Special Events Archives

Women in Ministry Luncheon

Over 20 women showed up for TV51's "Women in Ministry" Christmas luncheon.

TV51's 5-year anniversary banquet was a great success. We had a full house at Klehm Arboretum (about 250 people). Over 90 silent auction items were donation. We raised just under $20,000. And we kept the dinner, performances and presentations to 2 hours!
Thank you to everyone who made gifts and pledged donations. Thank you to our volunteers. And thank you to our sponsors and table hosts. We couldn't have done it without you!!

Senior Expo 2005
September 15-16

Hundreds of people stopped by TV51's booth at the Senior Expo. Many commented that they were coming to TV51's 5-year anniversary banquet, that they enjoyed "Your Health," "All Around Rockford," "Enjoying Everyday Life," "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Gaithers." Other people signed up for TV51's drawing and asked for more information about the station. The Senior Expo was held at Sportscore II.

Family Entertainment at On the Waterfront
September 2-4
Rosemary Salinas of Rockford, IL wins the "Church Challenge" singing competition at "The Family Station" at On the Waterfront.

Salinas sang "Without Love" and wowed the audience of 100+ people. Receiving the most votes, she won a trophy, recording session at The Upper Room Studio and an interview and airing of her song on WGSL Radio 91. The Church Challenge is in its second year at The Family Station. Twelve contestants sing live on stage to one song of their choice. The audience votes for its favorite contestant, and the singer with the most votes wins the competition.

Other than The Church Challenge, The Family Station had a good turnout of people this year especially when "Inspiration Sensation" Stephanie Goldsmith hit the stage, and, of course, when the three day event came to a powerful ending with the last performance of Rev. Dan Willis and the All Nations Choir.

Praise in the Park Concerts
Fridays through August 19, 7:00p
Krape Park, Freeport

Faith Night at the Rockford Riverhawks Game
Saturday, July 30, 7:05p
New Riverhawks stadium-4502 Interstate Blvd, Loves Park

Meet Buzz & Poppy LIVE!
Ceasefire & Park District Gathering
Saturday, June 4, 12:00-4:00p
Fairgrounds Park

Impact World Tour
If you missed this one-of-a-kind, spiritual event, you missed Polynesian dancers, hip hop artists, skateboarders, extreme weightlifters, pyrotechnics, a packed MetroCentre and hundreds of people accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. Impact World Tour witnessed to thousands of people with a positive, life-affirming message. The event was totally free of charge because of generous individuals, churches and businesses. TV51 was the presenting sponsor of the event.

National Day of Prayer Luncheon
Thursday, May 5, 11:45a
Giovanni’s Restaurant

Outdoor Christian Concert
Saturday, May 7, 11:00a-4:00p
200 N. State St., Poplar Grove

Is your youth group looking for something extra special to do for someone else during the Christmas season? Why not partner with TV51 and help us decorate a Christmas tree for Hometown Christmas? Get together with your youth group and make, create, or buy ornaments to don a Christmas tree fit for a King! You can’t have a tree without the presents, right? Provide a small gift that would make any child or adult happy to open on Christmas day. How about gloves, books, socks, puzzle, scarf, etc, The Christmas tree and gifts will be provided to a family in Belvidere who will not have a special holiday unless we do our part. For more information, email bseaworth@tln.com by November 15, 2004

Looking for great family entertainment and exciting basketball action? You’ll receive all of that and more at the Rockford Lightning Church Night! The Lightning will host the Gary Indiana Steelheads at 7:35 PM for a riveting game of basketball. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free rally towel. TV51 is media sponsor of this fun filled family event and TV51’s, John Brandon, will be guest emceeing the time-outs and half-time show. Also, if you bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Lightning’s toy drive, you will receive a free ticket to their next home game which will be held December 7th against the Michigan Mayhems. Come and join in the fnun.

Festival of Lights 2004 ~ December 1, 2004 through January 1, 2005 (5 – 10 PM Wednesday through Sunday)

Even in the midst of a big snowfall, those famous insects welcomed all who passed by with a special holiday greeting, "Merry Christmas from Buzz & Poppy".

Get ready to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season. You’ll be able to drive through beautiful Sinnissippi Park, located at the corners of North Second Street and Ethel Avenue and see for yourself Rockford’s most colorful and delightful displays of holiday traditions. This annual event will feature over 60 brightly lit and decorated holiday-themed displays that were created by local businesses and organizations, including TV51. TV51 has created a new display this year which features two very popular insects, Buzz & Poppy, sharing a holiday greeting.

