SSO Meets USO: Grapes & Escapes 2019 Event Photos

A splendid time was had by all! Just look at the pictures here »

Saturday, February 2, 6-11pm

Grapes & Escapes 2019 USO Meets SSO will be a swinging tribute to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the 1940s big band era.

The event will begin with a champagne reception in the lobby, followed by dinner on the Kuss stage with live music, a live auction, drinks, and dancing.

Musical entertainment will feature The Tom Daugherty Orchestra and DJ Chill Silent Disco.

All event proceeds will help support the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and its distinguished education and outreach programs including the Springfield Youth Orchestras and Children’s Chorus.

<1--For reservations ($95 per person), click on the buttons in the right column. Event Co-Chairs: Dana Bennett & John Brown and Daragh Porter Wobbe & John Wobbe Want to imagine your next getaway? Here’s a preview of the Grapes & Escapes 2019 “bid-to-win” destinations: 

    1.  Simple Charm
      Enjoy a $300 gift certificate to use at The Murphin Ridge Inn situated on 142 pristine acres of rolling woodland and farmland with breathtaking vistas of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this bed & breakfast in Southern Ohio is the ideal spot for quiet reflection or a romantic hideaway (Certificate must be presented at time of arrival.) Special thanks to Cynthia and Paul Valente. Value: $300
    1. Hocking Hills, Glamping Excursion
      The Inn at Cedar Falls is ideal for a tranquil romantic getaway! Enjoy a two-night stay in a charming cedar sided cottage nestled on two acres of Hocking Hills natural wooded beauty.  The package includes breakfast in the restaurant each morning. (Not valid during October or holiday stays. Taxes are due at checkout.) Also included in this package is a gift certificate to Canopy Tours Zipline Adventures (Not valid on Saturdays.Value: $590
    1. Great Catch! Fly Fishing Excursion
      Spend a day fly-fishing with Hal Goodrich. Lunch included. Your time spent in the outdoors will be memorable! Special thanks to Hal Goodrich. Value: $500
    1. Into the Wilds
      The Wilds’ cabins are nestled along Straker Lake and offer a beautiful view any time of the year! Each cabin comes with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, making this attractive for families and a group of close friends. Sleeps up to six-people and includes amenities such as: a kitchen, balcony, boat dock, hiking trails and more.  This package is for a 1-night stay and also includes an Open-Air Safari Tour. (Subject to availability, holiday & blackout dates apply. Gratuities are not included. Safari only offered during May-October.)   Special thanks to the SSO Board of Trustees. Value: $600
    2. Carolina On My Mind!
      With a history of serving guests for over a century, The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, welcomes you with a tradition of Southern hospitality, modern conveniences and an unmatched setting amidst the beauty of Asheville. This package includes 2 night stay in a premium mountain-view room, daily sumptuous buffet breakfast for two, and resort fee. You will also be treated to two tickets to tour The Biltmore Estate. Special thanks to Elaine Stevenson. (Subject to availability, holiday & blackout dates apply. Gratuities and alcohol charges are not included.) Value: $1,000
    3. Love the GREEN
      Enjoy incredible golf in Hilton Head, South Carolina for 4 days & 3 nights at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa for Two, includes One Round of Golf at the Port Royal Barony, One Round at Palmetto Dunes and One Round at Port Royal Planter’s Row. The impressive beachfront Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa boasts incredible golf, and you’ll have the opportunity to play three rounds on three of its courses. Designed by George W. Cobb, the Barony Course offers generous fairways and a risk reward approach to the greens. Golfers especially enjoy the back nine known for its scenic beauty and remarkable layout. The Robert Cupp course is a stunningly original design that tests the better player, but accommodates higher handicappers as well. The 18-hole Port Royal Planter’s Row Course, the Plantation’s third, played host to the Hilton Head Seniors International Golf Tournament, a former Champions TOUR event. Also includes all cart fees and taxes. (Land only, Terms & Conditions apply.) Value $3900
    4. YOUR Shot To See Hamilton
