Celebrating 30 years, the Illinois Environmental Council held a gala event on September 29 that included a video summation of the IEC's history, a keynote speech by Earth Day founder Denis Hayes and recognition for some of the IEC's most stalwart supporters over the years. As the third annual Environmental Leadership Dinner, the event also allowed more than 350 members of the state's environmental community to thank legislators who have been strong friends of the environment in 2005.

Environmental Leadership Awards were presented to Representative Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25) and Michael Scully, both long-time friends of the IEC and the environmental movement. Representative Currie has served in the Illinois House since 1979 and has been honored 14 times by the IEC for her voting record and leadership, far more than any other legislator in the past 30 years. It almost goes without saying that she is one of the 26 state legislators to have earned a 100% Environmental Voting Record Award in 2005.

Michael Scully has been instrumental in the IEC's growth and strength over the years. A lifelong resident of central Illinois, Scully supported the IEC from its inception, and in 1980 he created the IEC Patron's Council, comprising of donors contributing $250 or more. For the past 25 years, Scully has provided a matching donation for first time Patron donations.

Scully was also honored by becoming the namesake of the first Michael J. Scully Life-Time Achievement Award, which was presented to Virginia Scott, who served on the staff of the IEC for 20 years, 13 of them as the group's executive director. Scott-and the audience-was treated to a surprise video presentation from former governor Jim Edgar, who praised her hard work and dedication to the cause.

Many, many thanks are due to the people who made this celebration possible. We would like to extend our gratitude to our Sponsors, Event Committee, Raffle Contributors, Award Recipients, and all those in attendance who support the Illinois Environmental Council and our mission to protect the environment and public health of Illinois' citizens.