Rock County Legacies Gala

Dine, Dance and Help Recognize Two Who Helped Build Rock County’s Foundation at the First Rock County Legacies Gala

Join this evening of dining, live music, celebrating two local achievers, a live auction and more. Enjoy live music by The Brothers Quinn, a four-piece ensemble playing Irish tunes!

The event is a fundraiser for the Rock County Historical Society. Purchase online tickets below, or call RCHS at 608-756-4509.

The Honorees

John Paul (J.P.) Cullen, being recognized posthumously

John Paul (J.P.) Cullen

John Paul (J.P.) Cullen was a native of Janesville. He loved our community, his family and friends, construction, and family genealogy. He spent intensive time tracing back the Cullen’s Irish roots. After graduating from Janesville High School and attending Notre Dame, J.P. enlisted in the army in 1943 and was in the 86th Infantry Blackhawk Combat Division.

He joined the family construction business, which he served for over 60 years, after graduating from the University of Nebraska. He continued the company’s partnership with General Motors that began in 1920, building over three million square feet for GM and building the Lion’s share of Janesville Schools including Marshall, Craig and Parker.

J.P. was an original founder of the Janesville Athletic Boosters, President and Board Member of the YMCA of Northern Rock County, and member of the Janesville Athletic Hall of Fame. His philanthropy throughout the community and state is very well known.

Glenn Lea

Glenn Lea

Glenn Lea was the first president of Blackhawk Community Credit Union, a position he held from 1967 – 1996. An employee in several roles at the Janesville General Motors plant beginning in 1955 – including as utility man – Glenn soon became involved in the United Auto Workers Union (UAW).

In 1965, Blackhawk Community Credit Union was formed with the Fisher Body Division of General Motors – Janesville and office employees of UAW Local 95. He helped to make that happen, and within two years became the credit union’s first president. He served on BHCCU’s board from 1965 until 2021.

For more than two decades, Glenn served on the Board of Directors of the Credit Union League and on the Board of CUNA (Credit Union National Association); he was President of the GM Council of Credit Unions for many years. Glenn shared his knowledge by teaching courses on Credit Union Accounting & Leadership at Blackhawk Technical School.

Your Evening at a Glance

• 6 p.m. Check-in and cocktails
• 7 p.m. – Dinner and recognition of award winners
• 7:45 p.m. – Live auction
• 8:15 – 11 p.m. – Live music and dancing to The Brothers Quinn Irish Band

Live Auction Sneak Peek

Seven nights for up to six people at the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas.

Choose from Several Ticket Options

• Reserve a table of 8 for $500. Invite your friends and save!
• Individual Ticket: $75

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Rock County Historical Society, 440 S. Jackson St., Janesville

Questions?

Contact Tim Maahs, Executive Director, at [email protected], or by phone at 608-756-4509.