Experience C-U awards | They've got spirit

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Introducing the 2025 recipients of Experience Champaign-Urbana's Brilliant Spirit Awards (formerly Tourism Impact Awards), who'll be saluted during the annual Toast To Tourism celebration, set for May 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn:

JAN SEELEY, Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon

The do-it-all director, promoter, problem solver, route planner, volunteer recruiter and face behind what her nominator called "one of the most anticipated weekends in Champaign County's annual calendar" — race weekend, scheduled this year for April 24-26. The year-round effort can be "like planning a Super Bowl," Seeley says.

IRENE MACEDO HERNANDEZ, La Paloma Food Truck

Take it from her employees, who nominated the mother of three as a group: Hernandez is "very passionate at what she does at the food truck and takes care of customers with great and positive energy." Her seven-year, Champaign-based business serves homestyle Mexican food and caters events around the area, from Mahomet to Monticello.

LAURA RANEY, Comfort Suites

The Urbana hotel sales manager's star shines brightest in March, when the IHSA boys' basketball finals roll into town, her nominator wrote. Raney "put the needs of the guests ahead of the policies of the hotel" when a school making its first trip to state last month discovered upon arrival that the IHSA doesn't cover teams' hotel bills.

JOHN STEPHENS, Little Theatre on the Square

He's the executive producer of the 68-year-old Moultrie County "cultural cornerstone," which "has brought Broadway-quality performances to our community, enriching lives through the arts," Stephens' nominator wrote. Among the A-listers who've graced the Sullivan stage over the years: Alan Alda, Ruth Warrick and Mickey Rooney.

RUTHIE HARPER, ION Grove Café

She's the "vibrant personality" greeting passengers at Willard Airport's new on-site cafe. Added Harper's nominator, airport Executive Director Tim Bannon: "Her commitment to service is contagious, and impacts staff around her, elevating the standards of the airport. She’s sure to put a smile on your face after each interaction."