TV51 would like to encourage everyone to take time to enjoy this special holiday display and acknowledge the importance of God in their lives.

Boone County Hometown Christmas ~ December 3 (6-9pm) & December 4 (9am– 1pm)

Downtown Belvidere, Illinois will set the stage for a special two days of holiday wonder. Stroll down State Street and smell the hot chocolate and apple cider wafting in the air and see store fronts transformed into holiday memories of yesteryear. Enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride or witness the community Christmas tree lighting (Friday night at 6 PM). Warm up at the Apollo Activity Center at 104 N. State Street and enjoy live music while visiting a variety of booths with items for sale. Step into the Community Complex Building of Boone County at 111 W. First Street and where you’ll be greeted by live music and see Christmas trees delightfully decorated by area companies and organizations. More booths will be on display including TV51! Make sure to stop by and say hi! Exciting things will be happening at our booth!

“Come on ring those bells, light the Christmas tree, Jesus is the King born for you and me…” TV51 will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Woodman’s Grocery Store on Perryville Road in Rockford. Stop by and say hi and make the best donation you can so that others less fortunate will be able to enjoy this holiday season as well.The Salvation Army is always looking for more people to help ring those bells. Contact them at 815-962-7207 or by email at rockfordsa@volunteerfirst.org.

Rockford Area Arts Council will host its 13th annual alcohol-free family event called First Night. Over 60 fun activities from kid’s festivals, arts and crafts, comedy to musical performances by local and international fame will be scattered throughout the Rockford area. TV51 will play an active role as a media sponsor and host of the Christian family entertainment held at Emmanuel Episcopal Jubilee Center (at the corners of Church Street and Park Avenue), called the “Positively Rockin’ Stage.” The musical guests for this venue will include Send Benjamin at 6:30 PM and The Unity Project at 8:45 PM. One button per person is required to get into these events and they will go on sale later this month. For more information about this and other events on First Night, call the RAAC at 815-963-6765.

Special thanks to Rebecca Kopf, John Brandon, Rev. Bob Griffin, Pastor Keith Manley, Pastor Dave Gardner and Pastor Albert Suarez
for co-hosting and making the event a successful one! Not pictured are Rebecca Kopf and Pastor Suarez.

During the week of October 4-9, TV51 and the TLN network will be looking for viewers to “Stand in the Gap” and help lead local Rockford residents to Jesus Christ. How can you “Stand in the Gap?” By financially supporting your local Christian TV station, you will be filling part of the gap that’s needed to leading people to a life of truth and light. Television is a powerful medium, and TV51 is dedicated to using the airwaves with a positive message that can literally change lives forever! Won’t you please join us this October 4-9 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m? The nights will be filled with prayer, music, teaching, entertainment and fun. Please tune in to learn about the many things that TV51 has contributed to the Rockford community.

On The Waterfront September 3-5

Join TV51 and Radio 91 as they present “The Family Station” at On the Waterfront, this Labor Day weekend, September 3, 4, & 5, 2004. “The Family Station” once again will be located in the downtown Pedestrian Mall on Elm Street (kiddy-corner from the MetroCentre). You won’t want to miss all of the family-friendly entertainment including local musical artists and groups (click here for details), and games for all ages, along with great prizes.

The first-ever “Waterfront Challenge” will take place on Sunday afternoon. Up to ten pre-selected contestants will be singing solo (with CD accompaniment). The winner will be chosen by the audience so be there to cast your vote. A great prize package worth over $1,000 will be awarded to the winner including one recording session and copy of CD through The Upper Room Recording Studio, a live interview with Radio 91 including airing of the song, and a grand prize trophy! Click here to see the picture gallery from this event.

TV51 invites you to enjoy great musical artists at Summerwood! (Rain or Shine)

Friday, June 4th, General Manager, Holly Swanson and volunteer, Rebecca Kopf, pictured here greeted the concert goers that stopped by the booth, passed out monthly program guides along with other TV51 giveaways.

