Celebrate the flavors of Wisconsin with a basket filled with some of the state’s most beloved products. Enjoy wine from Parallel 44, a Wisconsin winery recognized in 2025 for producing one of the state’s finest wines, along with a $90 gift certificate to Cheese Brothers.

The basket also includes Sprecher Root Beer, Usinger’s summer sausage, Spotted Cow beer, and a cheese board—everything you need to enjoy an authentic taste of Wisconsin or share with family and friends.

Retail Value: $200

Donor: Debra Lawson & Cheese Brothers

Enjoy a private, 60-minute flute master class with acclaimed flutist and educator Emily Seaberry Graef, founder of the Juliani Ensemble.

With more than 30 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Emily has performed with the Rome Festival Orchestra, Chicago Winds, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s MusicNOW series, and the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert series.

The lesson will be tailored to the student’s level and goals, with a focus on technique, tone, repertoire, audition preparation, or musical expression. Suitable for intermediate to advanced flutists of all ages.

The lesson will be held in the winner’s home within a reasonable travel distance from Chicago, with the exact location and date coordinated directly with Emily.

A wonderful opportunity for a serious flute student to receive personalized artistic guidance from a highly respected professional musician and teacher.

Details

Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Winner’s home, subject to reasonable travel distance
Scheduling: To be arranged at a mutually convenient time
Value: A priceless one-on-one experience with a distinguished artist and educator

Donated by: Emily Graef

Enjoy a private, 60-minute cello master class with acclaimed cellist and educator Anita Graef, Artistic Director of the Tallgrass Music Festival.

Praised for her artistry, energy, and polish, Anita is an accomplished soloist, chamber musician, and educator who has performed on international stages and appeared on NPR. She is also a dedicated teacher committed to mentoring young musicians and helping students deepen both their technical skills and musical expression.

The session will be tailored to the student’s experience and goals, with a focus on technique, tone, repertoire, audition preparation, performance skills, or artistic interpretation. Suitable for intermediate to advanced cellists of all ages.

The lesson will be held in the winner’s home within a reasonable travel distance from Chicago, with the exact location and date coordinated directly with Anita.

A wonderful opportunity for a serious cello student to receive personalized artistic guidance from a highly respected professional musician and teacher.

Details
Duration: 60 minutes
Location: Winner’s home, subject to reasonable travel distance
Scheduling: To be arranged at a mutually convenient time
Value: A priceless one-on-one experience with a distinguished artist and educator

Donated by: Anita Graef

Enjoy a private, 60-minute violin or viola master class with accomplished musician and educator Julian Graef, Executive and Creative Director of the Tallgrass Music Festival.

Julian is an experienced performer, chamber musician, and teacher who is deeply committed to helping students grow in both technical skill and artistic expression. The session will be tailored to the student’s experience and goals, with a focus on technique, tone, repertoire, audition preparation, performance skills, or musical interpretation. Suitable for intermediate to advanced violinists and violists of all ages.

The lesson will be held in the winner’s home within a reasonable travel distance, with the exact location and date coordinated directly with Julian.

A wonderful opportunity for a serious violin or viola student to receive personalized guidance from a highly respected professional musician and teacher.

Details
Duration: 60 minutes
Instrument: Violin or viola
Location: Winner’s home, subject to reasonable travel distance
Scheduling: To be arranged at a mutually convenient time
Value: A priceless one-on-one experience with a distinguished artist and educator.

Donated by: Julian Graef

Imagine welcoming your guests into your home for an intimate chamber music concert performed exclusively for you by Emily Seaberry Graef, flute; Anita Graef, cello; and Julian Graef, violin or viola.

These accomplished musicians form the artistic heart of the Tallgrass Music Festival and have performed in celebrated venues and concert series throughout the United States and abroad. Together, they bring decades of experience as soloists, chamber musicians, educators, and artistic leaders. Their collective credits include performances at the Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert series, and broadcasts on WFMT and NPR.

The Juliani Ensemble was founded in 1999 and has built a national reputation for presenting engaging chamber music performances that create a personal connection between musicians and audiences. Its work in northwestern Illinois later grew into the Tallgrass Chamber Music Festival, which brings world-class artists, education, and cultural experiences to communities throughout the tristate region.

