70 years of impact with a sweet start to spring by joining this race, where every step supports us and every finisher enjoys a delicious Bundtini reward! Learn More
April: Awareness & Action
- April 3: Bloomington Bison Hockey Night: Take to the ice with the Bison for a night of high-energy fun and community awareness! Learn More. Purchase Tickets Here.
- April 9: LEO’S IMPACT-An Autism Awareness Expo: Join us at the Illinois Weselyan University Shirk Center for an inspiring day of resources, connection, and celebrating the unique strengths of the autism community. Learn More
- April 16: Moe’s Southwest Grill Taco Kit Fundraiser: Pre-order a delicious at home Taco-Kit from Moe's Southwest Grill by April 15th at 2pm! Learn More
- April 23: Analytical Brewing Dine to Donate in Peoria & Lexington: One Night, Two Locations, 10% Back to Lifelong Access. Learn More
- April 26: Jason Deli's Dine-to-Donate: Grab a healthy meal and help us build a healthier, more accessible community. Learn More
May: Celebration & Connection
- May 2: All Access Market: Our annual gathering of the best local food trucks and vendors to celebrate 70 years of impact. Learn More
- May 6: Lil' Beaver Dine-to-Donate: Join us for a final spring flavor as we partner with Lil' Beaver to support our growth. Learn More
June: The Grand Finale
- June 4: 70 for 70 Celebration Dinner: A formal evening of reflection and joy as we conclude our 7-month celebration of 70 years of impact.
- June 5: Doug Collins Lifelong Access Golf Classic: Tee off at Weibring Golf Course for our signature annual event. A day of sport, sun, and supporting independence.
Be Part of the Celebration
Follow along as we release 70 inspiring video stories for 70 years; each one highlighting the incredible people and programs that have shaped our mission. Whether you join us at an event, share your story, or simply spread the word, you’re helping us continue a legacy that started in 1955 and still grows stronger every day.
70 for 70 Kickoff - 1/70
Thanksgiving with Friends - 2/70
What our friends are thankful for! - 3/70
What our staff is thankful for! - 4/70
CELEBRITY BARTENDER EVENT TOMORROW, DEC. 4! - 5/70
Seasonal Affective Disorder vs. Winter Blues - 6/70
Removing Barriers: Financial Aid - 7/70
A PRIVATE CHEF'S DINNER RAFFLE CLOSES TONIGHT, DEC. 9! - 8/70
BARTONVILLE: LAGONDOLA DINE-TO-DONATE - 9/70
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! - 10/70
Thank YOU! - 11/70
Happy New Year! - 12/70
Happy Birthday Gregg Chadwick - 13/70
PIZZA PAYAA DINE-TO-DONATE - 14/70
Access Hour: Our Quarterly All-Staff Gathering - 15/70
Aqua Zumba at Carle Health & Fitness Center - 16/70
Night to Shine - 17/70
GEM Spotlight: Why Shelly Gives Every Month - 18/70
O'Brien Mitsubishi Test Drive-A-Thon - 19/70
O'Brien Mitsubishi Test Drive-A-Thon: NOW Through Feb 13! - 20/70
Random Acts of Kindness Day - 21/70
Joe's Lifelong Access Story - 22/70
The Care Collective - 23/70
Hop Your Bundts Off 5K & Easter Egg Hunt - 24/70
Bartonville Center: Access in Action - 25/70
Ryan Gremore: Driven by Impact - 26/70
Purpose in Every "Welcome" - 27/70