At its annual Inner Circle Donor Recognition Event on July 31st, the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation presented its highest award to Tony & Debbie Sparks of Mattoon. They are the 20th recipient of this special award since the hospital opened in 1977.
The Soaring Eagle Award recognizes an outstanding individual couple or business that truly shines – who’s been an inspiration to not only Sarah Bush Lincoln, but also to people across the region.
“Debbie and I are touched and honored to receive this award,” Tony said. “The depth and quality of services that Sarah Bush Lincoln offers are unheard of for communities our size, and we believe it’s important to help the hospital continue its mission. We are pleased to be able to support Sarah Bush Lincoln, and we have great appreciation for others who do the same.”
The Sparks are long-time supporters of Sarah Bush Lincoln. They both served on the Capital Campaign to build Willow Breeze Hospice House, and Tony currently serves on the Expanding Hope Campaign Committee to support the expansion of the Regional Cancer Center. They’ve supported nearly every capital campaign and major initiative at Sarah Bush Lincoln, including Willow Breeze, construction and expansion of the Cancer Center, Children’s Dental Program, Peace Meal Senior Nutrition, Heart Center and more.
Tony is currently Secretary of the SBL Health Foundation Board and formerly served on the Health Center Board. Debbie is a member of WomenConnected and has served on its Steering Committee.
“Tony and Debbie’s volunteerism and support have not only helped Sarah Bush Lincoln thrive, but have also helped shape many local not-for-profit organizations, leading to their growth and prosperity, therefore making this community stronger,” said SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff. “We are deeply grateful for both of them and we’re very proud to name them our 2026 Soaring Eagle recipients.” Their three daughters: Megan, Mindy and Melanie, as well as one of their granddaughters, Aubrey were present at the Inner Circle event to celebrate alongside them.
Debbie is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, has served on the YMCA May Merriment committee and has been involved with Women’s Ministry and The Fields Church Flourish Fundraising committee. She was a member of Delta Theta Tau Philanthropic Sorority and was extensively involved in PTO activities while their girls were in school.
In addition to his time as CEO of the Mattoon YMCA, Tony’s community involvement includes service as a board member for First Mid Bancshares, Coles County Habitat for Humanity, Mattoon Community Food Center, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Mattoon Area Industrial Development, and Mattoon Pride Softball.
Throughout the community, they support many causes that impact faith, wellness, youth and family. They’ve supported their church initiatives including the recent Fields Church expansion project, the YMCA and other organizations that they have been or continue to be a part of.
“Tony and I are so grateful to be a part of the SBL Inner Circle and to be recognized as the 20th Soaring Eagle recipient,” Debbie said. “It was especially wonderful to be surrounded by our daughters and granddaughter, and so many friends at this event.”
The SBL Health Foundation and its Board of Directors hos the Inner Circle event each year, honoring donors who have given $1,000 or more during that year. For more information about Inner Circle and the Soaring Eagle Award, contact SBL Health Foundation Director Amy Card at 217-258-2511.