Beat the Funk 2026: Putting the Funk in Funktion

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Premiere Event Center |  3214 N. Dries Lane, Peoria, Illinois

​

Beat the Funk 2026: Putting the Funk in Funktion is more than a fundraiser—it's an unforgettable celebration of music, movement, hope, and community. Hosted by Beat the Funk, a 100% volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this signature event brings together supporters from across Central Illinois to improve the lives of individuals living with neurological conditions and mobility challenges.

This year's event benefits the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function within Bradley University's Department of Physical Therapy. The clinic provides no-cost physical therapy, wellness, and fitness services to individuals who often have limited or no access to ongoing care. Every dollar raised helps expand patient access, purchase specialized equipment, support innovative programming, and enhance opportunities for Doctor of Physical Therapy students to gain invaluable hands-on clinical experience while serving the community.

​

🎉 Funky Attire Encouraged

Half the fun is dressing the part! Dust off your disco gear and let your creativity shine. Whether it's bell bottoms, sequins, platform shoes, colorful wigs, funky hats, or your own groovy style, the funkier, the better!

You never know—our judges may be on the lookout for the night's funkiest fashion and award surprise prizes for the best dressed. So come ready to dance, laugh, and help make Beat the Funk 2026: Putting the Funk in Funktion the funkiest night in Central Illinois!

Keep the Funk Alive! 🕺

​

Event Schedule

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

​

President's Reception (VIP Only)

Kick off the evening with an exclusive reception featuring:

• VIP Bar

• Elevated appetizers

• Meet-and-greet with sponsors, Bradley University leadership, and community partners

• Early access 

6:00 PM

​

General Admission Doors Open

Guests are welcomed with music, photo opportunities, interactive games, raffles, and access to the silent auction.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Heavy appetizer buffet

• Wine Pull

• Human Slot Machine

• Student interactive games

• 309.360 Photo Booth

• Silent Auction browsing

• Networking with sponsors and community partners

7:00 PM

​

Welcome & Mission Moment

Hear inspiring stories from the Barton Clinic and learn how your support is transforming lives throughout Central Illinois.

7:30 PM

​

Dexter O'Neal & The Funk Yard

The dance floor comes alive with an incredible live performance featuring classic funk, soul, R&B, and dance favorites.

8:15 PM

​

The Funk Off Dance Competition

One of the evening's most anticipated events! Contestants will battle it out on the dance floor for the title of Beat the Funk Champion, with trophies awarded to the top three dancers. Audience participation and plenty of funky moves are encouraged!

Throughout the Evening

• Silent Auction

• Wine Pull

• Human Slot Machine

• Student Games

• 50/50 Raffle

• 309.360 Photo Booth

• Funk Wall

• Dancing

• ​

9:15 PM

Auction & Raffle Winners Announced

Celebrate our winners before the evening concludes.

9:30 PM

​

Event Concludes

One final dance before we close another unforgettable night of music, community, and purpose.

​

Interactive Experiences

Beat the Funk is designed to be more than a gala—it's an experience.

​

🎶 Live Entertainment

Dance all evening with Dexter O'Neal & The Funk Yard, delivering an electrifying mix of funk, soul, Motown, R&B, and dance classics.

​

🕺 The Funk Off Dance Competition

Show off your best moves in this crowd-favorite competition. Whether you're channeling James Brown, Bruno Mars, or creating your own funky style, everyone is encouraged to get on the dance floor. Trophies will be awarded to our top three dancers.

​

🍷 Wine Pull

Purchase a cork for the chance to take home a mystery bottle of wine while supporting the Barton Clinic.

​

🎰 Human Slot Machine

Try your luck at our life-sized slot machine for a chance to win exciting prizes donated by local businesses.

​

📸 309.360 Photo Booth

Capture fun memories with friends using themed props and instant digital keepsakes.

​

🎯 Student Interactive Games

Bradley University Doctor of Physical Therapy students will host.

​

🧱 The Funk Wall

The Funk Wall is one of the signature experiences of Beat the Funk 2026: Putting the Funk in FUNKtion. It transforms the event from a fundraiser into a shared journey of hope, resilience, and community.

Throughout the evening, guests are invited to write down the personal "funk" they want to leave behind. It could be a challenge, fear, illness, stress, loss, anxiety, or anything weighing them down.

A live artist will transform these messages into a one-of-a-kind work of art, creatively incorporating each person's "funk" into the mural as the evening unfolds. Alongside these messages, the artist will weave in inspirational quotes and words of encouragement about resilience, hope, perseverance, and overcoming life's challenges—creating a lasting visual reminder that there is always a path forward.

By the end of the evening, everyone has symbolically left their funk behind. The completed Funk Wall will then find its permanent home at the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function at Bradley University, where it will inspire clinic patrons, students, caregivers, and families for years to come. As clients work toward regaining strength, mobility, and independence, the Funk Wall will remind them that every challenge can be overcome with determination, support, and hope.

Leave your funk. Embrace hope. Inspire healing. Keep the Funk Alive. 🕺

​

🎁 Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle

Bid on incredible experiences, golf packages, jewelry, entertainment, travel, dining, sports memorabilia, artwork, and much more while helping raise funds for local patient care.

​

Why It Matters

Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, auction item donated, and raffle ticket sold helps provide life-changing services for individuals living with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological conditions.

As a 100% volunteer-driven organization, Beat the Funk ensures 100% of proceeds stay in Central Illinois, directly supporting the Glen and Polly Barton Clinic for Fitness and Function and expanding access to innovative rehabilitation and wellness programs for those who need them most.

Whether you're dancing in the Funk Off, bidding in the silent auction, enjoying incredible live music, or cheering on friends from the dance floor, you'll be part of an evening that proves music truly has the power to bring people together and change lives.

Together, we're Putting the Funk in Funktion.

Keep the Funk Alive! 🕺