The following is from an article by Alicia Spates in the Decatur, Illinois Herald and Review about a successful holiday fundraiser used by the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur. MCI is impressed because not only have they created an anticipated, seasonal reoccuring fundraiser, but they combined the event with an auction and a raffle!

DECATUR - A green scenery was the canvas, imagination was the artist’s palette, while the motivation to be creative was fund-raising.

Local businesses act as artists this weekend with elaborate decorations on display at the 20th Annual Symphony of Trees, presented by the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur.

“The displays are of Millikin, Richland and area businesses who take on a big effort to get their displays together,” said Thelma Martin, Symphony of Trees co-chairwoman.

Mary Anne Behnke, chairwoman of the ways and means committee for Symphony Orchestra Guild fund-raisers, said the money from the event will go toward the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, the Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra and various musical scholarships.

“It’s a wonderful experience to come out and enjoy,” Behnke said.

Behnke decorated a tall tree to represent Behnke & Co. Insurance.

With Paddington bears as ornaments, Behnke designed “Paddington Waits for Christmas,” which will be donated to the St. Mary’s Hospital pediatric department.

The Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation presented a tall tree titled “Every Pet’s Fantasy,” decorated by Carole Heil and the board of directors. The tree contained pictures of pets that were up for adoption.

Among the wreaths, Main Street Bank & Trust and their “Jingle All the Way” entry sported many bells, while the Chamber of Commerce for Decatur and Macon County used toy tools to represent their title, “Building A Better Community.”

“I hope people are inspired to go home and decorate. In a way, we’re giving them ideas here,” Martin said.

Samantha Allen of Decatur was visiting the event for the first time.

“It’s surprising how beautiful all the trees are,” she said.

Cheryl Costerisan of Mount Zion said she came to the event to watch her daughter, Laura, 17, sing with the senior girl ensemble of the Millikin Children’s Choir, but also came to enjoy the festivities.

“There’s such a diverse assortment of decorations,” Costerisan said. “I can’t decide which is my favorite.”

“It’s really festive. It’s a great way to start off the Christmas season,” Laura said.

The event this year had several new features.

This is the first year for the event to include centerpiece displays, as well as the accustomed tall trees, tabletop trees and wreaths.

Martin also said Friday night’s Black and White Gala was the event’s first time having a professional auctioneer.

The wreaths, centerpieces and tabletop trees, plus various other items were auctioned off in an oral and silent auction that night.

The Symphony of Trees has scheduled entertainment every 30 minutes from choirs to musicians.

There will also be a raffle at 4 p.m. today for a quilt made and donated by Bonnie Ruecker of the Decatur Quilters Guild. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event. You need not be present to win.