"Will it play in Peoria?" This vaudeville-era query paints Peoria, Illinois as the quintessential all-American town. In other words, if a show can find an audience in Peoria, it will find similar success in just about any Anytown, USA. This time-honored litmus test was once again invoked last week, with the revival of a charity ping-pong tournament to benefit a mission in one of the 100 poorest neighborhoods in the United States. On Thursday evening, after a year lost to the pandemic, the David Vaughan Investments (DVI) Corporate Ping Pong Challenge resumed its philanthropic festivities. According to Brian Christensen, DVI Chief Investment Officer, this was its 15th year sponsoring a fundraiser for the mission programs. Reverend Craig Williams, Executive Director of the South Side Mission, was as delighted to see its return as he was relieved not to be competing in it. "It is a fun thing but it is also a fundraiser," explained Williams. "We have quite a few teams going forward this year. I'm just glad I'm not playing," he added with a laugh. In fact, 17 Peoria-area businesses threw their hats in the ring. While the victorious corporate team was not announced, the clear winners were the youth served by the South Side Mission. DVI employee Dalton Mellon announced that Thursday's bash raised over $65,000. "We’re really excited to have that," said Mellon. "It was a big increase from prior years. I think that’s just a [testament] to the corporate sponsors here in town that just want to give back." According to Reverend Williams, the support from the business community is especially fortuitous this year. "It is really timely because we are upgrading our new youth center and bringing in a new tech center and a new chapel that the youth can come in and be a part of," explained Williams, adding, "especially now in our community with a lot of negative things going on, we want to provide hope and an opportunity for people to come to a safe place." Despite all the challenges facing disadvantaged youth, there is hope for brighter days after all. And yes, Virginia, it will play in Peoria.

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