Are you ready for a Golden evening at our 50th Anniversary Golden Holiday Gala on Friday, December 6 at the Country Club of Decatur? The Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur is humbled by all of the generous donations that support the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, the Decatur Youth Orchestra, Scholarships and Music Education Programs funded by the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur.
We’re all looking forward to dozens of incredible auction items, from tickets to see the Joffree Ballet to incredible culinary experiences for groups of 12. A huge thank you to all of the individuals and businesses for making the 2024 Silent Auction and 2024 Live Auction possible.
Here’s what to look forward to this year!
2024 Live Auction
1. Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend
This lovely tear-drop diamond necklace will please any lady in your life. Total weight 1.2 carat, H color and S12 clarity, suspended on a 16-inch 14K chain. A winning bid and she will be your BFF!
Donated by Laramee Jewelers
2. Holiday Glow!
Nothing warms the holiday season like the glow of candles, some lovely wine, excellent food, and friends. Your party of four can enjoy such an evening at the Country Club of Decatur when it once again features its Candlelight Dinner on Thursday, December 12th.
Donated by The Country Club of Decatur
3. The Windy City’s Best
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is legendary, and you will have an evening to remember when your party of two enjoys the performance of your choosing during the current season which concludes at the end of June 2025. To make this event even more special this package includes an overnight stay at the Kimpton Gray Hotel and a $200 gift card for dining at the location of your choice.
Donated by The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Joe and Kathy Brown, and Dr. Priscilla Palmer
4. You Are Cordially Invited . . .
You are cordially invited to enjoy a step back in time as you and your party of up to 12 guests stroll about The James Millikin Homestead enjoying live music while sipping lovely wine and nibbling on lavish charcuterie. This will be a truly gracious, genteel way to spend an afternoon or evening. Schedule on a mutually agreeable date no later than April 30, 2025.
Donated by The James Millikin Homestead, gK9, local musical artist, and Friends of the Symphony Guild
5. Fore on the Links and Four for Lunch
Your foursome will enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Country Club of Decatur’s 18-hole course and then relax over a delicious lunch in the clubhouse. Golf + friends + wonderful food = a day to remember.
Donated by the Country Club of Decatur and Bill and Nanette Frank
6. On Pointe
Dance your way to Chicago with two vouchers for the Joffrey Ballet performance of Alice in Wonderland which will be performed from June 5 through June 22, 2025. This package includes a one-night stay at the Kimpton Gray Hotel and a $200 gift card for dining.
Donated by The Joffrey Ballet, Joe and Kathy Brown, and John Baird
7. St. Louis and Its Wonderful Symphony Beckon!
This is an exceptional St. Louis Symphony package, perfect for two couples or a family of four! The winning bid will receive four vouchers for the St. Louis Symphony’s current season which concludes in May 2025, two $125 gift cards for dining, and two reservations at the Historic Chase Park Plaza hotel, just across from Forest Park and near unique shopping and cultural opportunities. Please note that the SLSO is performing at alternate venues while Powell Hall undergoes renovation.
Donated by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jo and Greg Carter, Jan and Craig Mandernach, and Rick Strine
8. A Meal You Do Not Want to Miss!
Enjoy a private dinner for up to 10 at Bistro Five Thirty-Seven, the restaurant run by the Culinary Arts Institute at Richland Community College. You and your guests will be part of a unique dining and learning experience as Chef Brian Tucker leads your party through a special, multi-course dinner with wine pairings. Schedule on a mutually agreeable date before December 1, 2025.
Donated by the Culinary Arts Institute of Richland Community College and Chef Brian Tucker
9. Tonight Is SOGD’s Anniversary, BUT Here’s Something Special for Whatever You Want to Celebrate
Whatever occasion in your life merits celebration or remembrance, or just to say, “I love you,” the moment will be all the sweeter if the champagne is chilled in this beautiful Nachtman Crystal Ice Bucket and savored in matching Vera Wang gold-trimmed champagne flutes. While sipping your champagne, enjoy the rich satisfaction of Godiva’s 9-piece golden gift box of decadent Belgian chocolate perfection. And by the way, the champagne is Beau Joie – Beautiful Joy for your toast to the past or the future.
