Starved Rock Foundation Honors Co-Founder Pam Grivetti for 50 Years of Service to the Park

“Event of the Century” brings together community, volunteers, and state leadership to celebrate a legacy of impact

UTICA, IL — April 13, 2026 — The Starved Rock Foundation hosted a powerful and emotional celebration on Saturday, April 11 at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, honoring co-founder Pam Grivetti for 50 years of service to Starved Rock State Park, a legacy that quite simply made the Foundation possible. The event venue was generously donated by the Lodge and Conference Center in support of the occasion.

The gathering, described by organizers as the “event of the century,” brought together friends, family, current and past Foundation board members, volunteers, and members, along with state leadership from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and regional partners. Together, they recognized a defining truth: without Pam Grivetti, the Starved Rock Foundation would not exist as it does today.

“This is my happy place,” said Grivetti. “I wanted to do anything to make it your happy place as well.”

Founded in 1991, the Starved Rock Foundation began as a grassroots effort to ensure locally raised dollars directly supported the park. Over time, that vision has grown into a cornerstone organization supporting one of Illinois’ most visited natural destinations. For more than 35 years as President, and across five decades of service to the park, Grivetti built, led, and sustained the Foundation through dedication, vision, and an unmatched ability to bring people together.

To date, the Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 in goods and services to Starved Rock State Park, directly enhancing the experience for the park’s 2.5 million annual visitors each year.

“Pam did not just lead this organization. She is the reason it exists,” said Matthew Klein, current President of the Starved Rock Foundation. “Everything we have today, the impact, the momentum, the community behind it, can be traced back to her. This event was about honoring that truth in the way it deserves.”

Even after stepping down as President earlier this year, Grivetti’s presence remains constant. She continues to volunteer regularly, often found at the Visitor Center engaging with guests, supporting operations, and doing what she has always done, showing up for the park.

“Pam has been the glue holding this together for decades,” said Foundation Vice President Mike Toohey. “She built something that did not exist before, and she built it with heart, grit, and people who believed in her.”

In recognition of her lasting impact, Grivetti has been named Chairman Emeritus of the Foundation, ensuring her legacy remains embedded in its future.

The celebration also included recognition from the State of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who praised Grivetti’s leadership, calling her work “a model of service, stewardship, and commitment to future generations.”

As the Starved Rock Foundation looks ahead, it does so with a clear understanding of its origins and the individual who made it possible.

“Fifty years is not just a milestone,” said Klein. “It is a legacy. And it is one we are committed to carrying forward every single day.”

About the Starved Rock Foundation:

Founded in 1991, the Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Starved Rock State Park. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Foundation supports the park through conservation, education, and recreation initiatives. Its dedicated volunteers lead interpretive hikes, serve as visitor center docents, organize trail cleanups, and coordinate seasonal events. 

The Foundation funds park improvements through memberships, donations, and proceeds from the volunteer-operated LeRocher Book Store and Gift Shop. Over the past 30 years, the organization has contributed more than $500,000 toward enhancing the park’s programs, facilities, and natural beauty.