Events Upcoming
New Members
WHAT: Kidzeum of Health & Science hosts its inaugural For the Kids Awards Dinner, celebrating 24 community members nominated by the public for the extraordinary ways they show up for children across Central Illinois. Community members were invited to nominate the people they see making a difference in the lives of children, and a panel of six community judges reviewed every nomination. Award recipients will be revealed for the first time from the stage that evening.
The evening also features a silent auction and a live paddle raise led by auctioneer Matt Corso of Kaufman Realty & Auctions.
The inaugural event is sold out, and Kidzeum is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of interest and support from the community for an event created to celebrate the people who show up for kids every day.
WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Doors and silent auction open at 5:00 p.m.
Awards program begins at 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: The Inn at 835, 835 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois
THE 2026 NOMINEES:
- Dr. Aida Adlimoghaddam, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, SIU School of Medicine
- Lydia Auble, Student and Youth Volunteer, Lincoln Land Community College
- Candice Bacon Jennings, Family and Community Engagement Liaison, Dubois Elementary School
- Ashanti Beler, MSN, RN, School Nurse, Jane Addams Elementary School
- Melissa Blankestyn, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Dr. Gregory Brandt, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, SIU School of Medicine
- Detective Timara Craven, Springfield Police Department
- Amanda Deford, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Birth to Five Illinois
- Katryce Dent, Early Childhood Educator, District 186 and Gingerbread House Daycare
- Ashley Earles, Regional Council Manager, Birth to Five Illinois
- Dylan Flowers, Manager of Youth Leadership and Development Programs, Springfield Urban League
- Ashlynn Frey, Education Assistant, Springfield Art Association
- Taryn Grant, Founder and Executive Director, Springfield Youth Performance Group
- Melissa Hostetter, Science Teacher and Literacy Advocate, Franklin Middle School
- Shelly Kinner, Volunteer and Special Events Manager, Compass for Kids
- Natalie Mitchell, Behavior Support Systems Strategist, Jane Addams Elementary
- Sarah Oglesby, Chief Operating Officer, Compass for Kids
- Melissa Fisher Paoni, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Springfield Psychological Center
- Ali Peden-Stade, Founder and Executive Director, Journey Like June Foundation
- Lucy Schmadeke, Student and Community Leader, Springfield High School
- Judge Karen Tharp, Associate Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit
- David Wallman, Head Coach, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Springfield Christian School
- Amber Walters, 3rd Grade Teacher, Little Flower School
- Vyvyan Wesley, Assistant Director of Discovery and Success, University of Illinois Springfield
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Award recipients are not being released in advance and will be announced during the program. Media wishing to attend should confirm in advance with the media contact above.