Donated by Bill and Nanette Frank and Rick Strine
10. Yearning for a Getaway?
Start dreaming now about your seven-night stay at Marival Emotions Resorts on the beautiful Banderas Bay in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico! Must be used during 2025; most dates are available except major holidays. With the resort’s unobstructed view of the glorious Pacific, this vacation promises unforgettable sunsets! Two-bedroom suite has separate living area and lanai; sleeps 6. Enjoy five on-site restaurants, multiple pools, beach cabanas, tennis courts, access to whale watching excursions, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, golf, and more! Your reservation includes round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta Airport to the resort. Does not include airfare or all-inclusive resort fee (Daily fee covers all food, drinks, room service and nightly on-site entertainment).
Donated by Bruce and Elizabeth Campbell
11. A Golden Gala Needs Golden Rings
It has become a tradition that the final auction item at the Symphony Guild’s annual Gala be something special from Flora Gems. This year is no exception. For the Guild’s 50th
Anniversary, Flora Gems has generously donated a stunning pair of golden earrings. Fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold, they feature 10 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately .50 carat, H-1 color and S12-11 clarity. In short, these are the golden rings to delight any lady.
Donated by Flora Gems
2024 Silent Auction
1. How Big Is Your Heart?
Your holiday heart will be filled with the Christmas spirit when you feature this “Grinchmas Wreath” in your home. Handmade and truly one-of-a-kind Seussical fun! Donated by John and Marla Ewers
2. The Best Days Start with Marquis Coffee
Everyone in Decatur knows that the best coffee around is our own Marquis Coffee, so let this premium coffee start your morning, and then let this basket of goodies sweeten your day from dawn to dusk.
Donated by Marquis Coffee Roasters
3. Do You Hear What I Hear?
If your piano is out of tune, then you are not hearing beautiful, beloved Christmas melodies, and there’s an easy solution for that. John Baird, Registered Piano Technician, is offering a certificate to tune your piano so that all you will hear is the sound of a perfectly tuned instrument.
Donated by John Baird
4. Phoenix Rising I
Is Arizona calling your name this winter? Liven up your trip with vouchers for two tickets to any Classics or Pops concert in the Phoenix Symphony’s 2024-2025 season. Reserve your desired concert by calling the Phoenix Symphony box office with the order and code numbers on your voucher. Please note that this generous auction item is donated by Dr. Jenna Daum, flutiest with the Phoenix Symphony, MacArthur H.S. graduate, DYSO alumna and former recipient of symphony guild music scholarships!
Donated by Dr. Jenna Daum
5. Phoenix Rising II
And if friends or family are with you in Arizona, you can enjoy two more tickets to the Phoenix Symphony – or treat yourself twice. Donated by Decatur’s own Dr. Jenna Daum, flutist with the Phoenix Symphony and former SOGD scholarship recipient and DYSO alumna. These two vouchers are good for any Classics or Pops concert in the 2024-2025 season; reserve your desired concert by calling the Phoenix Symphony box office with the order and code numbers on your voucher.
Donated by Dr. Jenna Daum
6. Every Christmas Needs Some Giggles!
Giggles is one of the most fun stores in Decatur, and once again Chrissy Spurlock has prepared a bundle of fun to brighten anyone’s holiday.
Donated by Giggles of Decatur
7. Mother Goose Has Something to Say
Everyone knows that Mother Goose has great wisdom to impart, and this charming Mrs. Goose recites several classic, familiar nursery rhymes that every child should learn. But wait, there’s more – a Barnyard Toy Bin is included! This toy is guaranteed to become a cherished part of your little one’s childhood.
Donated by Bill and Nanette Frank
8. Sartorial Holiday Splendor!
Since 1990 The Brass Horn has been Decatur’s special place to shop for men’s wear, and this family business has now expanded to include women’s and children’s wear, along with impeccably chosen gift items for the discerning shopper. Enjoy a $50 gift card from each of the three stores, total $150, to find holiday gifts for others – or for yourself!
