Newsletters
March / April 2023
A message from our CEO
On March 16th, we hosted our 12th annual EP!C Bon Appétit and this year was another wildly successful culinary experience.
Thanks to our sponsors and event partners, we were able to gather with 500 guests as we turned the Par-A-Dice into the coolest club in town. Our honored guest was Chef Fabio Viviani who came down from Chicago where he operates several successful restaurant concepts. Fans will recognize him from Bravo’s Top Chef, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Beat Bobby Flay where Fabio did just that.
It was a night of urban decadence as we were treated to a gourmet five course meal and two memorable cooking demonstrations. I want to give a sincere thank you to the guests in attendance and to the donors who contributed to the night’s grand total. This is our major fundraising event for the year and while we aren’t back up to the same level of dollars raised before the pandemic, we are extremely grateful and proud of the event’s success raising over $145,000!
No two Bon Appétit events are the same as they transform each year into something EP!C and we can’t wait to see what next year will bring – save the date for March 21st, 2024!
There is still time to contribute towards the event’s success by making your donation online:
Select Bon Appétit.
– Kim Cornwell, EP!C CEO
Bon Appétit 2023
Thank you for supporting our event which raised critical funding for People with disabilities.
Inclusive Employment
The Par-A-Dice Hotel (host of this year’s Bon Appétit) is an EP!C inclusive employment partner. They recently hired a young man in their banquet kitchen through our Job Placement program.
Robert has a very full schedule working 4-6 days per week as the hotel is busy with events. He worked with the team at the Par-A-Dice as they worked alongside Chef Fabio Viviani to prepare his 5-course gourmet meal for our 500 guests. During the event, we had the pleasure of sharing our mission in action by bringing Robert along with Chef Tom and Executive Chef Jon on stage to talk more about the partnership.
If you are hiring and looking to diversify your team or are a job seeker needing assistance, contact our team today! Rachel Grys-Doan, Senior Director of Employment Services. 309-689-3607 or rgrysdoan@epicci.org.
Third Party Fundraising
The athletes at Crossfit Peoria recently participated in a special workout to bring awareness and support to cerebral palsy.
The Campbell family will be life-long friends of EP!C. Amanda knows the organization inside and out as she has been on our audit team with CliftonLarsonAllen for many years. When she and her husband Kaleb had their first child and it was clear he had some challenges, they knew exactly who to talk to. While Logan has many years ahead of him before he officially receives EP!C’s services, they want to ensure we are as strong as ever when that time comes. Kaleb is a Crossfit Coach and put together a workout celebrating his son with proceeds benefiting EP!C. We were proud to once again partner with our favorite little CP warrior.
If you have a creative way to move our mission, consider hosting your own Third Party Fundraiser! Contact us at epicdevelopment@epicci.org for more information.
EP!C Harvest
We are busy prepping for the 2023 EP!C Harvest CSA season. Don’t miss out on getting direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown by EP!C participants.
Join The EP!C Team
Looking to make a career move or know someone who is?
Consider joining the EP!C team as our newest staff member. From executive positions, to managers, supervisors, DSP’s and more, we have a variety of opportunities where you can create moments that matter.
Join EP!C’s team of passionate, caring employees who make a difference. EP!C offers amazing benefits (including an onsite gym at our Headquarters), full and part-time positions, and the opportunity to fulfill someone’s dreams, as well as your own.
EP!C Employees
January Employee of the Month
Tiffany Freeman was named our Employee of the Month for January.
Her nominator said,“Tiffany shows her commitment to EP!C by ensuring that the individuals she supports daily are taken proper care of and advocated for by not only themselves but by fellow staff as well. She makes sure that she knows all she can about the people she supports, so she can offer them the best possible care for their needs. Tiffany is willing to be outspoken about her beliefs with the people we support which in turn helps others view our individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
February Employee of the Month
Kayla Rodriguez was named our Employee of the Month for February.
Her nominator said Kayla was awarded the title due to,“her ability to handle stress despite days when work is hectic and maintain a work ethic that others admire. She is very conscientious in ensuring individuals are receiving the care they need and that they are respected and empowered to achieve their best.”
Spring Flowers Sale
Celebrate the season with fresh spring flowers
Available beginning May 13.