2026 STARVED ROCK & MATTHIESSEN CALENDAR FUNDRAISER SELLS OUT
- Starved Rock Foundation
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Earliest sell-out in the project’s history highlights record community support
OGLESBY, IL — The 2026 Starved Rock & Matthiessen Calendar fundraiser has officially sold out, marking the earliest sell-out in the history of the project. A total of 525 calendars were sold, the highest number ever produced and distributed for the annual fundraiser.
This milestone also represents a record amount of funds raised in support of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, with final fundraising totals to be announced later in 2026.
As in previous years, 100% of calendar proceeds directly support park programs, educational initiatives, and improvements through the all-volunteer Starved Rock Foundation. Since 1991, the Foundation has served as the official nonprofit partner to Starved Rock State Park.
A significant factor in this year’s success was the matching partnership with the Miller Group Charitable Trust. The matching grant played a vital role in encouraging community participation and increasing overall impact, helping drive the fundraiser to a record-setting year.
A vital part of the project’s success was the strong network of regional partners and retail outlets that generously hosted calendar sales. This fundraiser is truly community-driven. All participating retailers donated their time, space, and effort, ensuring that every dollar raised benefits the parks.
Participating retail partners included:
LeRocher Bookstore and Gift Shop by the Starved Rock Foundation
Starved Rock Lodge Gift Shop
Bruce & Ollies at The Bickerman Building
Starved Rock Country Welcome Center by Heritage Corridor Destinations
Prairie Fox Books
Lock 16 Café and Visitor Center
Core Café
The Rock and Soul
Online sales via Starved Rock Hikers
“Selling out the calendar this early is something we’ve never experienced before,” said Matthew Klein, Calendar Creator and President-Elect of the Starved Rock Foundation. “It speaks to the connection people feel to Starved Rock and Matthiessen, and to the incredible support from local businesses, photographers, volunteers, and park supporters who make this project possible.”
Now in its sixth year, the calendar fundraiser has become a meaningful annual tradition, bringing together community members of all ages, local photographers, and regional partners to support the parks. Since its inception, the project has cumulatively raised more than $25,000, with this year setting a new benchmark for participation and impact. The donation will be presented in Spring 2026.
The Starved Rock Foundation extends its sincere thanks to every photographer, volunteer, retail partner, and community member who contributed to the success of the 2026 calendar fundraiser.
About the Starved Rock Foundation:
The Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the nonprofit organization for Starved Rock State Park in North Central Illinois. The Foundation supports the park through educational programs, guided hikes, exhibit updates, special events, and park improvements. Over the past 30+ years, the Foundation has donated more than $500,000 to support Starved Rock State Park.
Comments