Thank you to the University of Illinois Employee Credit Union for sponsoring today’s Chambana Mom to Know. The Credit Union will donate $50 in recognition of Tiffany Jackson’s efforts to support the Eastern Illinois Foodbank through Prom Benefit. Did you know that UIECU is helping its customers save a million dollars this year? For more information visit their website.
Tiffany Jackson is a Champaign native and University of Illinois graduate who lived in Atlanta and Iowa before ultimately settling back into her hometown, where her husband opened a successful chiropractic practice. Her work background is in healthcare recruitment and senior communities, but today she focuses on volunteerism since she “can’t sit still.” Tiffany has been a member of Junior League for eight years working on its backpack program (which feeds children in need through the schools) and helping to further develop the League Locker program for local schools. Jackson is assistant coordinator the Illinois Marathon Committee Medical Team. And for the last five years, she has been the Prom Benefit for Hunger Relief Co-Chair with her husband, Clint. The couple have two children, Kenzie (6.5) and Cole (3.5). “Life is always in fast forward but I am finally able to do what I love for people right here in my hometown.”
See why we think Tiffany Jackson is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: What is the Prom Benefit and how can people get involved?
The Prom Benefit in support of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank is exactly what you remember of your high school prom, only better. It is a great night of food, photo booths, games, drinks, and lots of dancing all to raise money for a wonderful cause. It really is a great party. People dress up in all sorts of prom dresses from the 50’s, 80’s, and today. It is perfect for a date night or group outing and many make it their big group event every year. People can find all the information you need on our website www.prombenefit.org Tickets are still on sale or if you are unable to attend you can still vote for our Prom Court candidates or make a donation.
Q: How did you get involved with the Prom Benefit?
My husband and I attended the first Prom Benefit seven years ago when it was a small event at the VFW in Champaign. It quickly became our favorite and most fun fundraiser to attend so we wanted to get involved to see how big we could make this. In the past seven years we have been able to provide ONE MILLION MEALS for people in this community all from the proceeds of this event.
Q: Why do you support the Foodbank?
The foodbank feeds so many families right here in this community. Their services stretch over 14 counties and I never want to see anyone wonder where their next meal is coming from. Many don’t know that Champaign County has a higher poverty rate than Cook County.
Q: What’s the best part of Prom night?
All of the Fun! I am a dancer so I love to be on the dance floor all night with a great group of friends. I also love to see the generosity of people in this community.
Q: Why is volunteerism such a big part of your life?
We try our hardest to give back in whatever way we can. Right now I can give more time than I ever have before and that goes along way. We have been blessed with an amazing life and I can only hope that by my volunteer efforts I am making someone else feel blessed too.
Q: How do you get your children involved in it?
Even though they can’t attend Prom they do attend meetings and help with set up from time to time. They have attended every Illinois Marathon possible and spent many years at Junior League events. We really strive to help them understand why we do this for others in need and try to teach them to have a giving spirit.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend time in Champaign-Urbana (outside of your house)?
We attend a lot of local fundraisers all for great causes. We also love to spend time outside in downtown or campustown during the summer of course trying all the amazing restaurants with our great group of friends.
Q: What is something you can share with us that most people don’t know about you?
My life is very much an open book and I am a “what you see is what you get” type of person. I think upon first meeting me you may not know I am a townie and I love a variety of things, like live music (country especially), race cars, county fairs, and any event with fireworks.
Tiffany Jackson was nominated to be a Chambana mom to know. Nominate a mom or dad today — it’s easy!