The SBL Health Foundation bestowed the Soaring Eagle Award only 17 times before this year, but at its annual Inner Circle dinner in June, it welcomed new recipients: Dan and Jeanne Cunningham.
Before the Inner Circle dinner, Dan and Jeanne were given an indication that they would receive the award, but their emotions still arrived when their names were announced. “We are very honored and humbled to receive this award,” Jeanne said. Dan added, “It’s very humbling to look at the previous award recipients and see that our names are now aligned with theirs.”
The Soaring Eagle Award recognizes an outstanding individual, couple or business that truly shines – who’s been an inspiration to not only Sarah Bush Lincoln, but also to people across the community.
The Cunninghams are long-time supporters of SBL initiatives
They both have served on the Capital Campaigns of the Heart Center and Dental Bus, and they have been supporters of the Regional Cancer Center, Hospice House and others. Jeanne is a member of WomenConnected, a women’s giving circle within the SBL Health Foundation, the Volunteer Guild and served on the committee for the SBL Foundation’s Golf Benefit and the Grand Soirée. She is also active in her church’s ministries, including Backpacks for Kids, Coats for Kids and packing boxes at the Mattoon Food Pantry.
Dan served 15 years on the SBL Health Foundation Board, including one year as its chairman. He also served on the founding board and as the treasurer of the Mattoon Area Family YMCA. He is a past president of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce and Mattoon Kiwanis Club, and he is an active member in his church, having held several positions within it.
Regarding their involvement with SBL and its initiatives, Dan said that supporting SBL is important to him and Jeanne.
“I think it’s important to have a strong health system in any community, and we are blessed to have SBL here,” Dan said. “Because of the benefits we see from SBL, it’s easy to donate to and help the organization.”
Dan and Jeanne’s sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren were present at the Inner Circle dinner, celebrating the occasion with them.
“We were glad to have our family there with us,” Jeanne said. “We wanted to make it a point for our grandchildren to see how important it is to help your community.”
To conclude their acceptance speech at the Inner Circle Dinner, Dan quoted Millard Fuller, the co-founder of Habitat for Humanity: “Give back more than you take – from life, from your employer, from your mate, from your friends and associates, from the world. Jesus said it best ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ That attitude is life-giving, joy-giving, meaning-giving. It makes sense and it works!”
The SBL Health Foundation hosts the Inner Circle Recognition Dinner each year, honoring donors who have given $1,000 or more during that year. For more information about Inner Circle and the Soaring Eagle Award, call the SBL Health Foundation at 217-258-2511.
