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Williamsville, IL (September 5, 2026) CORAL and Interurban Merchant of Williamsville came together for a coffee klatch on a warm Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. While the original plan was to host the event on Interurban Merchant’s outdoor area, the unusually humid day caused most attendees to stay inside.However, with the addition of Silas Tockey Music inside and the pastry treats laid out for everyone, the afternoon was hit for everyone. If anyone has not mad

Springfield IL (July 29, 2026) On the night of June 10, 2026, a severe storm with strong winds and an EF-1 tornado hit Springfield, Illinois, particularly affecting the APL facility on the north end of Springfield. The tornado ripped the roof off the clinic and shelter buildings, flooded the upstairs areas, and damaged a shed, leaving the shelter unusable for the foreseeable future. At the time of the tornado, the APL housed 155 dogs and cats. Thanks to rapid response from s

Springfield, IL (August 1, 2026) It was a gloomy evening of murder and mayhem, as well as mirth and comedy at AgeLinc’s “Murder on the Midway” murder mystery held August 1st at Pole Barn Chic. The challenge for the evening was to decide who murdered the matriarch of the Austen circus family and how, and what was the motive. While CORAL helped sponsor the event, it didn’t do so hot with figuring out who the perp was as no team won that award outright and only one individual

Springfield, IL (August 1, 2026) For the second year, CORAL sponsored Special Olympics Illinois’ fundraiser Row4Dough event. This year’s function was held at Southwind Park on August 1st beginning at 8:30 a.m. and runs until every rowing team finishes. Funds raised are used to benefit those participating in various Special Olympic events across the state of Illinois. CORAL also had a team led by board member Rex Schadow. The team finished 6th out of thirteen teams in rais

Springfield, IL (June 27, 2026) CORAL members have always tried to be everywhere they can, which often means we have to split up at times. This weekend was one of those “divide and conquer” times as members had to decide who was going where. Two members, Lisa Cotton and Candice Clotfelter, attended the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s Volunteer Gathering at the Crowne Plaza to learn about ways to spot those struggling with thoughts of suicide and how to help. Fou

Springfield, IL (June 13, 2026) It may have begun with a brief interlude of drizzle but the sun came back out and a cool breeze welcomed over 50 people who attended CORAL’s 44th Pride Picnic at Washington Park, Shelter #4. The gathering began at 5:00 p.m. and was slated to end at 9:00. With the usual CORAL staples of fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, and beverages; as well as the delicious multitude of side dishes attendees brought, there was more than enough to satis

Springfield, IL (June 8, 2026) Only one week into Pride month, and the activities are still going strong. For anyone hoping to find a way to celebrate your Pride, there are plenty for you to choose from this week and in the weeks to come. For our bisexual members, the Phoenix Center has begun a support group just for you. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month at their location at 120 E Scarritt, Springfield, at 6:00 p.m. On June 11th, Helping Hands will be holdin

Springfield IL (June 7, 2026) Pridefest season is in full bloom and CORAL has been happy to be there. We’re only one week into our month of June and CORAL has already attended four Pridefests, sponsoring three of them, in Central Illinois and there are so many more events on the horizon. There may have been rain, wind, and flashes of lightening, but no one could take the thunder out of another Springfield Pridefest. This year’s event, held on May 16th, had the additional i

Springfield IL (May 31, 2026) That time of the year we all look forward to arrives June 1st with the commencement of Pride Month. For anyone who says they can’t find some place to go to celebrate, you’re simply not looking. For our first week of June, we have the following: On June 3rd, Bloom Wine Bar & Florals will be holding a Pride Floral Arranging class at 6:30 at their place at 2 S Old State Capitol Plaza in downtown Springfield. Tickets are $55.00 and you are given a

Springfield IL (May 24, 2026) And, another busy week for those looking for something to do is ahead. First of all, Happy Memorial Day! CORAL requests that everyone take a moment on this day to remember those before us who made a difference great and/or small that we are forever grateful for. On May 28th, the Levitt AMP concerts begin at the Y-block of Downtown Springfield with a concert with an Americana twist featuring Chloe Kimes from 6:00 to 9:15 p.m. As many of you ma

