Tremont Betterment Association
The Tremont Turkey Festival was initiated in 1966 to raise funds to build a swimming pool in the Tremont Park. Since then, local residents have served as volunteer chairmen to help make each festival a success. To retain those valuable volunteers following their terms as general chairmen and to utilize their talent, dedication, and experience, the Tremont Betterment
Association was formed in 1976. Past and present Turkey Festival general chairmen who wish to continue their interest and involvement with the festival comprise the TBA, which acts as the sponsoring and steering organization for this and future festivals. TBA is responsible for setting budgets and policies for the festival and notably, for distributing festival proceeds to the Tremont community for special projects and assistance to organizations that make Tremont a better place to live and visit. In 2005, in addition to the $44,000 funds distribution, Tremont Betterment Association provided a $200,000 jump-start to the Tremont swimming pool project. In addition, the group also committed to setting aside $7,500 annually for future repairs to the pool. Over the last 50 years, the festival has returned over $1.5 million to the community. TBA Members
Bill and Jill Barr
Margi Csesznegi
Robert Csesznegi
Kevin and Jody Dill
Chuck and Jody Dudley
Gene Froebe
Jason and Michele Garey
Chuck and Laura Gould
Ken and Carolyn Hinman
Vic and Diane Imig
Sherry James
Rick Jameson
Boyd King
Jason and Michelle Kreiling
Scott and Kathleen Lowery
Dan and Julie Mathis
Jim and Val Moore
Jack Moser
Kayla Perry
Bill and Judy Reidner
Bettie Sage
Jim and Laura Steffey
Josh and Sherri Weer
Lou and Kim Wicks
Mark and Melissa Zaayenga*
* Associate Members
2015 TBA Officers
President Jill Barr
Vice President Bill Barr
Secretary Margi Csesznegi
Treasurer Val Moore
Each year, during the spring disbursements meeting, local groups seek funds which are distributed from profits from the prior year. The distribution of profits from the 2014 festival was as follows:
Greater Peoria Honor Flight
(set aside for Tremont veterans who go) 3,000
Lexi Wendel Foundation 500
The Turk Center 20,000
Tremont Alumni Association 300
Tremont Boy Scout Troop 84 2,500
Tremont District Library 1,575
Tremont In Touch 4,500
Tremont Lions Club 2,000
Tremont Parents Club 5,000
Tremont Park District 7,550
Tremont Police 8,623
Tremont Roboteers Team 2481 3,000
Tremont Senior Nutrition 4,000
Tremont Winning Communities 14,000
$76,548
Annual Commitments
Tremont Pool 7,500
Rescue 702 - New Ambulance Fund 5,000
Scholarship 2,000
Total 2015 Disbursements $91,048