      Join the Revolution in Chicago, Illinois for 3 days & 2 nights at your choice of the Fairmont Chicago, Swissotel Chicago or Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile for two; receive 2 mezzanine tickets to the theatrical phenomenon Hamilton, and 3-course brunch or dinner with two cast members. This package also includes passes to a private in-theatre meet and greet following the show and an autographed poster of cast members. (Land only, Terms & Conditions apply.) Value: $5000
    5. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
      The Grand Hotel, a historic resort beckons guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm; with spectacular views from a rocking chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, Michigan from the world’s longest porch. Package for Two includes 2-nights, between May 3 – June 27, or August 11- October 27, 2019, with a Sunday – Thursday arrival/departure pattern. Also included is dinner for two on arrival day, breakfast and dinner on the second day and breakfast on the day of departure. (Taxes, local assessment, and baggage handling charges not included and package is non-transferable/non-refundable.) Value: $1,900
    6. When You Wish Upon A Star!
      Get ready to make fairy tale dreams come true on this quintessential family vacation! Orlando offers non-stop fun with more world-class family attractions than any other place on earth! Your Disney World trip for up to eight people includes: 7 days & 6 nights accommodations at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in a two-bedroom apartment with king-bedded master bedroom, a second bedroom with 2 full beds, a living room with sleeper sofa and 2 bathrooms, complimentary parking, complimentary transportation to Disney Parks, all room-related taxes, free concierge reservation service, PLUS a $2,000 Disney Gift Card (Land only, Terms & Conditions apply.) Value: $5700
    7. Frequent Flyer
      Two round-trip certificate for tickets on Delta Air Lines within the continental United States. Value: $1000
    8. You Choose Your Destination!
      Toss your cares to the wind on this incredible vacation in a hot destination!  Spend 8 days & 7 nights at a sensational 4- or 5-star resort in Mexico or Contiguous US. With a stay in your choice of Cabo San Lucas, Nuevo Vallarta, Acapulco, Riviera Maya/Cancun, Mexico, Orlando, Florida or Las Vegas, Nevada.  Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, scenic ancient ruins, soaring cliffs, charming people, inspired art, superb food, tangy tequila, and parties along the playa in Mexico; or for an escape closer to home, indulge in the dazzling desert oasis of Las Vegas or experience the thrills and frills of Orlando! (Land only, Terms & Conditions apply.) Value: $2500
    9. The Place to See and Be Seen
      Soak up stunning views of Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach, Florida for 4 days & 3 nights at the Mondrian South Beach Hotel and Economy Class Air for Two.  The whimsical and visionary style for the hotel sets the scene in the lobby to “see-and-be-seen”, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views of the bay, while the eye is drawn to the masterpiece of the room – an iconic, signature floating staircase. Enjoy a meal al fresco and dine on locally sourced ingredients, or sip a specialty cocktail at Mondrian Caffe.  Then transport your mind, body and soul as you relax and soak up the sun at the pool that is surrounded by lounge pillows, lush gardens hung with hammocks, and secret pathways corners. South Beach is your playground! (Terms & Conditions apply.) Value: $4000
    10. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
      Prepare for an evening of gastronomical delight!  You and your guests will be transported by limousine to one of the most exclusive properties in Springfield where two very swanky Italian chefs will prepare a multi course Italian dinner with wine for 6 on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  Special thanks to John and Jill Landess, Joe Massaro, Brian Grimone, Littleton and Rue Limousine, John and Daragh Wobbe. Value: $1,300
    11. Cin-City Celebration!
      Spend a weekend in Cincinnati. Stay at the city’s “Hidden Gem” boutique hotel, the Symphony Hotel with champagne upon arrival (champagne gift certificate included). Dine at the Symphony Restaurant (with the discount gift certificate included) before attending an exciting Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concert.  Enjoy jazz in the Symphony Lounge and Jazz bar.  Wake refreshed and after a delicious breakfast, head off to explore the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (2 passes included); the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (2 passes included); and the Cincinnati Art Museum (2 passes included) to view art from all over the world. Special thanks to John and Daragh Wobbe. (Taxes or gratuities are not included and not valid during holidays.) Value: $1600
