Community welcomed at outdoor event
Bourbonnais, IL – The United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties invite the public to attend its Community Equity Mural unveiling on Tuesday, October 26th from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine 481 S. Main St. in Bourbonnais. Sponsored by OAK Orthopedics, the community event will be held outdoors at the mural location and include opportunities to meet the winning artist, Allison Freytes, take photos with the interactive mural, participate in an open mic session and enjoy a $2 taco special.
United Way concluded its recent 21-week Equity Challenge with the announcement of the Community Equity Mural Design Contest winner. Local artists were invited to submit original artwork for the outdoor mural, and the winner was selected by online voting. Allison Freytes, of Kankakee, received 64.5 percent of the votes with her winning design “We are Stronger Together.”
120 of the 270 participants in United Way’s Equity Challenge resided in Bourbonnais making it the birthplace of the Community Equity Mural.
"Building an equitable community requires commitment from everyone. I hope that this mural will serve as a visual reminder that we each need to do our part to ensure that all our neighbors have access to a quality education, financial stability and healthy lives," said Kerstin Rust, Executive Director of United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. "Allison's artwork does a brilliant job of depicting the vibrant patchwork of our community's fabric. With each piece, holding an essential place within the broader picture."
“The Village of Bourbonnais is thankful for United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties and that we were selected as the birthplace for this mural and its message,” explained Mayor Paul Schore. “We welcome everyone to come together and enjoy this important artwork created by the community and for the community.”
Donations for this project and future mural projects are still being accepted. To contribute, visit www.myunitedway.org/equity.
Thank you to the following mural supporters:
- OAK Orthopedics
- Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
- Silva’s Remodeling
- SmartWash Laundry Center
- Community Cup Church of the Nazarene
For more information about the free public event or to register to attend, visit the Facebook event page here or the Eventbrite page here.