Make sure to visit the TV51 booth at these upcoming Summerwood events:
Sunday, June 13 4HIM show starts at 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 11 Janna Long show starts at 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 18 Steve Green show starts at 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 8 Paul Colman Trio with Guest Matthew West show starts at 7:30 PM

Praise in the Park-Freeport, Illinois June 11-August 13

Looking for a perfect way to spend your Friday evenings? Come and hear the wonderful music of local Christian musicians at Praise in the Park. Every week you can hear a different artist perform a wide variety of inspirational songs that are sure to uplift, entertain and enlighten. Held in Freeport’s beautiful Krape Park at the Koenig outdoor amphitheater, Praise in the Park is a unique event you don’t want to miss. Join TV51, the media sponsor for this event, as we celebrate. All are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your blanket. Check out the schedule below:
June 11 Motel Earth
June 18 Rische Family
June 25 Faith U.M. Church Praise Team
July 9 Mandy Mathieu / Derek Simons "Family Night"
July 16 Cuz' He Calls
July 23 Joe Steil & Sacred Sound
July 30 Samantha Stayer and Xenia
Aug. 6 Kim Stout, Connie Hoffmann and Dave DeMeester
Aug. 13 "Teen Night" (Artist to be announced)
(Above schedule is subject to change

Boone County Fair August 10-15

Join TV51 for another great time at the Boone County Fair August 10-15th. The fair features great food, carnival rides, vendors, music, tractor pulls and more! Once again, TV51 will be teaming up with Rockford Rescue Mission to set up adjoining booths. Meet the TV51 staff and learn more about its family-friendly programming. Stop by to pick up free-bees and sign up for great prizes.

Back to School Parade August 21

Back to School already? Alderman Linda McNeely, 13th Ward, is putting together the third annual Back to School Parade on August 21 at 1 PM. She has teamed up with area businesses who donate many back to school necessities for kids in the 13th ward so they can be ready when school starts in the fall. TV51 is delighted to participate in this parade and will pass out free “10 Commandment” book covers. Be sure to come and check out TV51’s entry in the parade and meet Buzz and Poppy, the famous animated insects from TV51’s hit children’s television program, “Buzz and Poppy.” For more information on the parade, call Alderman McNeely’s office at 815-987-9978.

Pastors’ Appreciation Luncheon July 22

All pastors and ministry leaders are invited to attend TV51’s 4th Annual Pastor’s Luncheon on Thursday, July 22 at noon at TV51’s studio. This year’s themed event, “Lunch in the Tropics” will include ideas for new evangelistic tools, a complimentary DVD copy of Frank Perretti’s film, “Hangman’s Curse”, and a chance to win a free advertising package on TV51 (valued at over $1,000). Please call the TV51 offices at 815 877-5151 to reserve your seat. Click here to see the picture gallery from this event.

Free Water at the Bike Path July 10 and July 31

On July 10 and/or July 31, TV51 will hand out refreshing, bottled water (provided by Rock Valley Culligan) to those people biking, hiking, running, in-line skating or simply enjoying the scenic view on the Sinnissippi bike path. Besides water, TV Program Schedules and other materials will be available. Be sure to stop by, and quench your thirst. Jesus said, “And if, as my representatives, you give even a cup of cold water to a little child, you will surely be rewarded”. Matthew 10:42

TV51 is the Media Sponsor of this year’s Gospel Fest held at Davis Park on Saturday, July 31 beginning at 10 AM and featuring inspirational music all day long. This one-day event is brought to you by the Hands That Help Ministry. Musical guests will be named at a later date. For more information about booths and the musical line up, call Cynthia Richardson at 815 332-7944.

Fiesta Hispana July 31 - August 1

If you want to have a great time experiencing Hispanic culture, authentic food, music, dancing, special events, and children’s activities, then join TV51 at Fiesta Hispana on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 at the Indoor Soccer Center in Loves Park. TV51 is a media sponsor of this annual event. For more information about their schedule of events check out their website www.fiestahispana.com.

Garden Glory Walk July 10-11

Experience the majestic beauty of Rockford’s finest, private gardens. On Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 from 9AM – 4 PM, you can take a walk through a variety of residential properties and admire the homeowner’s beautiful landscaping. Transportation is available on a Klehm motor coach to all garden locations on this tour for a special fee. Lunch will also be available at one of the garden stops provided by Ruby Tuesday. TV51 is a media sponsor of this popular summertime event brought to you by Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. For more information about the Garden Glory Walk, call or visit Klehm Arboretum at 815 965-8146.

Join TV51 at Read Park in Freeport for a great time enjoying the food that put Freeport on the map: the Pretzel! Enjoy food, crafts, various Pretzel contests, tournaments such as a 5K race, ladies softball, co-ed volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, disc golf, skateboarding and the list goes on…. A variety of musical groups ends both evenings. This event is free to the public. For more information about this great festival contact the Pretzel City USA, 815-232-8604 or check out their website: www.pretzelcityusa.com

Good Morning Rockford June 16

TV51 hosted a Good Morning Rockford Chamber event on Wednesday, June 16, and it was a success! Thankfully, the morning started out with warm weather and no rain. Nearly 150 Chamber members attended. The theme was "Breakfast in the Tropics," and TV51 decorated the entire studio with colorful flowers and plants, bamboo, ivy, fish netting, bright lights and real palm trees. Holly Swanson and Jerry Rose spoke about TV51's commitment to the community, and at the end of the event, two free advertising packages on TV51 were given away to randomly selected winners.