Greenville IL (April 25, 2026) If at first you don’t succeed, you try again. That was Bond County Pride’s motto for this year as they successfully orchestrated their first Pridefest in Greenville on Saturday, April 25th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Last year, Bond County Pride were forced to cancel their event due to negative publicity and a lack of security for attendees. They made the tough decision to hold off on their event and had a smaller Pride Picnic later in the year. T

Springfield, IL (May 17,2026). If you’re looking for something to do this week, then you’ve come to right place to keep your days full. This week proves to be full practically every day. On Tuesday, May 19th, Springfield Pridefest will be conducting a Black Pride Community Meeting to discuss future LGBTQIA+ celebrations from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Innovate located at 1100 S Grand East, Springfield IL. Discussion will center on Pridefest ideas specifically to the black/brown

Springfield IL (May 10, 2026) While the temps have stayed relatively cool, the busy season is heating up. This week sees many events arriving to keep on your radar. On May 14th, the AIDs Foundation Chicago, in recognition of their ‘Getting to Zero’ campaign, will be having an online conversation to discuss the importance of sufficient funding for their continuing success at bringing new HIV cases to zero. Progress in Illinois’ HIV response has been made possible through sus

Springfield IL (April 26, 2026) While Pridefest season is about to take off, there are a few activities you may want to consider in the meanwhile. On April 27th, author Nico Lang is currently on a book tour for his latest published piece titled “American Teenager” which explains how trans-youth are surviving hate and finding joy in the current environment. Lang will be at First Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. to read excerpts from his book and answer any questions from att

Springfield IL (April 18, 2026) Spring may not have sprung as of yet but the activities are picking up early. If you’re looking for something to do or preparing for the upcoming season, here are but a few activities you can consider. A new group was born a little over a year ago called “Young People’s Group 2.0,” led by David Kohrus. The social group is for members of the LGBTQIA+ and allies aged 18 to 30 years old and they meet at the Lincoln Library on the 2 nd and 4 th M

Organizations receiving donations are Black Lives Matter, Boys & Girls Club, Central Illinois Foodbank, Garvey Tubman Center, Helping Hands of Springfield, PBJ Springfield, Senior Services of Central Illinois, and Springfield Immigration Advocacy Network. Springfield, IL (January 11, 2026) While CORAL has always attempted to give back to the community as much as it can and 2025 proved to be a year of many donations to organizations and events on a record level. As many may

Springfield, IL (November 22, 2025) For over 40 years, the LGBTQ community has gathered for Thanksgiving sponsored by many organizations that existed at those times. For the past several of those years, CORAL has proudly carried on that tradition and this year was no exception. With turkey, ham, and all the favored dinner side dishes and desserts, about 60 people joined in the festivities this year. Before dinner, Jon Borman of MCC Church blessed the meal and while everyone

Springfield, IL (November 12, 2025) CORAL held their third coffee klatch with the Springfield Police department on Wednesday, November 12 th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Golden Hour Bake House to bring together members of the community and law enforcement to converse in an open and constructive atmosphere. CORAL wishes to thank Police Chief Joseph Behl for assisting with setting these meetings together and being present to engage in these conversations.

Springfield, IL (October 25, 2025) Since 2011, CORAL has been a proud supporter of the Phoenix Center’s annual Fall Gayla and looked forward to attending every year. With their silent auctions, entertainment, and a brief moment to socialize with those we may not see but once a year, it has always been a memorable event to gather and enjoy. With all the transitioning and change the Phoenix Center has seen in the past year, this year’s event proved to be an opportunity to see

While the days may be getting shorter and the temps lower, one might think it’s time to consider hibernation, but there is still much that can be done to keep yourself going in the month of November. On November 7 th , the Phoenix Center will be holding their annual Fall Gayla at Erin’s Pavillion at Southwind Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. While the event will have its usual dinner and silent auction, they are introducing a dueling piano performance for their entertainment thi