Funding to Nonprofits Returns Big Dollars to McLean County's Economy
The Baby Fold was part of a study conducted by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and Illinois Partners for Human Service to examine the economic impact of human service providers on McLean County. The study concluded that for every $1.00 of funding received, the human service sector (such as The Baby Fold) returns a total of $2.23 of economic impact to McLean County. When you support The Baby Fold’s critical work with children and families, your investment is more than doubled in its return to economic development across the county. The study also concluded that McLean County's human services sector provided an economic output of over $256 million, equating to 1.8% of the county’s $14.5 billion GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Human services' contribution to the local economy has continuously grown over the past decade. Also of note, the human services sector is McLean County’s 5th largest employer, supporting over 2% of the county’s total employment. The Baby Fold is one of McLean County’s top 25 employers, providing meaningful careers to 250-300 residents. To access the full report, click here. 
Caregiver Connection Program is Reaching Children Earlier
The Baby Fold staff travel to daycare centers and preschools, observe classrooms and help the childcare providers identify and respond to children’s needs, especially emotional and behavioral struggles. Providing this support early prevents potential problems down the road. The Baby Fold’s Caregiver Connection program has doubled in size, now serving 19 counties across Illinois. With this expansion, we're able to work with a greater number of daycare providers and families to create individual plans that address the specific needs of each child. The Baby Fold helps daycare staff and families build a stable foundation early in the child’s life. By sharing our expertise with childcare providers, more children are receiving the trauma-informed care they need to heal and grow. 
Traditions Continue; Festival of Trees Coming November 18 - 20
The Baby Fold’s 2021 Festival of Trees will be held at the Interstate Center in Bloomington and online at FestOfTrees.org  November 18 – 20. Now in its 28th year, this family-friendly community tradition kicks off the holiday season for many. With safe in-person and online participation options, guests at this year’s Festival will enjoy seeing hundreds of gorgeous Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets, and gingerbread houses on display in the huge silent auction to benefit The Baby Fold. Guests can enjoy convenient mobile bidding and a fun holiday atmosphere. Annual proceeds help The Baby Fold keep local children safe, healthy, and well. Convenient curbside pick-up for auction winners will be available on Sunday, November 21. Come relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays at The Baby Fold’s 28th Annual Festival of Trees! Tickets go on sale Friday, October 1st. Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets.

October 1 – Online ticket sales begin (Friday)
November 17, 8:00pm – Mobile bidding begins
November 18-20, 9:00am-8:00pm – Festival of Trees opens at the Interstate Center in Bloomington
November 20, 9:00pm – Mobile bidding ends
November 21, 12:00-5:00pm – Curbside pick up at the Interstate Center 
Baby Fold VP Selected as Finalist for ATHENA Leadership Award
For over 20 years, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has presented the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award to a member of the community who has achieved professional excellence, gives time and energy to community service, and empowers others, especially women, in realizing their full leadership potential. This year, The Baby Fold's Vice President of Development and Public Relations, Aimee Beam, has been selected as one of four finalists. Other finalists include Colleen Kannaday, Kathy Yoder, and Aggie Hedin. The ATHENA winner will be announced at the Chamber's Leaders of Distinction Awards ceremony on September 30. (Photo courtesy of Steph Mazanowski)
Normal Pioneers’ Estate Gift Changes the Future for Children
Nancy and Allen Mason were some of the first residents of Normal, or “North Bloomington” as it was called in 1865 when they settled here. Like many parents, they wanted their children to have a college education, a stable foundation, and a bright future. The Mason’s children and grandchildren flourished, so when Nancy Mason started planning her legacy, she decided to bless local children in need. In 1899, Nancy Mason gifted her home to be used by the local Deaconess women. The Deaconess women saw a growing need in our community, care for orphaned and abandoned children, and The Baby Fold was born. 

Nancy Mason's donation provided over a century of care for children and will continue to do so for generations to come. Estate gifts of all sizes and types have a profound impact on the financial sustainability of The Baby Fold and positively shape the future of our community. For more information on including The Baby Fold in your will or estate, please contact Teresa Decker, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, at tdecker@thebabyfold.org or (309) 451-7204.