Make sure to check out TV51’s entry at the Young at Heart Parade in Loves Park on Saturday, May 29th and the Freeport Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31st. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the fun-loving insects from “Buzz and Poppy” who will be walking in the parade. The Young at Heart Parade begins at 10 AM at the route starts at Woodward Governor and ends at the corner of North 2nd and Theodore Streets. The Freeport Memorial Day Parade begins at 10 AM on May 31st at Main and Walnut Streets and concludes at the Stephenson County Courthouse at 10:45 with a ceremony honoring our military men and women. Make sure to join us at these events.

Who will be the next big voice in Christian music? Find out May 22 at 8 PM! 12 finalists have competed from the Chicagoland area on LIVE television (TV51). The last talent standing will win a recording contract and opportunity to perform at Chicago’s Gospel Fest. For more info, call TV51: 877-5151 or go to www.inspirationsensation.com.

Join TV51, and special guest auctioneer, Mike Robinson, at Rockford Christian School’s Annual 2004 Auction, entitled “Starry night.” This fun-filled event will take place on Friday, April 24 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and is open to the public. It will be held at the Rockford College Burpee Center, 5050 E. State Street. There will be both live and silent auctions for items such as special event tickets, books, games, tools, sporting goods, artwork, autographed pictures and beauty packages. All proceeds will enhance the Christian education system. For more information, call 815-399-3465, x143

Stop by TV51's booth at 2601 N Main St. (the old K-mart building), March 26-28, 2004. Shirley Rose, producer and host of Aspiring Women, may be one of the special guest speakers at this event.

Stop by TV51's booth at the YMCA, Freeport, March 20-21, 2004. This will be TV51's first year exhibiting at the event.

Don’t miss an exciting game of Rockford Lightning basketball on “Church Day,” Saturday, February 7, 1:05 PM at the MetroCentre. Enjoy great Christian music and LIVE family entertainment during time-outs and half-time. TV51 and WQFL are sponsors of the day and will be holding special contests and giving away free prizes. The church that brings in the largest group of people will win a Pizza Party and BIG SCREEN TV! To order tickets for your church or family or enter for the Big Screen TV giveaway, call the Lightning at 875-4232.

Stop by TV51's booth at the Community Center, Belvidere, IL, January 31, 2004. This will be TV51's first year exhibiting at the event.

Rockford's Largest Bible Study
Are you ready to be a part of something really BIG?

Ten Keys kicked off the Ten Keys Bible Study with a luncheon held at the TV51 studio on November 20, 2003. Pastors and church layman were invited to attend and get started on a new and exciting adventure with the Ten Keys program.

Over 20 women from the Rockford area attended December’s “Women in Ministry” Christmas Lunch held at TV51’s studio. Shirley Rose, Executive Producer and Co-host of Aspiring Women gave an inspirational message that encouraged women from all walks of life. Each woman took home a Christmas craft that she created, in addition to a complimentary TV51 Christmas gift.

The “Women in Ministry” monthly luncheons are held at various churches and ministries, and encourage prayer, fellowship and fun. Pastor Annie Davis of Greater Emmanuel Assembly is the Founder and President. To receive an invitation to the next luncheon, call her at 815 963-6161.

You can't help but get into the spirit of Christmas after driving through the 15th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights held at the Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, Illinois. TV51 will be displaying for the third year in a row.

November 30th will kick off the Festival by lighting the beautiful Christmas tree at the Sinnissippi Gardens and Greenhouse from 5-5:30 PM, then beginning December 3rd through January 1st, 2004 from 5-10 PM the festival will be open Wednesday through Sunday and all night December 24th.

Make sure to drive through this year's Holiday Festival of Lights to see the dazzling displays of holiday cheer and take notice of TV51's one-of-a-kind display (by local artisan-Betty Nicely) depicting a praying family about to enjoy their holiday meal. TV51 wants to acknowledge the importance of seeking God in a person's everyday and holiday activities.

Insight Communications Adds TV51 to Cable Line-up

TV51 has been added to Insight's basic cable package on Channel 15. Thank you for your support and prayers! Click here for more details.

TV51 was an exhibitor at the Senior Expo 2003 -on September 11 & 12 at the Indoor Soccer Center- Northern Illinois' premier showcase of goods and services for people over the age of 50. Over 100 Ten Commandment book covers were passed out to both parents and grandparents, as well as nearly 200 TV51 Program Schedules. Attendees were also given the opportunity to sign up for prizes for local restaurants, stores and events donated by TV51.

