Dear Illinois Republican Family,

Thank you for making this year’s Red Gala an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and purpose. Your support and presence made it the most successful and best-attended event that the State Party has recently hosted. We were honored to welcome Congressman Byron Donalds as our keynote speaker—his inspiring message and powerful presence set the tone for a truly memorable evening.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Red Gala Chair Kari Galassi and the entire Red Gala Committee for their outstanding leadership and tireless efforts. We are especially grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers, whose hard work and commitment made this grassroots-driven event possible.

With over 1,000 attendees, the evening was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve together. Thank you to our sponsors, State Central Committee members, my fellow national committee members, Township Chairs, Precinct Committeemen, and Republican leaders—this event would not have been possible without your dedication and partnership. Your support directly fuels our mission to strengthen our state, invest in key infrastructure, and advance the principles we hold dear.

To our guests—thank you for your energy and enthusiasm in making the evening so special. To our sponsors—your leadership and generosity were the foundation of this success. We are proud to stand alongside each of you. Please view our digital ad book here.

We look forward to building on this momentum together. The future is bright, and with your continued support, we are confident that even greater victories lie ahead.

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In Memory of Carol Smith Donovan

May 30, 1949 – April 28, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Smith Donovan. Carol passed away peacefully while surrounded by family after a courageous battle with ALS. Those who knew Carol described her as a very special and remarkable woman.

Carol grew up in Taylorville, IL before she earned a degree in French at the University of Illinois at Champaign. She was a member of the University of Illinois Foundation for 25 years. After graduating Carol resided for many years in River Forest, IL for where she joined the Children’s Foundation and remained a member for 40 years. It was during these years that she began to delight many with her signature toffee. As the demand grew she founded Smith & Donovan Confections.

Carol later joined the Republican State Central Committee where she served as the Vice Chairman for 8 of those years. She represented Illinois’s 7th Congressional District for an impressive 21 years, from 1997 to 2018. During her tenure, she brought insightful leadership and tireless dedication to the party’s growth and success. She was actively involved in the Lincoln Series, an elite leadership training program that helps women learn the intricacies of serving in all levels of government. “Carol was a coach, a leader, and a strategist,” Jack Dorgan, former Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party who served with Ms. Donovan remarked about his relationship with her. “She was an incredible person, friend, and advisor.”

Her family is holding two services. A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Taylorville, IL on May 4, 2025, from Noon to 2 pm with a funeral service at 2 pm. There will be an additional service in Chicago, IL on May 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol’s name to The Children’s Foundation (http://www.tcfil.org/), reflecting her lifelong commitment to the well-being of children, or the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation (https://www.garridostrayrescue.org/).

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