The makeshift budget that lawmakers approved late Wednesday is relief to some, but for agencies serving the state's most at risk people, there are still no real answers.

"The state of Illinois may have let these people down, but the citizens aren't going to let that happen," said Pekin resident, Suzan Tisdale.

Frustrated with the state's budget issues Tisdale is going around it.
She is organizing a concert in Pekin's Mineral Springs Park on July 25. The proceeds will benefit four agencies that support Illinoisans with developmental disabilities.

"Do it yourself, you're probably going to raise more money in a faster amount of time and you won't have all the bureaucracy and red tape to go through," she said.

In north Peoria, two Old Chicago employees are getting very creative to raise money. Sarah Anderson and Trevor Neff will camp out on the roof of the restaurant, with megaphones, until they raise $3,000 for the Children's Home.

"We chose the children's home because we wanted to help them with school supplies, book bags and whatever else they need," said Anderson.

Neff said the event started last year and benefited the United Way. He says he really enjoys it, and plans to make it an annual event.

"A lot of people have driven by and given us donations, there has been a big outpouring of support from the community," he said.

The Children's Home President Cleve Winkelmann says any money helps right now. Forty employees have already received lay off notices because of the state's lack of funding.

"It's terrible that staff lose jobs, the bigger concern for me is the kids who are going to go unserved who are going to wind up in other situations," said Winkelmann.

The Concert in the Park is set for July 25th at Pekin Park from 3:00 to 6:30 pm. Admission is free, but your donations are greatly appreciated. We will have raffles, silent auctions, a food drive, and music! Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy the free music, and help a great cause!