Donated by The Brass Horn, Brass Horn Too, and Brass Horn Kids
9. Harmonic Rotation
Harmonic Rotation by Matthew Baird is a framed, translucent, circular paper collage made from old dictionaries, novels, science textbooks, and sheet music. With its two-foot diameter, this art will enhance any wall or even create an amazing window image.
Donated by Matthew Baird
10. They’ve Won How Many World Series!?!
Busch Stadium beckons as the St. Louis Cardinals take to the field for the 2025 season. Be the lucky winner of four lower-level seats for their May 4th, 1:15 p.m. game against the New York Mets, and you will have won a perfect opportunity for some memory-making fun.
Donated by First Mid Bank & Trust
11. Try It; You’ll Like It!
If you are someone who has fun dressing up for special holiday events like tonight’s Gala, you are probably someone who enjoys sampling cosmetics – whether old favorites or the latest trends. Holiday fun awaits as you sample this classy-lady assortment!
Donated by John and Marla Ewers
12. A Little Bling Never Hurt Anyone!
One look tells you that this is a special piece of jewelry. This eye-catching ring is sterling silver and features a 9mm white Tahitian pearl framed with natural black diamonds.
Donated by Susan Danco
13. A Downtown Decatur Favorite
Since 1934 Del’s has been delighting customers with its popcorn, so why not take home this trio of their popcorn favorites?
Donated by The Original Del’s Popcorn Shop
14. Best Buddies Need a Warm Winter Home
These two best buddies need a warm home for this holiday season, and many more happy holidays to come. This is an original 16 x 20 framed watercolor that will add seasonal joy to anyone’s Christmas and winter décor.
Donated by Judy Kimmons
15. January Is Just Around the Corner
Make good on those New Year’s resolutions with this 90-day individual membership to Decatur Athletic Club, available to anyone not currently a member. Includes all membership privileges: 45-minute FIT Experience with a fitness specialist, access to all fitness center equipment, indoor pool, free fitness classes, tennis and pickleball courts (court fees apply). Must redeem by June 1, 2025.
Donated by Mr. Jason Franklin, owner Decatur Athletic Club
16. Are Unicorns Magical?
Alora certainly is! She can sing, clap, and knows two songs – all to delight the precious little one in your life. And, Alora the Magical Unicorn comes ready to travel to some darling’s arms with a blanket and storage bin. This is a must-have if there is a unicorn lover in your life.
Donated by Bill and Nanette Frank
17. What Are You Doing May 11th, 2025?
If there is a special lady in your life who would love to be remembered on Mother’s Day, you need this package! Her special outing will begin with a corsage or small, fresh flower bouquet, followed by brunch at the Decatur Club, and then she will enjoy the spring performance of Opus 24. This package is for a party of four, and it truly is a wonderful way to treat any “Mom.”
Donated by The Decatur Choral Society, Decatur Club, Svendsen’s Florist, and Rick Strine
18. A Merry Mari-Mann Christmas
Once again Mari-Mann Herb Company is sharing an assortment of customer favorites for this holiday season and the year ahead. With Mari-Mann products, excellence is guaranteed.
Donated by Mari-Mann Herb Co., Inc.
19. The Perfect Gift for the Historian in Your Life
Not one, but two priceless volumes featuring Illinois history! The first is At Home with Illinois Governors: A social history of the Illinois Executive Mansion, 1855-2003. This is a First Edition 2003 – 176-page book with text by Dr. Dan Monroe, Millikin University Associate Professor of History with Original Watercolors by Kay Smith. The second book is also a First Edition 2022 – 258 pages, and it is entitled Thousand-Year Statehouse: The Art and Architecture of the Illinois State Capitol. The text is by David L. Finnigan, Office of the Capitol Architect with the introduction by Decatur’s own Mark W. Sorensen, Past President – Illinois State Historical Society.
