Founders Commission

10/12/2026

Thanks to Rick Nielsen and his family lineage, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legacy that extends around the world also exists right here in Rockford, Illinois. This year’s DIAMONDS — headlined by The Nielsen Trust on Dec. 17 at Hard Rock Live — brings Cheap Trick fans and the community together to go behind the music, exploring the impact and legacy of Rockford Rock & Roll’s first family. Reserve your seat today to celebrate rock history!

🎟 https://www.founderscommission.org/diamonds

10/10/2026

Did you know? Five area students have been awarded a total of eight DIAMONDS Scholar post-secondary scholarships since 2024, including two new recipients this year who we'll recognize Dec. 17 at the Fourth Annual DIAMONDS - The Nielsen Trust.

To learn more about our post-secondary scholarship program, click below ⬇.

DIAMONDS Scholars are honored annually in conjunction with the DIAMONDS gala, where scholarships are awarded to area youth pursuing post-secondary education.

10/09/2026

The buzz continues to build after yesterday's big news!

🙌 Rock River Current

💎 Fourth Annual DIAMONDS - The Nielsen Trust

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our free e-newsletter ROCKFORD — This year's Diamonds event will celebrate one of the city's most recognizable rock families. The Nielsen Trust — Rick Nielsen, Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward —will headline the event on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Ha...

10/08/2026

💎 ANNOUNCEMENT 💎

The Fourth Annual DIAMONDS returns Dec. 17 as The Nielsen Trust headlines a charity concert + conversation celebrating Rockford icon Rick Nielsen, his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career with Cheap Trick, and the Nielsen family’s musical legacy.

🎶 Featuring Rick Nielsen, Daxx Nielsen, Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward, The Nielsen Trust takes the stage during an exciting evening of songs and stories, exploring the creative processes behind a hall of fame music catalogue, success in business and philanthropy, and anecdotes from an iconic career. Come rock with us for a good cause!

📍 Hard Rock Live Rockford
🕕 Doors 6 PM | Program 7 PM | The Nielsen Trust 8 PM
🎟️ $29–$79 + fees | Ages 21+

Details + Tickets @ FoundersCommission.org/diamonds + Hard Rock Casino Rockford on Ticketmaster

09/17/2026

4th Annual DIAMONDS. 12.17.26. We’re back!

💎 The Nielsen Trust @ Hard Rock Casino Rockford 💎

Details + ticket info coming soon!

08/15/2026

Three years and three unforgettable DIAMONDS! Since Founders Commission (501(c)(3)) launched its signature annual fundraising event, DIAMONDS has shined a spotlight on the most accomplished Rockford, Illinois, area natives across all professional genres.

💎 2023 — U.S. Navy TOPGUN instructor LCDR Michael Andrews, U.S. Navy Supply Corps CAPT Deborah Davis McIvy, and ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nicole Briscoe, who has served as event emcee since the program’s inception
💎 2024 — GRAMMY-winning musician, Broadway star and mental health advocate Michelle Williams
💎 2025 — NBA champion and Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet

As we work to finalize details for this year’s event, who do you want to see headline DIAMONDS in 2026?

02/13/2026

Always great to have DIAMONDS emcee and Founders Commission board member Nicole Briscoe back home. 👏🏼 Rockford IceHogs‼️

The Roscoe native returned to the area to lead the event and share her pride in the community where she grew up.

02/05/2026

Since 1834, the Rockford region has been shaped by curiosity and ingenuity. From our neighborhood streets and factories, to the world’s biggest arenas and stages, to fashion and aerospace runways, to the Moon, Mars and beyond – our community’s achievements transcend generations and genres. To celebrate and honor our heroes, nominations are open for Founders Commission's Rockford regional Hall of Fame.

NOMINATE TODAY: www.FoundersCommission.org/halloffame

12/15/2025

Thanks to Andy and the entire ROCK'N Vodka team for the hospitality this weekend at the brand's latest bottle signing experience with Rick and Daxx Nielsen! 💎💎

Fave Cheap Trick song?

📸: ROCK'N Vodka / Susan Moran

12/09/2025

DIAMONDS debuted in 2023 as a gala program that shines a light on the Rockford region's most successful people and stories. Since its inception, we've partnered with local business, individuals and nonprofits to grow DIAMONDS from a single event to also include post-secondary scholarships, annual donations to partner nonprofit organizations that serve the region, and seed funding for the Rockford area's Hall of Fame.

Apply for a Scholarship: https://www.founderscommission.org/scholarships

Nominate a Hall of Famer: https://www.founderscommission.org/halloffame

💎: Fred VanVleet | VanVleet Family Foundation | Michelle Williams | LCDR Michael Andrews | CAPT Deborah Davis McIvy | Nicole Briscoe