Perfect for a milestone celebration, elegant dinner, gathering of friends, or unforgettable evening of music, this is a truly exceptional opportunity to enjoy the artistry of the Tallgrass Ensemble in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

Details
Performers: Emily Graef, flute; Anita Graef, cello; and Julian Graef, violin or viola
Location: Winner’s home or other location, subject to reasonable travel distance From Chicago (Chicagoland, Milwaukee, Dubuque)
Scheduling: To be arranged at a mutually convenient time
Program: Repertoire to be coordinated with the ensemble
Value: $4000

Donated by Tallgrass Music Festival

Mix up the perfect Sunday morning Bloody Mary with spirits and all the fixings, generously donated by Blaum Brothers Distilling Co. in Galena, Illinois.

This basket includes a bottle of Blaum Brothers Vodka, Bloody Mary Elixir, olives and pickles—perfect for a Sunday morning bruch cocktail, or adding something special to your home bar.

A wonderful package for the cocktail enthusiast or anyone who enjoys locally crafted spirits with Midwestern character.

Value: $63

Donor: Blaum Brothers Distilling Co.

Enjoy four main-floor, lower-balcony, or best-available seats for a performance by one of the world’s premier orchestras, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

After the concert, continue your evening with inspired Mediterranean cuisine and the warm, lively atmosphere of avec. Your dining experience includes a chef’s dinner with wine for four at avec, 114 W. Erie Street in Chicago.

This package also includes a special piece of Chicago Symphony Orchestra history: a limited-edition print by Monica Seaberry, commissioned by the CSO in 1992. The print is number 4 of 100, making it a distinctive collectible to commemorate an extraordinary evening of music, art, and dining.

Perfect for a special celebration, an elegant night out with friends, or anyone who appreciates exceptional music, cuisine, and art.

Details
Tickets: Four main-floor, lower-balcony, or best-available seats
Location: Symphony Center, Chicago
Dining: Chef’s dinner with wine for four at avec, 114 W. Erie Street, Chicago
Art: Monica Seaberry limited-edition print, commissioned by the CSO in 1992, #4 of 100
Restrictions: Ticket rentals and certain performances may be excluded; advance reservations and mutually available dates may apply.

Value: $1,200
Donated by: avec & Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Give your vehicle a fresh, polished look with professional detailing from Fitz Detailing Service in Galena.

This gift certificate may be applied toward expert vehicle detailing designed to refresh and restore your car’s appearance. It is a practical and enjoyable package for anyone who appreciates a clean, well-maintained vehicle—or the perfect excuse to give your car some much-deserved attention.

Services available within a 25 mile radius of Galena, IL.

Includes: Gift certificate for detailing services from Fritz Detailing Service
Location: Galena, Illinois
Scheduling: Advance appointment required and subject to availability
Value: $200 to $400 (Depending on size of car)

Donated by: Josh Fitzgerald, Fitz Detailing Services

Bring the beauty of the Driftless region into your home with this striking original painting by Galena artist Dotty Prince.

Known for her original oil paintings in an abstract-realism style, Dotty draws inspiration from the landscapes of the Driftless region and beyond. This vibrant waterscape captures the warmth and drama of sunset, with brilliant orange and gold reflections stretching across the water beneath a richly colored sky. Bare trees and delicate cattails frame the scene, creating a peaceful sense of depth and place.

The painting has been professionally framed by Michele Hefel, who generously donated her framing services in support of the Tallgrass Music Festival.

A beautiful statement piece for any home or office, this one-of-a-kind work offers the winning bidder an opportunity to own an original painting while supporting music, arts, and education in the Driftless region.

Donated by:

Oil Painting: Dotty Prince, Artist

Framing: Michele Hefel, Frame of Mind, Dubuque, IA
Value: $975

Experience the architectural legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright with a memorable visit to Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This package includes two tour tickets, offering the opportunity to explore Wright’s extraordinary home, studio, and grounds while learning more about his life, design philosophy, and lasting influence on American architecture.

After your tour, enjoy lunch for two at the Riverview Terrace Café, with time to relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding Wisconsin landscape.

As an added surprise, the package also includes commemorative Taliesin merchandise from your visit—a special keepsake to remind you of the remarkable architecture, history, and beauty of Taliesin long after your day is over.

A wonderful experience for architecture lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an unforgettable day in the Driftless Region.

Package Includes:

• Two tickets for a Taliesin tour
• Lunch for two at the Riverview Terrace Café
• Surprise commemorative Taliesin merchandise

Donated by: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Value: $180

Escape to charming Paoli, Wisconsin, for a memorable one-night stay at The Inn at Seven Acre Dairy Company.

