125th Anniversary Gala
Wednesday evening, June 6, 2018, members and special guests of the King’s Daughters Organization (KDO) joined together to celebrate its 125th Anniversary. A celebration Gala was held at the beautiful and historic Illini Country Club. This day was special as it marked exactly 125 years from the original KDO incorporation on June 6th,1893.
As guests entered they saw historical pieces displayed that included art which hung in the King’s Daughters Home; portraits of influential women who played a large role in the history and the success of KDO, pictures of the home as it changed thru time, as well as awards that had been given the organization thru the years. Easy listening music was provided by Max Fessler (son of Suzie Fessler Duff and grandson of Jan Sables). The centerpieces were mixed clear glass vases with gold swirls of wire around the glass, white roses, green sprays with purple crystals at the base were lovely and perfect. (Shout out to Jone VanWinkle for the design and vases and Homescapes for assembling them).
Before dinner was served, guests were welcomed by mistress of ceremonies and gala chair, Teresa McElwee, who spoke of some epic moments in the history of the organization. Teresa introduced Alderman Doris Turner who presented a special 125th Anniversary Proclamation from Mayor Jim Langfelder. The proclamation deemed June 6th, 2018 as Kings Daughter Organization Day and celebrates a remarkable organization that has shown throughout its 125 years of service, magnificent change can be done by a series of small acts brought together (see attached actual proclamation for more). Immediate past president, Cindy Denby and new president Brenda Staab spoke of the hard work and dedication members of KDO have put into the 125th anniversary to make it a truly memorable year with many different celebrations along the way and a few more still to come. An invocation by past president Cindy Lash reminded all we stand on the shoulders of the many women who have come before us and all of the hard work that had gone on thru the years to make the organization what it is today. A beautifully detailed booklet written on the past, present, and future of KDO was presented to attendees to commemorate this very important occasion. After a wonderful dinner and scrumptious mini desserts a fitting end to the evening was to stand, hold hands and recite the Mizpah:
“May the Lord watch between me and thee, while absent one from the other.”
A great time was had by all while celebrating an organization that has greatly impacted Sangamon County over the last 125 years!
