Hey Scott! to Nafex! Gotta say first off that 53 is NOT old. Just had my birthday and I'm WAY above that age and love flying my red-tail!

Hope someone in Illinois will chime in soon and be willing to get you started in the right direction on a sponsor. I'm in east Texas, so no help here. Since falconry is something you obviously WANT to get involved in, I'm guessing you will find a way! Good luck and welcome to the beginnings of a crazy life style!