Donated by Mark W. Sorensen
20. Do You Like Fruit of the Grape?
If the answer to that question is, “YES,” then you need to win this event. PRP Wine Tasting will come to your location of choice, most often a home, and bring 8 bottles of wine for sampling. You should expect to provide light food items such as cheese, crackers, or charcuterie for your guests while a PRP expert will guide the tasting experience for you and your party of up to 12.
Donated by PRP Wine Tasting
21. Welcome Your Holiday Guests with Christmas Magic
This beautiful, one-of-a-kind wreath has been created in honor of this year’s Golden Holiday Gala. Thirty-six inches in diameter it is perfect for both indoor or outdoor use – if in a covered entry location.
Donated by Jennifer and Barb Toney
22. You + 11 = a Special Brunch or Lunch
Enjoy a Casual Breakfast/Brunch or Buffet Lunch for up to 12 catered by Karyn Hortin Catering. The event will be at your location of choice with date and time in consultation with the caterer. Please note that some dates may be excluded. This wonderful offering includes 2-hour set-up/removal service, serving assistance, and a fresh flower arrangement.
Donated by John and Carmen Dunn
23. Beauty You Can Trust
The December holidays are a time when ladies love to look their best. With that in mind, our Merle Norman Cosmetics has once again prepared a basket entitled “An Array of Merle Norman Historic Products.”
Donated by Merle Norman Cosmetics – Decatur
24. Light Up the Season
What could be lovelier than this mirror-based group of angels and an ornament. They all light up and with the mirror’s reflection, holiday glow will be yours.
Donated by The Glass House of Decatur
25. Love a Good Mystery? Love Good Food and Libations?
Theatre 7’s production of Murder on the Orient Express will be your perfect cup of tea with two tickets for Theatre 7’s performance on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7 p.m. And it’s no mystery that Doherty’s Pins and Pub is a great place for food, drinks, and fun. Tickets and $50 in gift cards – what a perfect Saturday evening!
Donated by Theatre 7 and Doherty’s Pub and Pins
26. Goodies Galore for Holiday Dining
Envy the lucky winner of this bundle of deliciousness from Decatur’s own Murphy & Co. Filled with the best of gourmet products, this selection is sure to please everyone at your table.
Donated by Murphy & Co.
27. Got Branch Water?
Ya Need This Exceptional Bourbon!!
This is a rare opportunity to win a bottle of Blanton’s Original Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. For those in the know, this is a limited production, hard to find at any price, $200 per bottle of Kentucky’s finest, and it is yours for the winning bid.
Donated by Dr. John and Cheryl Bradley
28. A Fightin’ Illini Bundle of Fun
Show your Illini pride with this cozy and stylish package, perfect for any University of Illinois fan! This must-have package includes a 20-oz Skinny Tumbler to keep your drinks hot or cold, 50 x 60-inch Sherpa Throw Blanket for chilly game nights, and a 24-inch x 13-inch Weekender Tote for carrying all your essentials to the game, gym or weekend getaway! Bid now and elevate your game day experience.
Donated by Amazing Faith Designs
29. Wanna Hang Around the Square?
Everyone in Central Illinois knows about Sullivan’s Little Theatre on the Square, and this is your opportunity to win four tickets for the Summer 2025 season.
Donated by The Little Theatre on the Square
30. For Your Eyes and Your Spirit
Entitled Waters of Northern Scotland, this original piece by Carol Kessler is a framed
18 x 24 abstract watercolor, inspired by the artist’s travels to Northern Scotland. This is a peaceful painting just waiting to soothe any art lover’s spirit.
Donated by Carol Kessler
31. Glowing Golden Centerpieces
Tonight’s centerpieces have been created to enhance our celebration of the Symphony Guild’s 50th Anniversary. Fashioned with a lantern, LED candle, a bit of “bling” and fresh florals – all on a golden base for easy carrying. Simply add your name to the list and keep the golden glow of tonight’s special evening shining in your own home. Centerpieces are $50 each, available to the first 16 who sign the bid list!