    12. Country Roads Take Me Home
      Located amid the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia, the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulfur Springs, WV, is a National Historic landmark with fine dining, more than 55 activities, and the world’s only 5-star mineral spa. Your visit will consist of 3 days & 2 nights in a traditional room (based on availability).  We have also included a $250 gift card so you can choose your own activities! (Valid Feb 2, 2019 – Feb 2, 2020. Meals, incidentals, resort fee, preservation fee and taxes are not included.) Value: $1,350
    13. Complete Tranquility
      Nestled into the rolling hillsides of Ohio’s Amish Country, the boutique resort offers an adult-only, peaceful, serene, and completely private 2 to 4 night stay (depending on the chosen room). With 25 inn rooms, 12 honeycombs, two cottages and Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture surrounded by 56 acres of breathtaking landscape, The Inn at Honey Run is an experience that will stay with you forever. (Taxes or gratuities are not included and not valid during holidays.) Special thanks to Ginnie and David Estrop. Value: $1,000
    14. Honky Tonk Holiday in Music City
      Enjoy 3 days & 2 nights in one of the most vibrant downtowns in the country, Nashville!  The package includes a 2 night stay at a Marriott hotel and dinner for 2 at one of celebrity chef, Maneet Chauhan’s (as seen on the Food Network) local restaurants.  Take in all the honky tonks Lower Broad has to offer.  With Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium (The Mother Church of Country Music) and The Country Music Hall of Fame all in close proximity, entertainment options are limitless. (Taxes or gratuities are not included and not valid during holidays.) Special thanks to John Landess. Value: $825
    15. Cleveland Rocks!
      Savor the sights and sounds of Cleveland in this 2 day (1 night) getaway! The package includes accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square, an evening with the Cleveland Orchestra, two tickets to Modern Art Museum, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Also included is a dinner card for two plus a gas card. (Taxes or gratuities are not included and not valid during holidays.) Special thanks to Ginnie and David Estrop. Value: $800
    16. Great Scot! Glenlaurel
      Experience old world elegance in a secluded and romantic Glenlaurel cottage, hiking trails with recessed caves, and Scottish links golf, all on 140 acres at what has been labeled “the premier romantic getaway in the Midwest.” Your 2-night luxury cottage stay includes breakfast each day, as well as a six-course meal of legendary Scottish gourmet cuisine. See more at www.glenlaurel.com. (Good for Sunday-Thursday. Taxes or gratuities are not included and not valid during holidays or the month of October.) Value: $800
    17. Kentucky Style Meets Southern Splendor
      Behind its striking Georgian-Revival façade, The Brown Hotel is a blend of Old World elegance and modern day comfort. Now nearing its centennial, the hotel reflects the rich heritage and Southern gentility that have made Louisville a hot spot for bluegrass enthusiasts, bourbon drinkers and equestrians!  This package includes a 2 night stay at The Brown; two tickets to the Angel’s Envy Distillery; tickets to the Art Museum and two tickets to the Louisville Orchestra. (Subject to availability, holiday & blackout dates apply. Gratuities and alcohol charges are not included.) Special thanks to Marlies and Folker Hemmann. Value: $800
    18. Art Makes Columbus/Columbus Makes Art
      The arts in Columbus tell stories of inspiration, passion and purpose.  Come find out what inspires you at our state’s capital city. Package includes: 2 tickets to CAPA; CSO; BalletMet; Opera Columbus; Westerville Symphony Orchestra; Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra; the Columbus Museum of Art and a Bone Fish dinner gift card for two! Value $1000

Raffle Prize
Staycation at the Springs
Enjoy the eclectic shops of Yellow Springs, indulge yourself with a dinner for two at the Winds, see a movie at the Little Art Theatre and then spend a cozy night’s sleep at the Mills Park Hotel all in the heart of downtown. Value: $300  

(All hotels/destinations are subject to availability and/or blackout dates.)–>