Community Partners

Thank you to our 2022-23 Community Partners!

Unit 4 School District

Supporting CUSF programs as we partner with Champaign and Urbana public schools to provide culturally responsive opportunities and enriching experiences that inspire educators and motivate students for success.

Founding Partners

Carle

Kim and Denise Martin

The Robeson Family

Busey Bank
University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ambassador Partners

Ameren Illinois
GHR Engineers
smith/burgett architects

Steve &
Barbara
Beckett

Advocate Partners

Champaign County Association Of Realtors
Christie Clinic
Commerce Bank
East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council
Hendrick House
O'Shea Builders
Parkland College

Paul &
Abby
Hobbs

Phil &
Cheryl
Van Ness

Robbins Schwartz
Spherion
STIFEL
Webber-Thies Logo

Friends of CUSF

APL Engineered Materials, Inc.
BLDD Logo_1_op
Broeren Russo Builders
Chapman Cutler
ClarkDietz
Fox Development
IHCC
Industrial Donut
Martin Hood
Midland States Bank
U of I Credit Union

Why our community gives to CUSF…

“I support the 365 Club because I am a proud alumnus of the Unit 4 schools. I feel strongly about the quality of education for our children and the future of our community. As an employer in Champaign County, Spherion sees the value of a great education in preparing our local students to enter the workforce.”

Cindy Somers, Franchise Owner, Spherion Staffing

“We believe that education is crucial to success in life. The work CUSF does in supporting our teachers is essential. In particular, we love the unique projects that provide hands on experiences to the students. The excitement you see in the students when participating in projects such as STEAM Town and discovering Health Careers make it all worthwhile.”

Kim and Denise Martin, Founding Partners, Martin Hood and Associates

“I taught in our local schools for 25 years, am a former CUSF Board member, and CUSF grant recipient. I spent a lot of my own money on things I wanted my students to have and for which there was no budget. I am thrilled to help other teachers make a dream become a reality by being a member of the 365 Club!”

Janet Ellis-Nelson, Retired Teacher, Champaign Rotary President

“The Housing Authority of Champaign County is proud to support CUSF because we are deeply invested in the community and the future of young people. Now more than ever, we have seen how the pandemic has affected our children’s education and development on an academic level. It is all of our responsibility to help close the gap.”

Lily L. Walton, MPA, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Champaign County

“While not an alum of Champaign-Urbana public schools, I joined the 365 Club because the quality of our public schools is the lifeline of our community. There is a direct correlation between the quality of our teachers, the education students receive and how viable our community will be. The educational opportunities CUSF supports provide unique learning expediencies that will stay with students for a lifetime.”

Brice Hutchcraft, Champaign Market President, First State Bank

“I support the 365 Club because I believe in public education. I feel every child deserves the best educational opportunities possible. The 365 Club provides funds to enhance the strong academic programs that are already in our schools. Good schools make great communities!”

Patricia McKinney Lewis, Retired School Administrator

“Members of our law firm, Webber and Thies, have been strong supporters of CUSF since the beginning–over 30 years ago. No other local philanthropic organization has the singular focus of helping CU public school teachers bring out the best in their students. We encourage the entire CU community to join us and get behind the 365 Club!”

John E. Thies, Attorney, Webber & Thies, PC

“As an Urbana Tiger and third generation local business owner, we recognize that it’s important to give back to our local schools and support students who are our future leaders. The growth of a healthy community is dependent upon healthy public schools and we are proud to continue supporting students, teachers, and staff. Giving back ensures the health of our community by building strong public for everyone.”

Andy Armstrong, Owner, Armstrong Lumber Company