Rachel Gartner

28/09/2026

While Byram was out on the River Radio circuit this morning… I wound my way down south to Brookport for a visit with one of the GiveSI nonprofits, House of Care Ministries. They were so gracious and open about their organization, their motivation and working toward sustainable future. A couple of the Give SI nonprofits will have promotional videos shot at their base of operations. No better way to learn than to immerse yourself in what they’re doing. When I leave, I often feel humbled but inspired. ❤️ Thank you to Mike and Alecia for a wonderful and educational morning! You are clearly making a difference in your community!

22/09/2026

This time, I was on the other side of the mic (and honestly, kinda nervous!) If you weren't able to catch it on the midday show yesterday - here's the interview on everything Give SI! Check it out!

Community in Focus: 2026 Give SI 'Day of Giving' fast approaching

21/09/2026

A fun stop along the Give SI Launch Day campaign trail!! Thank you to Heartland News for letting me come in to talk about the kickoff for the Southern Illinois Community Day of Giving! It was great to be on the other side of an interview and see my wonderful former work friends! ❤️ Its pretty special when we can team up again for an awesome cause!

12/09/2026

Come join us at the Marion Pavilion for the Southern Illinois Made Expo!! There are so many great southern Illinois entrepreneurs, services, resources and fun fairs! It’s fun to walk the aisles, run into great people and check out some of the very unique and/or tasty creations. ❤️

🖼️ Theres plenty of regional art AND one of my fav local authors has a booth Matthew Nation. 📚

🐄 I also found TWO people selling whipped tallow… which I’ve been dying to try!! Uh, yes plz!

Come out!! We’ll see you out here!

04/09/2026

I love getting to do these small video projects!! It helps keep all of the creativity going - and it's fun to get in the field and interview people again! It also doesn't hurt that Tricia and the ladies at Legence Bank were so easy to work with!

🎥I love sharing the stories behind the partnerships - the "Why" behind what we do - whether its our Give SI nonprofits or the sponsors who support us. 💚💙💚

28/08/2026

Great workshop day down in southeast Illinois for some of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation team! We held a “Grant and Grow” workshop at the Southeastern Illinois College White County extension in Carmi! Thank you for hosting! The word partnership often comes to mind when you think nonprofits, and today was no different. We also teamed up with the Carmi Chamber of Commerce, who was kind enough to support the event. We are all grateful for your collaboration and for your attendance today!

I enjoy travel days! I love meeting new people, hearing about the amazing things they’re doing, and show them support (because being a good nonprofit is HARD). I also love getting into the field outside the core 4; it’s important to get out of the office and work harder to help in places we sometimes don’t reach.

A big thanks to the nonprofit personnel and organizational leaders who came to the workshop! I hope you walked away with a few helpful and positive moments from the day. Your supportive smiles helped me push through yet ANOTHER public speaking engagement. One day I’ll get the hang of it. Ashley, mega props for being such a super and supportive coworker! Tammy, your presentation was engaging and VERY informative - as always! I’m glad you made this happen! 💚💙💚

27/08/2026

Hey, strangers! Just checking in. Still out here doing what I love… just in a different way.

If you know a nonprofit who’s not part of Give SI yet, please send them my direction!

30/07/2026

Most days I get to design, but not with a wand of creativity. These short but super fun vinettes are a way for me to include some imagination and fun editing into the mix! Here's a look at a little brainchild of mine for Give SI... and you can say a LOT in 60 seconds. It's a great way to get a look at the "why" behind what some of our sponsors do.
In this short - I get to have fun while also saying a BIG 'Thank You' to our event co-host and friend, Shad at Oasis Powersports!
An added bonus: I'm not going to lie, I get quite the smile by interviewing another Franklin County native... especially one doing such amazing things to support southern Illinois!

15/07/2026

I can feel the momentum starting to build! We're registering new and returning nonprofits all of the time! It's really exciting! If you work with or know a southern Illinois nonprofit who would like to join one of the largest fundraising efforts in the region, please take a moment to check us out! Give SI or at www.givesi.org

We're excited by the growing list of GiveSI 2026 participants! Things are starting to ramp up with workshops and on-site videos! Don't miss your chance to sign up for this year's campaign! You can register at www.GiveSI.org

Thank you for joining GiveSI!
Specialized Equine Services
Carbondale Warming Center
Artstarts
Hope Haven of Southern Illinois
Shining Light Animal Rescue - Southern Illinois
Gum Drop Kids
Southern Illinois Veterans Foundation
Kamp Kan
CASA of Southeastern Illinois
Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network
Save Them All Animal Rescue
Down the Leash Service Dogs
United Way of Southern Illinois
Specialized Training for Adult Rehabilitation
Helpers United
This Able Veteran
Vets & Pets of Southern Illinois

10/07/2026

What a great time for such a wonderful cause! The look on these little faces says it all.
Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s Read SI and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library birthday party. Everyone was so eager to pitch in… that includes members of the ReadSI committee, Mary and Nicole at the Anne West Lindsey District Library and John A. Logan College!
🚒 🚓 A BIG thank you to the Carterville Fire Department and Carterville, IL Police Department for bringing out your gear and sweating it out for the kiddos!
📖 Big thanks to southern Illinois’s favorite storyteller and my friend, Mark Kiesling, for reading to the kiddos.
🍪 Oh! And I’d better not leave out the pink iced deliciousness provided by Larry's House of Cakes!!
💕 I know that I’m inadvertently leaving out partners, but just let me say, when it’s hard to give everyone a shout out - you just put that checkmark in the W column.
🗞️ 📺 Oh! And thank you to all of my media friends for stopping by!
🦋 A great day for a heartwarming and worthy cause… I’m glad I got to lend a hand. Anyway, a morning spent with my colleague Matthew Nation at the library and getting to take really fun pictures of Dolly, can’t really be considered work.❤️