Illinois Lottery names headquarters after former Rockford Rep. ‘Zeke’ Giorgi

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Illinois Department of the Lottery has named its building in Springfield after former Rockford State Representative E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi, who is also known as the “Father of the Lottery.”

Giorgi’s grandson, current 68th District Rep. Dave Vella (D) attended the dedication ceremony on Wednesday, September 18th.

The Lottery recognized Giorgi’s achievement in establishing the Illinois State Lottery in July 1974, thanks to legislation he sponsored.

The event also showcased the remodeled Springfield Prize Center, which is housed within the building.

Born in Rockford in 1921, Giorgi served in World War II and later became the Deputy Assessor for Rockford Township, before serving as Rockford’s 5th Ward alderman in 1955. He became a state representative in 1965. He is credited with assisting development of the MetroCentre (later the BMO Center), the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and the Belvidere Assembly Plant. He died in 1993.

In Rockford, Giorgi’s legacy is honored with buildings such as the E.J. Zeke Giorgi Center, at 200 S. Wyman Street, and the Zeke Giorgi Legal Clinic, at 401 W. State Street.

The Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion to the state’s Common School Fund, its primary beneficiary, since 1985.

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