Set along the banks of the Sugar River, Seven Acre is a beautifully restored historic dairy factory listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its intimate eight-room boutique inn blends the building’s original character with stylish décor and modern amenities, creating a truly distinctive Wisconsin getaway. While you enjoy the property, grab a bite to eat while enjoying your stay at Seven Acre Dairy Company with a $100 gift card to Landmark Creamery & Cafe.

Spend the evening relaxing on the scenic property, exploring the village of Paoli, or enjoying the locally inspired food and welcoming atmosphere at Seven Acre. This special stay is perfect for a romantic escape, milestone celebration, or relaxing retreat.

Includes: One-night stay at The Inn at Seven Acre Dairy Company & $100 gift certificate for Landmark Creamery & Cafe
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Scheduling: Advance reservation required; subject to availability and applicable restrictions
Value: $900

Donated by: Seven Acre Dairy Company & Landmark Creamery & Cafe

Experience the beauty of Galena with a two Inn rooms for a one-night stay at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, paired with a round of golf for four, including a golf cart.

Set amid the rolling hills of the Galena Territory, this package offers the perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and time with friends. Enjoy a comfortable resort stay, then take to the course for an unforgettable day of golf surrounded by scenic Driftless-area views.

An ideal getaway for golf enthusiasts, couples, or friends looking to enjoy one of Galena’s premier resort destinations.

Includes:
Accommodations: Two Inn Rooms for a One-night stay at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Golf: One round for a foursome
Golf Cart: Included
Scheduling: Advance reservations required; subject to availability and applicable restrictions
Value: $1,200

Donated by: Eagle Ridge Resort

Escape to the peaceful countryside just outside historic Galena with a relaxing stay at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages.

Surrounded by scenic meadows, gardens, walking trails, and beautiful valley views, Hawk Valley offers a quiet and welcoming setting for a memorable Driftless Region getaway.

The winning bidder may choose a one night 's stay in a guest room in the main House or apply a $200 credit toward a larger lodging reservation. Hawk Valley features guest rooms in the main house as well as private cottages with amenities that may include king beds, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and kitchenettes.

Enjoy a lovely meal in Galena, IL with a $75 gift certificate for breakfast or lunch at Otto’s, a $15 gift certificate for coffee at Wired Rabbit and a $50 gift certificate for Fried Green Tomatoes—the perfect additions to a your time in the Driftless Region.

Package Includes:

One room for one night
OR
$200 toward a lodging reservation

Location: Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages, Galena, Illinois

Value: $350

Donated by: Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages, Otto's & Wired Rabbit

Advance reservations are required and are subject to availability. Additional charges, taxes, minimum-stay requirements, blackout dates, and certificate restrictions may apply.

Escape to historic Galena for a relaxing two-night stay at the distinctive Jail Hill Inn. Book one night and enjoy the second night free, giving you extra time to unwind and explore everything Galena has to offer.

Make the getaway even more enjoyable with a $75 gift certificate for breakfast or lunch at Otto’s, a $15 gift certificate for coffee at Wired Rabbit and a $50 gift certificate to Fritz and Frites—the perfect additions to a leisurely day in town.

Perfect for a romantic retreat, special celebration, or peaceful Midwest getaway.

Includes:
Jail Hill Inn: Buy one night and receive a second night free
Otto’s: $75 gift certificate for breakfast
Wired Rabbit: $15 gift certificate for coffee

Fritz and Frites: $50 gift certificate

Value: $950
Scheduling: Advance reservations required; subject to availability and applicable restrictions

Donor: Jail Hill Inn, Otto's, Wired Rabbit Coffee and Fritz and Frites

Enjoy a relaxing weekend escape for two at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, complete with comfortable accommodations, dining, and live theater.

This package includes a weekend overnight stay, buffet breakfast for two at Three Embers, dinner for two at Wright’s Brew & Bistro, and two tickets to a current theater production. It is the perfect combination of relaxation, great food, and entertainment—all in one memorable getaway.

Includes:
Accommodations: Weekend stay for two
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast for two at Three Embers
Dinner: Dinner for two at Wright’s Brew & Bistro
Entertainment: Two tickets to a current theater production
Scheduling: Advance reservations required; subject to availability and applicable restrictions
Value: $750

Donated by: Marriott Lincolshire

A lovely opportunity to relax, dine, and enjoy an unforgettable evening together.

Enjoy a season of live theater and a wonderful dining experience with two season passes to Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll, Illinois, plus a $100 gift certificate to Molly’s Kitchen & Bar.