TV51 was delighted to join in the celebration of 160 years of missions with Pastor Jim Jupin and the First Congregational Community Church of Roscoe, Illinois during the Roscoe Fall Festival. TV51 exhibited on the church grounds September 7th passing out TV Program Schedules and Ten Commandment book covers as well as enjoying the local Gospel groups that performed on the church's stage.

TLN TV51 partnered with WGSL Radio 91 for its second year to host “The Family Station” at On the Waterfront, August 29 through 31, 2003. The Family Station featured live musical performances from gospel, spiritual and contemporary Christian rock to pipe bands, jazz, Latin and more. Performers included Rhonda Gunn, Keith Manley, Tito Cevallos, Anavox’s Michael Corin, Jodi Beach, the Clan McAlpine Pipe Band, Forgiven and many others. In between performances, The Family Station also provided entertainment for children and their parents including games, giveaways and special acts like Randy Christiansen’s Kids Show and Jester Greg Skolaski. If you didn’t make it this year, you won’t want to miss out on the fun next year!

For the first time, TV51 was an exhibitor at the Boone County Fair held August 5-10, 2003. Partnering with Rockford Rescue Mission, over five hundred 10 Commandment Book Covers were passed out and a couple hundred people signed up for the TV51 giveaway. Pictured here is TV51 Intern, David Hoskins.

TV51 hosted its Third Annual Pastors’ Appreciation Luncheon in honor of all Pastors and ministry leaders in the Rockford and Freeport community. Pianist Keith McKinley performed during lunch. Afterwards, Holly Swanson, General Manager of TV51, and Dave Partain, TLN Director of Ministries, expounded on new and exciting programs and projects at TV51. Then, Pastors were given a unique opportunity to speak at the podium about their own special programs and outreaches.

TV51 was a sponsor and exhibitor at this year’s CMC Solid Rock Festival and Family Fest held at Summerwood Amphitheatre. Many well-known Christian musicians performed including Tait, Jump 5, Daily Planet, Grits, and Rock N Roll Worship Circus.

Hopefully by now, you've seen or heard some advertisements for TLN TV51. Whether it was a radio spot on WQFL, WGSL, WFEN, WNTA or B103, or a newspaper ad in the Freeport Ink, TV51 topped it off with 5 billboards located around Rockford and Freeport. The locations included 2201 East State Street, Alpine & Broadway, North Second & Anna Street, 1631 Galena Street in Freeport and Route 75 just outside of Freeport.

If you missed TLN's Cable Celebration on January 9, 2003, you missed a delightful time. Over 125 guests, including city officials, pastors, viewers, cable company employees and friends of TLN, celebrated TV51's launch on Insight Cable Channel 15 as of December 23, 2002.

The event was catered by The Huddle and featured a wide variety of food, as well as a 2 X 3 foot ice sculpture of a TV set! Jerry Rose, President of TLN, Holly Swanson, Station Manager of TV51 and KC McWilliams, District Vice President of Insight, were some of the speakers of the night's event. Jodi Beach and Keith McKinley played the piano.

A tower crew and TV51�s technical staff took advantage of unusually warm and sunny days in March to ship, receive, and install TV51�s new transmitter, transmission line, and antenna, as well as many other pertinent pieces of equipment. The new 50,000-watt transmitter replaced an old 16,000-watt transmitter.

TV51 Exults Upgraded Signal with Open House!
Jerry Rose with Guests

In celebration of this power increase, TV51 hosted a Celebration/Open House April 18th at its studio. In spite of a dark overcast sky, more than 100 sturdy Rockford area residents attended the event. A number of dignitaries, including Mayor Darryl Lindberg, Mayor Linda Vaughn, Aldermen Clint Little, Richard Brinker, and Frank Beach, were present among over 100 guests. Station Manager, Swanson expressed her appreciation to everyone. "We want to thank you for recognizing our benefit to the community. There is a need for positive, family programming in the Rockford area and we are dedicated to fulfilling it." During the party, TLN President, Jerry Rose, shared expressions of gratitude in a specially prepared speech, giving his overview of the television ministry, expressing TLN�s mission to share the Gospel, and describing the past, present, and Viewers of TV51

future of TV51. The party also featured catering by Mary�s Market and concluded with the distribution of the Special Edition of Daily Uplink (an annual devotional), selected TLN gifts, and a gift certificate from Mary�s Market, which were randomly given out.