Lorraine Schwass, long time Sun Foundation supporter, found so many ways to participate and lead.
Lorraine spent her career as a guidance counselor, dedicating herself to the young people in her care with warmth and attention that students and families remembered long after they left her office.
Lorraine also found joy in the natural world and in quiet pursuits.
Read MoreThanks to everyone who made Art and Science in the Woods 2025 a success! View photos of our week long summer camp.
Read MoreWe’re honored to share a newly remastered version of Hands and Spirit: The Vitality of Traditional Blackfeet Arts — a 1976 Sun Foundation production created by Bob and Joan Root Ericksen. Originally a slide show with narration by Studs Terkel, this tribute to Blackfeet cultural traditions is now available online for the first time in memory of Bob, with video restoration by Frank Blain.
Read MoreFour exceptional people and three organizations were presented with the Sun Foundation’s Making Waves Award at the 32nd Clean Water Celebration held at the Peoria Civic Center Monday, April 28, 2025.
Making Waves Awards acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond to protect and preserve clean water and the environment. Nominations cover a wide variety of projects and are taken in the categories of Student, Teacher, School, Individual, Business, Government and Organization.
Recipients for 2025 are:
Read MoreJoin us on Saturday, April 5, for a multi-media immersive experience benefitting the Sun Foundation. Local artists Doug and Eileen Leunig collaborate with Maestro Commanday in creating this one-of-a-kind interaction of sound, light, and space. Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, Vivaldi’s Spring, and Arvo Pärt’s Fratres will be synchronized with imagery and lighting designed and curated by the Leunigs. This ‘flight’ of music paired with imagery will be spectacular!
Read MoreRobert C. Ericksen, founding executive director of the Sun Foundation, passed away on January 29, 2025, after 52 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy of enriching lives through art, science, and culture.
Read MoreThe love story of the Sun Foundation started 51 years ago because thousands gave their time and resources to foster bright futures for our children and health of this planet. Thank you for the part you have played, and will play, in writing this growing love story.
Read MoreOur 2023 annual report is now available to download.
Read MoreDr. Robert Williams, Dr. Bob, was the creator of the Illinois Rivers Project.
In 1993, the Sun Foundation collaborated with Dr. Bob and the Illinois Rivers Project and the Sun Foundation Clean Water Celebration was created to share high school students' work, experts and more with upper elementary and middle school students in Central Illinois on the Monday following the annual Rivers Project Student Congress.
He connected so many people in his love for our rivers! Thank you Dr. Bob!
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