Vital Sense of Community Through Legacy of Ex-Mayor

PEORIA — In Peoria and every place with citizens of many backgrounds, a “feeling of fellowship” to others can be easily lost or never found. It is important though to consider that a sense of community, a unifying force felt by the different groups in a common place, is every bit essential to that place’s success as its political landscape, economic status, natural resources, etc. Coming together to make an entire city run well is easier said than done, but the importance of it is often stressed through lives of individuals who give to that city, like former Peoria mayor Jim Maloof.

In his 12 years in office (1985-1997) Maloof turned a struggling town into what we know Peoria as today: an economically sound, All-American city. “When he became mayor, that’s when the ‘last one out, turn the lights off’ phrases were being bandied about,” said Roberta Parks, President of Peoria’s Chamber of Commerce, “but his hard work and cheerful outlook turned that all around for us.” The most prominent example of Maloof’s hard work is his commitment to St. Jude. Meeting comedian/actor Danny Thomas in 1957, Maloof focused his efforts on Thomas’ St. Jude Children Research and helped open the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Clinic in downtown Peoria. He has helped raise millions of dollars for children research, and has helped thousands of lives by those contributions.

Before and outside of office, Maloof founded and served as president for Jim Maloof/Realtor, Central Illinois’ largest independent realty agency. He served as chairman for the Illinois Municipal League, the  Bradley University athletic fund and St. Philomena Christian education fund drives, and the St. Jude Telethon.

Maloof passed away Saturday, January 19th, 2013.

An avid supporter and lover of the arts, Maloof left a legacy for generations of Peoria performers. To celebrate those commitments, ICC-alum Theresa Hicks had an idea to host an event with all the local arts Maloof always loved. “I didn’t think it could be like this,” said Hicks Friday night, “it was just an idea I had.” With the help of ICC, Hicks and company created Legacy of Love: A Celebration of the Arts, which occurred Friday, April 11th at 6:30PM in Peoria’s Riverside Community Church. All proceeds went to St. Jude.

The event was put together by Illinois Central College students and staff. President Dr. John Erwin spoke, citing Mayor Maloof’s “limitless care” and “remarkable joy.” The event was hosted by Maloof’s son Nicholas Maloof, who further praised his father’s efforts for the community and its arts. “The lives he touched are immeasurable,” said Maloof, “he was a man who could get things done.” For everyone in the auditorium, including the those who have never met Maloof, there was an awesome sense of community and a major sense of appreciation to Mayor Maloof’s legacy.

As for the awesome feelings, the opening act couldn’t have brought them harder. As the overhead music stopped and the lights dimmed low in the auditorium, the Pulse of Peoria percussionists took the stage with booming bass drums, striking snares, and glow-in-the-dark drumsticks. Composed of select Peoria District 150 students, the drumline called the individual attentions of the nearly 300 guests in a pulsating 30-minute spectacle. The acoustics in the auditorium carried the awesome sound of 15 drummers and their particular groups, all of which completely on point, over the entire audience. Even the cymbals were tight and controlled.

The show later featured many talented events from community art organizations. Peoria Ballet, Peoria Players Theatre, ICC Vocal Jazz, ICC Reader’s Theatre, and The Maloof Granddaughters Trio all made appearances. “We wanted to get as many kids from all different kinds of art in our community to show their skills tonight” said Maloof. “And we got it.”

The event closed with Nicholas Maloof singing “The Kids and I,” a song he wrote and has performed himself. “It’s really timeless, you know? It’s a very joyous, uplifting song that everybody can get into” he said. With lyrics dealing with “The American family” and “hand in hand” togetherness, Maloof’s song solidified the unity of the Peoria people and left the audience with the sense of community that Maloof worked his life to give them.

The Legacy of Love event for the arts not only brought the community together, even if only for the evening, but raised more than $2000 for St. Jude Children Research. As Dr. Erwin put it, Jim “would have been very proud.”