Timber Lake Playhouse offers a lively season of musicals, comedies, and dramatic performances in an intimate regional theater setting. Pair your theater outings with dinner at Molly’s Kitchen & Bar, known for its welcoming atmosphere, scratch-made dishes, and thoughtfully prepared cocktails.

A perfect package for theater lovers, date nights, or anyone who enjoys pairing great entertainment with a memorable meal.

Includes:
Timber Lake Playhouse: Two season passes
Molly’s Kitchen & Bar: $100 gift certificate
Location: Mount Carroll, Illinois
Scheduling: Reservations and performance availability subject to applicable policies and restrictions

Donated by: Timber Lake Playhouse & Molly's Kitchen & Bar
Value: $700

Bring the beauty and tranquility of the natural world into your home with “Cradled in Green,” a framed photograph by award-winning photographer Geoffrey Mikol, measuring [insert dimensions]. The peaceful composition captures the quiet beauty of the countryside and would make a distinctive addition to a home, office, or personal art collection.

Born with Down syndrome, Geoffrey uses photography as a powerful form of creative expression. His images of the Midwest and beyond are known for capturing elusive light that cameras often miss, along with peaceful moments in nature that quiet the senses and still the soul. Geoffrey owns River Bend Gallery with his family in historic Galena, where the gallery exclusively features his photography.

Generously donated by River Bend Galleries, this beautiful photographic work offers the winning bidder an opportunity to support the Tallgrass Music Festival while acquiring art that reflects Geoffrey’s unique perspective and connection to the natural world.

Artist: Geoffrey Mikol
Title: Cradled in Green
Framed: photograph measures 17" x 21.5"
Value: $100
Donated by: River Bend Galleries

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago outing with two tickets to a Chicago Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by dinner and wine for two at Mordecai.

Cheer on the Cubs in one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, then continue the experience just steps away at Mordecai, known for its creative American cuisine, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and impressive wine selection.

Perfect for baseball fans, food lovers, or anyone looking for a memorable Chicago experience. Some exclusions apply.

Includes:
Chicago Cubs: Two tickets to a mutually agreed-upon game
Mordecai: Dinner and wine for two
Scheduling: Game date and dining reservations subject to availability
Donated by: Chicago Cubs and Mordecai
Value: $700

Bring the quiet beauty of the natural landscape into your home with Spring Clouds, an original pastel by Galena-area artist Sandra Principe.

Sandra is an accomplished artist and author whose work is known for capturing the joyful energy of flowers and the peaceful beauty of the landscape. Her paintings have been exhibited across the country and are included in numerous private and corporate collections. She works in a variety of media, selecting the approach best suited to each subject, and her work has been shown locally at the Galena Center for the Arts and Burnt Sienna Gallery.

This framed pastel offers a soft, atmospheric interpretation of a spring sky, making it a lovely addition to a living room, bedroom, office, or gallery wall.

Artist: Sandra Principe
Title: Spring Clouds
Medium: Pastel
Framed: Yes
Interior frame measurement, including mat: 11" x 14"
Value: $700
Donated by: Sandra Principe

This beautiful 48" x 48" vintage wall-hanging quilt, dating from the early 1990s, was designed by award-winning quilt artist Shirley Shenk of Quilt Designs in Goshen, Indiana. The pattern, known as “Trip Around the World” or “Sunshine and Shadow,” features small squares carefully arranged in a striking diamond formation in traditional shades of green, red, purple, and black.

Designed by the late Shirley Shenk, whose work was admired for its exceptional craftsmanship and refined interpretation of traditional Amish design, this quilt represents a special piece of her artistic legacy. With her studio now closed and Shirley no longer creating, this is a finite work that cannot be recreated, adding to its significance as a collectible.

Shirley selected the design and fabrics, while the intricate quilting was completed by skilled Amish/Mennonite hand quilters. Hand quilting is a time-intensive craft in which each stitch is individually made, producing the subtle texture, precision, and dimensional quality for which traditional Amish quilts are so highly regarded.

A placket on the back makes the quilt easy to display as textile art, while its craftsmanship and provenance make it equally appealing to collectors of American folk art and quilting traditions.

Measuring 48" x 48", the quilt includes a placket on the back for easy hanging and display.

Designer: Shirley Shenk
Pattern: “Trip Around the World” or “Sunshine and Shadow”
Construction: Hand-quilted by Amish and Mennonite quilters
Dimensions: 48" x 48"
Estimated Value: $500

Donated by: Ann Weiser & Michael Johnson