Down Memory Lane: Doretta Herr

Little did Doretta Herr know when she visited with Faith in Action Director Linda Bollivar that she was planting a seed for applying to be the next FIA Director.  Doretta had been the FIA Director at Provena Covenant (now OSF) in Champaign 2009-2013.  The drive from Bloomington was tiring and so when the hospital offered her the position of director of FIA combined with another department, she felt she had to decline even though her heart was with serving seniors.  Doretta and Linda knew each other from conferences so it was natural for Doretta to offer her service to help if needed.  In July 2014 Linda moved on to Multicultural Leadership Program as the first paid director and she referred Doretta as a great candidate to fill the FIA position.

Doretta spent most of her life in the Bloomington area, daughter of noted artist Sabina Funk.  She married Tom Herr and they raised 5 children and now enjoy time with 11 grandchildren stretching from here to Florida.  Through the years, Doretta had developed many social contacts who have been critical to FIA’s fundraising.  Friends Julie and Bob Dobski have been frequent donors to gala auctions and sponsors of various events.  She knew Deb and Dave Skillrud through Holiday Spectacular and this aided FIA in receiving a John M. Scott grant and being added to the Bloomington Township budget.  Her experience as a volunteer with Illinois Prairie Foundation taught her how grants are graded, which helped in receiving grants.  Under Doretta’s leadership, Faith in Action has grown both in number served and expanded in area.  We now serve Bloomington-Normal, Heyworth, Hudson, Downs, Towanda, and Chenoa.  FIA also gained recognition in the community, receiving grant funds from United Way and receiving the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Excellence Award!  Doretta’s passion for service extends to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry where she has contributed her talents.  We thank her for her dedicated service to our senior neighbors in need. 

Submitted by Sandy Holcomb, FIA Board of Directors