Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame supports programs, scholarships for youth

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Tickets are still available for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Sat., Feb. 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, benefitting youth hunting, fishing, safety education and scholarship programs.

The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame event opens with a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and an auction.  Tickets are $50 per person and can be obtained by calling the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) at 217/785-2003 or via the internet at www.ilcf.org.

The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame is recognizing four individuals - Jared Garver, John Kidd, Jr., Glen Sanderson and the late Carl Becker - for their commitment to environmental protection, natural resources conservation and outdoor recreation.  The new inductees were selected from among dozens of people nominated by citizens and organizations throughout the state.

Others being honored include John Deere for providing equipment and support for conservation programs in Illinois; the Central Illinois Friends of the Outdoors for support of youth hunter safety education in the state; and, Turasky Meats of Springfield and Magro's Processing of Auburn and Springfield for support of the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program.

Proceeds from the banquet and auction support the IFC Youth Achievement Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to ten high school juniors and seniors.  The students are selected based on nominations from schools and organizations that recognize their interest in natural resources protection and outdoor recreation.  Proceeds also benefit youth and safety education programs, as well as habitat enhancement and natural resources protection programs.

This year's auction items include:

• Tracker boat with Mercury outboard motor and trailer provided by Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World of Gurnee

• Flagstaff pop-up camper provided by Colman's Country Campers of Hartford and Springfield

• All-terrain vehicle provided by Bombardier of Springfield.

For banquet tickets, phone 217/785-2003.  For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/785-2003, or check the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1995, has raised more than $22 million in support of the programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.