A Night That Made History
The Gift That Changed the Night
The ballroom of the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – a DoubleTree by Hilton – was set. The candles were lit, the auction paddles at the ready, and the musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra warming up under the baton of Music Director Taichi Fukumura. But no one in the room could have predicted just how extraordinary the evening would become.
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra’s Night in Monte Carlo Gala, held Saturday, April 18, 2026, raised over $220,000 — the highest single-event total in the organization’s history, exceeding last year’s gala by more than $100,000 and surpassing the evening’s $150,000 goal by nearly 50 percent.
“It was the highest grossing gala in the history of the ISO,” said Executive Director Trevor Orthmann. “The evening raised over $220,000 to support all the programs that the ISO offers our community throughout the year.”
While the stunning final total was built through dozens of acts of generosity, one gift in particular proved to be a turning point. A very special donation supporting the ISO’s Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra program arrived during the evening itself — a moment that helped guarantee the gala would not only meet but exceed its goal.
Three Items That Moved the Room
From there, momentum carried the room. The live and silent auctions featured a lineup that Orthmann described as “incredible new experiences that donors were eager to bid on.” Three items in particular stood out.
A week’s stay at a private home in Blowing Rock, North Carolina drew spirited bidding from those dreaming of a mountain escape. A 7-Night Getaway at a Holiday Inn Club Resort, donated by ISO Board President Daniel Brownstone and his wife Debra, offered a luxurious retreat that proved equally irresistible. And the perennially popular Dinner with the Directors experience — a chance to share an intimate evening with ISO leadership — soared to a new high bid of $5,000, surpassing all previous years.
A New Format, A New Level of Giving
This year’s Gala introduced a meaningful structural change: the traditional “Fund the Music” segment was replaced with an integrated giving format that invited guests to donate throughout the evening. The result, according to Orthmann, was “a marked increase in giving while being able to feature more live performance by the ISO led by our Music Director.”
The music itself — performed live by ISO and ISYO musicians under Fukumura's direction — wasn't merely ambiance. It was the heart of the evening, woven into every moment of celebration. The program delighted guests with the iconic sounds of James Bond, conjuring all the glamour befitting a Monte Carlo evening. A highlight came when Resident Conductor Jacobsen Woollen took the podium for a rousing performance of "The Gambler" — a fitting choice for a night when the stakes were high and everyone came out a winner.
Why They Gave
What moved donors to open their hearts — and their checkbooks? Orthmann noted that this year’s gala reflected both deepened loyalty from longtime supporters and giving from people who had been engaged with the ISO but hadn’t previously made a gift. When asked what cause resonated most, he offered a telling answer.
“This year we had many gifts that said to use it where you need it most — we like what you are doing and love the music and mission of the ISO.”
No strings attached. Just trust.
From the Chair: “I Bookended the Night With a Big Exhale”
For Gala Chair Kristy Sullivan, the evening had been months in the making. Planning officially kicked off in January, reuniting past committee members and welcoming new voices who shared a passion for both the event and the organization.
“We invited past committee members back and reconnected with people who had previously expressed interest,” Sullivan said, “and ended up bringing together a group that truly loves planning the gala.” The result was what she described as “an amazing mix of energy, creativity, and amazing ideas.”
The committee’s most delicate challenge? The auction itself. “I’d say the trickiest logistical piece was curating auction items that really made people want to raise their paddles,” Sullivan said. “We were intentional about finding offerings that felt exciting and meaningful, not just more ‘stuff.’ We know people love memorable experiences, so the committee leaned into that and got creative.”
Sullivan admits she exhaled twice that night — once when she walked into the beautifully set ballroom, and again when the final numbers came in. “That’s when it truly sank in that all the planning, teamwork, and behind-the-scenes effort had paid off. It was that collective ‘okay… we did it’ feeling. So yes — apparently I bookended the night with a big exhale at the beginning and the end. Very on brand for me!”
She was quick to share the credit. “Honestly, it’s impossible to name just one unsung hero; I would happily give a standing ovation to every committee member.” She also offered a special acknowledgment to her predecessor Dale Rogers, who passed the baton as chair and remained deeply involved throughout, and to the ISO staff, who navigated the planning season amid a gap in the Development Director role. “Together we rose to the challenge and got it done.”
Would she chair it again? “Let me catch my breath first,” Sullivan laughed, “but the idea is music to my ears!”
Honoring Dedication: The Gold Baton Award
The evening also paused to recognize two individuals whose commitment to the ISO has spanned decades. Dr. Patricia and Mr. Randall Rushing were honored with the ISO’s Gold Baton Award for their longtime dedication to the orchestra and their generous service to the Springfield community.
Looking Forward
Music Director Taichi Fukumura closed the evening — and the season — with characteristic grace. “I’m so grateful for all your support throughout this season, and especially for everything you did to make our recent Gala such a success,” he said. “This is an exciting moment for the ISO — we’re growing, building with each program, and welcoming new audiences, and that momentum is only possible because of you.”
For Sullivan, the Gala is ultimately a reflection of something larger than a single evening. “I really see the Gala as a night of celebration,” she said. “It’s also an important reminder of how much the Guild’s support matters. Even for those who couldn’t attend, the Gala represents the generosity and dedication of Guild members who help ensure the Illinois Symphony Orchestra continues to thrive for years, and hopefully generations, to come.”
One record-breaking night. One community united by music. And a symphony — and its supporters — ready to play on.
The ISO’s season finale, Fabulous Finnish, is the final opportunity to experience the orchestra live this season. Tickets are available at ilsymphony.org.